Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The scenario described suggests that Ray experiences pain only when actively lifting his arm over his head, which indicates the issue is likely originating from structures outside of the joint itself. When the shoulder is moved passively (moved by an external force), there is full range of motion without pain, suggesting that the limitation and pain occur due to muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the joint rather than within the joint itself. In this case, the joint disease is likely to be extra-articular, involving structures such as muscles or tendons rather than being articular in nature.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of an irregular, asymmetric, hard nodule on the posterior surface of the prostate detected during digital rectal examination raises suspicion for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer commonly presents with nodules or indurations on the prostate gland during physical examination. Other findings, such as no inflammation, masses, or fissures in the anus and normal examinations of the scrotum and penis, further support the likelihood of prostate cancer as the most probable diagnosis in this case. Additional laboratory results, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, can help confirm the diagnosis. Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis typically present with different symptoms than those described in the scenario, making prostate cancer the most likely disorder based on the provided information. Anorectal cancer is less likely given the absence of findings indicating involvement of the anus or rectum in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: It is important to adjust your approach based on the clinical context and your suspicion for a certain condition. If you have never found a positive result with a particular maneuver and you are usually pressed for time during examinations, it may be more beneficial to reserve that maneuver for situations where you have a higher suspicion for a correlating condition. This allows you to use your time and resources more effectively, targeting specific tests based on the clinical scenario to increase the chances of identifying any relevant issues. By using the test selectively, you can improve the diagnostic yield without compromising the overall assessment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Relief of the pain with bending at the waist is a key hallmark of spinal stenosis. This position helps relieve the pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal, which is often the root cause of the leg symptoms experienced by the patient. The symptoms described by Mr. Edwards, such as cramps in the calves after walking a certain distance, followed by relief with rest and recurrence upon walking again, are highly suggestive of spinal stenosis. This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the nerves and resulting in symptoms like leg cramps, weakness, and difficulty walking, especially with prolonged activity. The relief of symptoms when bending forward (e.g., leaning on a shopping cart while walking) is a characteristic feature of neurogenic claudication associated with spinal stenosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is commonly associated with issues related to the heart and cardiovascular system. Conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath. Therefore, the symptom of shortness of breath would be assigned to the cardiac anatomic region.