NCLEX Practice Questions Physical Assessment

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is important to show empathy and address Mrs. Donelan's feelings about missing her husband. By asking why Bill is not there, you are opening the door for her to talk about her emotions and potentially offer support or resources. This can help build a stronger patient-provider relationship and address any underlying emotional concerns she may have. It is important to prioritize the patient's emotional well-being along with their physical health during the visit.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described in the scenario point towards pleural pain. The examination findings of normal breath sounds, no abnormalities with percussion and palpation of the chest, and a normal heart sound (S1 and S2) suggest that the issue is more likely related to the pleura rather than the heart or major blood vessels. Pleural pain is typically sharp and worsens with deep breathing or coughing. This differs from angina pectoris, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles due to coronary artery disease. Pericarditis involves inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart, and usually presents with chest pain that is relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. Dissecting aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe, tearing chest pain that can radiate to the back. In this case, the lack of significant abnormalities on cardiac and vascular examination points towards ple

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of pain that is markedly worse when the left arm is drawn across the chest (adduction) is characteristic of a rotator cuff tear. This is because when the arm is adducted, it puts stress on the torn rotator cuff tendons, causing pain. In contrast, subacromial bursitis typically presents with pain during overhead movements, acromioclavicular joint involvement may present with pain localized to the joint itself, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) typically presents with pain and stiffness that worsens with all movements.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Metrorrhagia refers to abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods. This can manifest as spotting or heavier bleeding outside of the regular menstrual cycle. It is important to differentiate metrorrhagia from other types of abnormal bleeding such as menorrhagia (excessive flow), oligomenorrhea (infrequent bleeding), and polymenorrhea (fewer than 21 days between menses) in order to address and diagnose the underlying cause accurately.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mr. Patel's case involves an enlarged liver, which warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. An ultrasound of the liver would provide valuable information regarding the size, shape, and texture of the liver, helping to identify any potential abnormalities such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or liver tumors. This imaging study can also help differentiate between different conditions that may be causing the liver enlargement, guiding subsequent diagnostic and treatment decisions. Therefore, obtaining an ultrasound of the liver is the most appropriate next step in evaluating Mr. Patel's condition.