Clinical Assessment Flashcards

A 45-year-old patient presents with a heart rate of 52 bpm, cool extremities, and fatigue. Which assessment finding would MOST concern the FNP?

Answer: Bradycardia with hypotension

Bradycardia combined with hypotension indicates hemodynamic compromise and requires urgent evaluation.

When performing a fundoscopic exam, the FNP notes arteriovenous (AV) nicking. This finding is MOST associated with which condition?

Answer: Chronic hypertension

AV nicking, where arteries compress veins at crossing points, is a classic sign of chronic hypertension-related retinal changes.

A patient with suspected appendicitis has pain at McBurney's point. Where is this landmark located?

Answer: One-third the distance from the ASIS to the umbilicus

McBurney's point is located one-third the distance from the right anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the umbilicus.

During a pediatric well-visit, the FNP assesses a 6-month-old and notes absence of the Moro reflex. This finding is MOST concerning for:

Answer: Central nervous system dysfunction

The Moro reflex should be present at 6 months; its absence suggests CNS dysfunction or neurological injury.

Which breath sound is MOST characteristic of consolidation (pneumonia)?

Answer: Bronchial breath sounds over lung periphery

Bronchial breath sounds heard over the peripheral lung fields indicate consolidation because solid tissue conducts sound differently than aerated lung.

The FNP performs a straight-leg raise (SLR) test and reproduces radicular pain at 45 degrees. This is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Lumbar nerve root compression

A positive SLR at less than 60 degrees that reproduces radicular symptoms strongly suggests lumbar nerve root compression.