ASSESSMENT | COMPREHENSIVE NURSING EXAM PREP
1. In a clinical setting, if a patient has a high risk for breast cancer and
undergoes MRI screening, what should the healthcare provider consider
regarding the results?
The results from MRI will provide a clear diagnosis without the need
for additional tests.
MRI results should be disregarded if the patient has no symptoms.
The healthcare provider should consider that while MRI may detect
more cases of breast cancer, it could also result in a higher number
of false positives, necessitating further testing.
The provider should rely solely on MRI results for treatment decisions.
2. A 63-year-old underweight administrative clerk with a 50-pack-year smoking
history presents with a several month history of recurrent epigastric
abdominal discomfort. She feels fairly well otherwise and denies any nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. She reports that a first cousin died from a
ruptured aneurysm at age 68. Her vital signs are pulse - 86, BP - 148/92, RR -
16, O2 - 95%, and temp - 36.2. Her body mass index is 17.6. On exam, her
abdominal aorta is prominent, which is concerning for an AAA. Which of the
following is her most significant risk factor for AAA?
History of smoking
Underweight
Family history of ruptured aneurysm
Female gender
Hypertension
,3. What are common physical exam findings indicative of peritonitis?
Abdominal distension
Rebound tenderness and guarding
Decreased bowel sounds
Fever and chills
4. What is the primary risk factor for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm
(AAA)?
Gender
Age
Smoking history
Obesity
5. In a clinical scenario where a patient presents with a breast mass, how should
the reported 15% malignancy rate influence the diagnostic approach?
The clinician can assume the mass is benign and avoid further testing.
The clinician should immediately refer the patient for surgery based
on the 15% rate.
The clinician should conduct a thorough evaluation and consider
further diagnostic tests, knowing that 15% of cases may be
malignant.
The clinician should only monitor the mass without any immediate
action.
6. Which of the following is true?
, The USPSTF recommends annual PSA-based screenings for prostate
cancer
The USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer with fecal
occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy between age
50-75.
The USPSTF recommends screening for cervical cancer in women
older than 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not at
high risk for cervical cancer
7. Discuss the implications of not pursuing a definitive diagnosis for breast
masses, even when the risk of cancer is low.
Not pursuing a definitive diagnosis could lead to missed cancer
cases and delayed treatment.
It reduces healthcare costs associated with diagnostic procedures.
It may result in unnecessary anxiety for the patient.
It allows for more time to monitor the mass without intervention.
8. What is the physical exam finding indicative of hepatomegaly?
Liver not palpable at the right costal margin
Liver palpable 1 cm below the right costal margin, mid clavicular line,
on expiration
Liver palpable 3 cm below the right costal margin, mid clavicular
line, on expiration
Liver palpable only on inspiration
9. What is a significant limitation of breast self-examination (BSE) in detecting
breast cancer?
BSE is recommended for all women regardless of age.