An examiner is using an ophthalmoscope to examine a patient's eyes. The patient has astigmatism and is nearsighted. Which of these techniques by the examiner would indicate that the examination is being correctly performed?
- A. Rotating the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus
- B. Using the large full circle of light when assessing pupils that are not dilated
- C. Rotating the lens selector dial to the black numbers to compensate for astigmatism
- D. Using the grid on the lens aperture dial to visualize the external structures of the eye
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To correctly perform an eye examination using an ophthalmoscope on a patient with astigmatism and nearsightedness, the examiner should rotate the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus. This adjustment helps compensate for nearsightedness or farsightedness but does not correct astigmatism. Rotating the lens selector dial to the black numbers is not an appropriate technique for compensating for astigmatism. Using the grid on the lens aperture dial is primarily for visualizing external structures of the eye, not for addressing refractive errors. The large full circle of light is typically used when assessing dilated pupils, not for examining patients with astigmatism and nearsightedness. Therefore, the correct technique is rotating the lens selector dial to bring the object into focus.
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The nurse is reviewing the hot/cold theory of health and illness. Which statement best describes the basic tenets of this theory?
- A. The causation of illness is based on supernatural forces that influence the humors of the body.
- B. Herbs and medicines are classified based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold and the humors of the body.
- C. The four humors of the body consist of blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm.
- D. The treatment of disease consists of adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors of the body.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The hot/cold theory of health and illness is based on the four humors of the body: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors regulate the basic bodily functions, described in terms of temperature, dryness, and moisture. The treatment of disease in this theory involves adding or subtracting cold, heat, dryness, or wetness to restore the balance of the humors. Choice A is incorrect as the theory is not based on supernatural forces but on the balance of bodily humors. Choice B is incorrect as herbs and medicines are not classified solely based on their physical characteristics of hot and cold in this theory. Choice C is incorrect as the four humors are blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, not spiritual connectedness or social aspects. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as it accurately reflects a foundational tenet of the hot/cold theory of health and illness.
In which situation would the nurse use bimanual palpation technique?
- A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
- B. Palpating the kidneys and uterus
- C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
- D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bimanual palpation involves using both hands to envelop or capture specific body parts or organs like the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of deep organs like the kidneys and uterus. Palpating the thorax of an infant (Choice A) is usually done with a different technique like gentle, single-handed palpation. Assessing pulsations and vibrations (Choice C) and assessing tenderness and pain (Choice D) typically do not require the use of bimanual palpation, making Choices A, C, and D incorrect.
The nurse is preparing to examine a 4-year-old child. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for this age group?
- A. Explain the procedures briefly to alleviate the child's anxiety.
- B. Give the child feedback and reassurance during the examination.
- C. Ask the child to undress as needed for the examination.
- D. Perform an examination of the head last.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a 4-year-old child, short and simple explanations should be provided to avoid overwhelming the child. It is important to give feedback and reassurance during the examination to create a comforting environment for the child. Asking the child to undress as needed is appropriate for a thorough examination, as children at this age are usually willing to do so. Performing an examination of the head last allows the child to become more comfortable during the assessment. Therefore, the most appropriate action for a 4-year-old child is to provide feedback and reassurance during the examination, ensuring a positive experience for the child.
When percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient, the nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound. What would the nurse do next?
- A. Ask the patient to take deep breaths to relax the abdominal musculature.
- B. Consider this finding as normal and proceed with the abdominal assessment.
- C. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.
- D. Decrease the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When percussing an obese patient's abdomen, the thickness of their body wall can affect the sound produced. A stronger percussion stroke is needed for obese or very muscular patients. The force of the blow determines the loudness of the note. Asking the patient to take deep breaths, considering the finding as normal, or decreasing the strength used are not appropriate actions in this scenario.
The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. What would the nurse do next?
- A. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope.
- B. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations.
- C. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
- D. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a nurse is unable to palpate a radial pulse, the next step is to use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. Doppler devices are specifically designed to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Auscultating with a fetoscope is used to listen to fetal heart tones and is not relevant in this scenario. Goniometers are used to measure joint range of motion and are not used to assess pulses. Stethoscopes are primarily used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds, not to check for pulsations in peripheral pulses. Therefore, the correct course of action when unable to palpate a pulse is to utilize a Doppler device to assess for pulsations in the radial pulse area.