Physical Assessment Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the joints. Joint pain in lupus is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and organ involvement. It is important to consider lupus as a potential cause of joint pain in a patient with diffuse joint symptoms to ensure proper management and treatment. Gout, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis are more localized conditions that primarily affect the joints without the systemic involvement typically seen in lupus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the tendons located at the base of the thumb. The tendons affected are the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. It typically causes pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, which can worsen with certain movements of the wrist and thumb. In the case of the high school football player, his tenderness between the two tendons at the base of the thumb is suggestive of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. It is a common overuse injury in athletes, especially those involved in activities that require repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as gripping a football during play. Treatment usually involves rest, splinting, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Perseveration is a speech pattern characterized by repeating a particular word, phrase, or topic excessively, even when it is no longer relevant to the conversation. In this scenario, the patient's repetitive use of the word "largely" to the point of distraction is indicative of perseveration. This can be a symptom of various neurological or psychiatric conditions, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing this speech pattern during the patient interview.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The findings described in the scenario point towards rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse, also known as procidentia or rectal procidentia, is the full-thickness protrusion of the rectal wall through the anus. The characteristic presentation often includes the protrusion of a rosette of red mucosa from the anus when the patient bears down. This is consistent with the visual assessment mentioned in the scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When palpating the abdomen and feeling a small mass, the next step would be to perform an ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive and reliable way to further evaluate the size, location, and characteristics of the mass. It can provide valuable information to determine the nature of the mass, such as whether it is a cyst, a solid mass, or another type of abnormality. This imaging modality can help guide further management and treatment decisions, such as determining if surgery is necessary or if further monitoring is required. Ultrasound is a safe and commonly used tool in assessing abdominal masses, making it an appropriate next step in this scenario.