APEA APEA Clinical Assessment Skills Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

The NP notes dullness to percussion in the right lower lung field with decreased breath sounds and tactile fremitus. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Pleural effusion

Answer

Pleural effusion causes dullness to percussion and decreased transmission of voice sounds due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

Question 2

A patient presents with facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech for the past 45 minutes. The NP's priority assessment is to determine onset time because the thrombolytic window is:

Accepted Answer

4.5 hours from symptom onset

Answer

IV tPA must be administered within 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke symptom onset to be safe and effective per current guidelines.

Question 3

During an abdominal exam, the NP notices the umbilicus deviated to the right. Which condition could cause this finding?

Accepted Answer

Large right-sided abdominal mass

Answer

A large mass on the right side of the abdomen can displace the umbilicus toward the affected side due to fascial tension.

Question 4

Which assessment technique is most reliable for detecting an abdominal aortic aneurysm during physical exam?

Accepted Answer

Palpation of a pulsatile abdominal mass

Answer

Palpation of a pulsatile expansile abdominal mass is the primary physical exam finding for AAA, though ultrasound is needed for definitive assessment.

Question 5

A 70-year-old patient demonstrates a positive Romberg test. Which area of the nervous system is implicated?

Accepted Answer

Proprioception/posterior columns

Answer

The Romberg test assesses proprioceptive input; increased sway or fall with eyes closed indicates dysfunction of dorsal column sensory pathways.

APEA - Advanced Practice Education Associates Practice Test

APEA - Advanced Practice Education Associates Practice Test

APEA APEA Clinical Assessment Skills Questions and Answers 3