Practice Questions & Detailed Answers | Wilkes University |
A+ Graded
QUESTION 1
A 68yearold male presents for his annual physical examination. The nurse practitioner is preparing to
perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate assessment. Which positioning is most appropriate for
this examination?
A) Lithotomy position with hips abducted
B) Supine with knees extended
C) Sidelying with hips and knees flexed
D) Prone with a pillow under the abdomen
Answer: C
Explanation: The sidelying position with hips and knees flexed (Sims' position) is the preferred
positioning for rectal and prostate examination. This position allows for optimal visualization and
palpation of the rectum and prostate gland while maintaining patient comfort and dignity. The
lithotomy position is used for pelvic examinations in females.
QUESTION 2
What does a normal prostate gland feel like upon palpation during a digital rectal exam?
A) Stony hard and irregular
B) Rubbery, smooth, and round
C) Boggy and tender
D) Fluctuant and warm
,Answer: B
Explanation: A normal prostate gland typically feels rubbery, smooth, and round. The prostate should be
palpably smooth and firm yet elastic to the touch. Any irregularities in texture, such as hardness or
nodularity, may indicate pathological conditions including benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate
cancer.
QUESTION 3
How does the texture of the prostate change as a man ages?
A) It becomes stony hard
B) It becomes more rubbery
C) It becomes smaller and atrophied
D) It remains unchanged
Answer: B
Explanation: As a man ages, the prostate may feel more rubbery. Aging often leads to changes in
prostate tissue composition, resulting in a rubberier and softer consistency rather than the firm texture.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common agerelated change.
QUESTION 4
Which of the following is a characteristic finding in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Heberden's nodes
,B) Ulnar deviation and Boutonniere deformities
C) Bouchard's nodes
D) Asymmetric joint involvement
Answer: B
Explanation: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by ulnar deviation and Boutonniere deformities.
Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes are characteristic of osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis
typically presents with symmetric joint involvement, while osteoarthritis is asymmetric.
QUESTION 5
Which musculoskeletal condition is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints?
A) Rheumatoid arthritis
B) Osteoarthritis
C) Gout
D) Ankylosing spondylitis
Answer: B
Explanation: Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an
autoimmune disease. Gout is caused by uric acid crystal deposition, and ankylosing spondylitis is an
inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
QUESTION 6
Which of the following conditions is associated with more fatigue and weakness?
, A) Osteoarthritis
B) Rheumatoid arthritis
C) Both equally
D) Neither
Answer: B
Explanation: Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with more fatigue and weakness compared to
osteoarthritis. This is because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease causing
widespread inflammation, whereas osteoarthritis is localized to affected joints.
QUESTION 7
The three classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome on examination include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Tinel sign
B) Phalen test
C) Reduced abduction of the thumb
D) Positive McMurray test
Answer: D
Explanation: The three classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are Tinel sign, Phalen test, and reduced
abduction of the thumb. McMurray test is used to assess for meniscal tears in the knee, not carpal
tunnel syndrome.