Ambulatory Care Test Ambulatory Care Patient Assessment and Triage 5

Question 1

A patient presents with a suspected urinary tract infection. Which additional history finding would MOST indicate the need for urgent evaluation rather than empiric antibiotic treatment?

Accepted Answer

Flank pain, fever of 102.5°F, and rigors

Answer

Flank pain, high fever, and rigors suggest pyelonephritis or urosepsis, requiring urgent evaluation and potentially IV antibiotics.

Question 2

When triaging a patient who speaks limited English, the BEST practice for obtaining an accurate patient history is:

Accepted Answer

Use a qualified medical interpreter, either in-person or via phone/video

Answer

Qualified medical interpreters ensure accurate, confidential communication and are legally required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Question 3

During triage, a 32-year-old female reports her last menstrual period was 8 weeks ago, she has a positive home pregnancy test, and is now experiencing sharp unilateral pelvic pain and light vaginal bleeding. The nurse should suspect:

Accepted Answer

Ectopic pregnancy requiring urgent evaluation

Answer

Unilateral pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy is a classic presentation of ectopic pregnancy, a surgical emergency.

Question 4

The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework is PRIMARILY used in ambulatory care to:

Accepted Answer

Communicate critical patient information to providers in a structured format

Answer

SBAR is a standardized communication tool that ensures clear, concise, and complete handoff or escalation communication between clinicians.

Question 5

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) calls reporting increased dyspnea and a change in sputum color from white to yellow-green. The nurse should triage this as:

Accepted Answer

Urgent — assess further and facilitate same-day evaluation for a possible COPD exacerbation

Answer

Increased dyspnea and purulent sputum in a COPD patient are hallmark signs of an acute exacerbation requiring prompt same-day evaluation and treatment.

Ambulatory Care Test Practice Test

Ambulatory Care Test Practice Test

Ambulatory Care Test Ambulatory Care Patient Assessment and Triage 5