Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision is a medical emergency that may be caused by central retinal artery occlusion. This condition occurs when the main artery supplying blood to the retina becomes blocked, leading to a sudden and severe reduction in blood flow to the eye. The lack of blood flow can cause irreversible damage to the retina, resulting in a significant loss of vision. Patients with central retinal artery occlusion typically present with sudden, painless, and severe vision loss in one eye. Immediate medical attention is crucial to try to restore blood flow and minimize potential permanent vision loss in these cases. Vitreous hemorrhage, macular degeneration, and optic neuritis do not typically present with sudden, painful unilateral loss of vision as seen in central retinal artery occlusion.

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: A

Rationale: The most appropriate amount for a weekly weight reduction goal is typically .5 to 1 pound per week. This rate of weight loss is considered safe and sustainable in the long term. Losing weight too quickly (options B, C, D) can be harmful to your health and may lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and a slow metabolism. Rapid weight loss is also harder to maintain in the long run. Gradual weight loss of .5 to 1 pound per week allows for healthy changes to diet and exercise habits, making it more likely to be maintained over time. It is also more likely to result in lasting weight loss and overall improvements in health and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This categorization is based on the blood pressure readings. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure between 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mmHg. The blood pressure falls within this range, indicating mild hypertension. It is important to monitor and manage blood pressure to prevent complications associated with hypertension.