Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tympany is the percussion note you would obtain over the gastric bubble. Tympany is a drum-like sound and is typically heard over air-filled structures in the body, such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs. When percussing over the gastric bubble (air-filled stomach), you would expect to hear a tympanic note due to the presence of air in the stomach creating resonance. Resonance (choice A) is a low-pitched, hollow sound heard over normal lung tissue. Hyperresonance (choice C) is an abnormally loud, booming sound heard over hyperinflated lungs, as in conditions like emphysema. Flatness (choice D) is a dull sound heard over solid organs or areas of tissue consolidation, such as over the liver or a pleural effusion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation described is consistent with a Bartholin's gland infection, also known as Bartholin's abscess. The Bartholin's glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening and can become blocked, leading to glandular secretions accumulating and forming an abscess. Symptoms of Bartholin's gland infection include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the vulvar area. The pain can be severe and exacerbated by sitting, similar to what the patient is experiencing. On examination, a red, tense swelling to the side of the introitus is a characteristic finding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, with a blood pressure of 168/94 on both arms, it indicates poorly controlled hypertension. Hypertension can have various causes, including kidney-related issues. Referring the patient to nephrology would be the appropriate next step to evaluate and manage any potential underlying kidney conditions contributing to the uncontrolled blood pressure. The nephrologist can conduct further tests and assessments to determine the root cause and provide specialized care for the patient's condition. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation and targeted management plan for the patient's hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The third heart sound (S3) is a low-frequency sound heard in early diastole, immediately following the second heart sound (S2). It is generated by the abrupt deceleration of the column of blood against the ventricular wall during the rapid passive filling phase (early diastole) when the ventricle is suddenly stretched by a large volume of blood. The S3 sound typically reflects decreased ventricular compliance, rather than normal compliance. An S3 sound is often considered pathological and is commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure, volume overload, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the statement that the third heart sound reflects normal compliance of the left ventricle (Choice B) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral vascular disease. It is characterized by muscle pain or cramping in the legs, usually in the calves, thighs, or buttocks, that occurs during physical activity such as walking and is relieved by rest. This symptom is due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. It is important to assess for intermittent claudication in patients with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, as it may indicate underlying peripheral arterial disease. The other symptoms listed (chest pressure with exertion, shortness of breath, knee pain) are not typically associated with peripheral vascular disease.