The nurse has collected the following information on a patient: palpated blood pressure–180 mm Hg; auscultated blood pressure–170/100 mm Hg; apical pulse–60 beats per minute; radial pulse–70 beats per minute. What is the patient's pulse pressure?
- A. 10
- B. 70
- C. 80
- D. 100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure. In this case, the systolic blood pressure is 170 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is 100 mm Hg. Therefore, 170 - 100 = 70 mm Hg, which is the patient's pulse pressure.
A: 10 - Incorrect. This value is too low for the pulse pressure given the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
C: 80 - Incorrect. This value is too high for the pulse pressure given the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
D: 100 - Incorrect. This value is equal to the diastolic blood pressure, not the pulse pressure.
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The cruciate ligaments of the knee lie in which of the following locations?
- A. Inside the joint capsule and synovial cavity
- B. Outside the synovial cavity but within the fibrous joint capsule
- C. Outside the fibrous joint capsule
- D. Outside both the synovial and fibrous joint capsules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outside the synovial cavity but within the fibrous joint capsule. The cruciate ligaments of the knee are located within the joint capsule, which is a fibrous structure surrounding the knee joint. They are positioned outside the synovial cavity, which is the space within the joint capsule that contains synovial fluid. This location allows the cruciate ligaments to provide stability to the knee joint without being directly exposed to the synovial fluid. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the specific location of the cruciate ligaments within the knee joint.
The nurse makes which adjustment in the physical environment to promote the success of an interview?
- A. Reduces noise by turning off televisions and radios
- B. Reduces the distance between the interviewer and the patient to 2 feet or less
- C. Provides a dim light that makes the room cozy and helps the patient relax
- D. Arranges seating across a desk or table to allow the patient some personal space
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reducing noise helps create a conducive environment for effective communication during the interview. Noise can be distracting and hinder the patient's ability to focus and share information. Turning off televisions and radios promotes a quiet and focused setting.
Choice B is incorrect because reducing the distance between the interviewer and the patient to 2 feet or less may invade the patient's personal space and make them uncomfortable. Choice C is incorrect as dim lighting may not be suitable for all patients and can affect visibility and communication. Choice D is incorrect because arranging seating across a desk or table can create a barrier and may not allow for a comfortable and open conversation.
What is the expected moisture and texture of the skin of a patient with hypothyroidism?
- A. Moist and smooth
- B. Moist and rough
- C. Dry and smooth
- D. Dry and rough
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, dry and rough. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in thyroid hormone production, leading to reduced metabolic activity. This results in decreased oil and sweat gland function, leading to dry skin. Additionally, the reduced metabolic rate can cause a buildup of dead skin cells, contributing to rough texture. Choices A and B are incorrect because moisture levels are decreased in hypothyroidism. Choice C is incorrect as dryness is a key characteristic of hypothyroidism, and smooth skin is less likely due to the rough texture caused by decreased cell turnover.
In performing a breast examination, the nurse knows that examining the upper outer quadrant of the breast is especially important. The reason for this is that the upper outer quadrant is:
- A. The largest quadrant of the breast.
- B. The location of most breast tumors.
- C. Where most of the suspensory ligaments attach.
- D. More prone to injury and calcifications than other locations in the breast.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The location of most breast tumors. This is because statistically, the upper outer quadrant of the breast is where the majority of breast tumors are found. This area is more glandular and has more breast tissue, making it a common site for tumors to develop. It is important to focus on this area during a breast examination to detect any abnormalities early.
A: The largest quadrant of the breast - This is not the reason why examining the upper outer quadrant is important for detecting breast tumors.
C: Where most of the suspensory ligaments attach - While true, this is not the primary reason for focusing on the upper outer quadrant during a breast examination.
D: More prone to injury and calcifications than other locations in the breast - While calcifications can occur in this area, it is not the primary reason for its importance in detecting breast tumors.
A 42-year-old realtor comes to your clinic, complaining of 'growths' in her vulvar area. She is currently undergoing a divorce and is convinced she has a sexually transmitted disease. She denies any vaginal discharge or pain with urination. She has had no fever, malaise, or night sweats. Her past medical history consists of depression and hypothyroidism. She has had two spontaneous vaginal deliveries and one cesarean section. She has had no other surgeries. She denies smoking or drug use. She has two to three drinks weekly. Her mother also has hypothyroidism and her father has high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia. On examination you see a woman who is anxious but appears otherwise healthy. Her blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are unremarkable. On visualization of the perineum you see two 2- to 3-mm, round, yellow nodules on the left labia. On palpation they are nontender and quite firm. What diagnosis best fits this description of her examination?
- A. Genital herpes
- B. Condylomata acuminata
- C. Syphilitic chancre
- D. Epidermoid cyst
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct diagnosis is D: Epidermoid cyst. The presentation of firm, non-tender, round, yellow nodules on the labia, in the absence of pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms, is consistent with an epidermoid cyst. These cysts are common in the vulvar area and result from blockage of hair follicles. The patient's lack of symptoms related to sexually transmitted infections rules out choices A, B, and C. Genital herpes typically presents with painful vesicles, condylomata acuminata (genital warts) are soft, fleshy growths caused by HPV, and a syphilitic chancre would present as a painless ulcer. Given the patient's clinical presentation and examination findings, the most likely diagnosis is an epidermoid cyst.
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