Questions & Answers | Graded A+ | Complete Exam Prep |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
DOMAIN 1: CLINICAL ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT
25 Questions | Ambulatory Care Standards
Q1: A 45-year-old established patient calls the ambulatory clinic reporting new-onset
chest discomfort that started 2 hours ago. He describes it as a "tightness" in the center
of his chest that came on while resting. He has a history of hypertension managed with
lisinopril. He denies shortness of breath, nausea, or diaphoresis. What is the nurse's
MOST appropriate action?
A. Schedule an appointment for later this week for evaluation
B. Advise the patient to take an antacid and call back if symptoms worsen
C. Instruct the patient to go to the nearest emergency department immediately
[CORRECT]
D. Ask the receptionist to schedule a same-day appointment for this afternoon
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chest discomfort, even without classic associated symptoms, requires
immediate evaluation to rule out cardiac etiology. New-onset chest pain in a patient with
cardiac risk factors (hypertension) warrants emergency assessment regardless of
activity level at onset. Delaying care (A, D) could have serious consequences. While
some chest discomfort may be gastrointestinal (B), it is unsafe to assume this without
,proper evaluation. Strategy: In telephone triage, any description of chest discomfort in
an at-risk adult should trigger emergency referral per standard triage protocols.
Document the time of call, advice given, and patient's acknowledgment.
Q2: A 28-year-old female presents for a same-day visit with sudden onset of right lower
quadrant abdominal pain, fever of 101.2°F, and nausea. Her last menstrual period was 2
weeks ago. She reports pain with palpation and rebound tenderness. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Obtain a urine pregnancy test and prepare for pelvic examination
B. Administer ibuprofen for fever and schedule follow-up in 24 hours
C. Provide comfort measures and recommend rest with heating pad
D. Call the physician immediately for suspected appendicitis workup [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presentation (acute RLQ pain, fever, rebound tenderness) is classic for
appendicitis, a surgical emergency. While ectopic pregnancy (A) must be ruled out in
women of childbearing age, the clinical picture strongly suggests appendicitis requiring
immediate physician evaluation. Delaying care (B, C) risks perforation. The nurse must
facilitate immediate diagnostic workup including CBC, CMP, and imaging. Strategy: In
same-day visits, red flags for surgical emergencies override routine protocols.
Document vital signs, pain assessment, and time of physician notification.
Q3: A 58-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes presents for follow-up. Today's fasting
glucose is 186 mg/dL, BP 142/88, and A1C from last week is 8.2%. The patient reports
,adherence to metformin 1000mg BID but admits to "slipping with diet" during holidays.
What is the MOST appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Increase metformin to 1500mg BID per protocol
B. Counsel on dietary modifications and schedule 3-month follow-up
C. Assess for barriers to dietary adherence and coordinate diabetes education referral
[CORRECT]
D. Recommend insulin initiation due to poor glycemic control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An A1C of 8.2% indicates suboptimal control (goal <7% for most adults), but
before medication changes, assess adherence barriers. The patient reports medication
adherence but dietary challenges, suggesting need for education and support rather
than immediate medication escalation. The nurse should use motivational interviewing
to identify specific barriers (food access, cultural preferences, knowledge gaps) and
facilitate diabetes education. Strategy: In chronic disease management, always assess
adherence and barriers before recommending medication changes. Document specific
barriers and education provided.
Q4: During a telephone triage call, a parent reports their 3-year-old has had a fever of
103°F for 2 days, is refusing to drink, and has had only one wet diaper in the past 24
hours. The child is crying but consolable. What is the appropriate disposition?
A. Recommend acetaminophen and increased fluids; follow up tomorrow
B. Schedule a same-day sick visit within 4 hours [CORRECT]
C. Advise the parent to go to the emergency department immediately
, D. Suggest alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen with tepid baths
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This child shows signs of potential dehydration (decreased urine output) with
persistent high fever. While not immediately life-threatening (stable, consolable), this
requires same-day evaluation for possible IV fluids and underlying infection source.
Outpatient management (A, D) is insufficient given dehydration risk. Emergency
department (C) is unnecessary if the child can be seen promptly in clinic with provider
capable of fluid resuscitation. Strategy: Use pediatric dehydration assessment tools
during triage. Document fluid intake/output, fever pattern, and parent's ability to access
care.
Q5: A 35-year-old patient with asthma presents with increased wheezing and shortness
of breath for 3 days. Peak flow is 65% of personal best. The patient has been using
albuterol every 4 hours with minimal relief. What is the priority action?
A. Refill albuterol prescription and schedule follow-up in 1 week
B. Administer nebulized albuterol in clinic and assess response
C. Facilitate immediate provider evaluation for possible oral corticosteroids [CORRECT]
D. Teach proper inhaler technique and spacer use
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Peak flow 60-80% of personal best indicates moderate exacerbation; <60% is
severe. This patient has persistent symptoms despite frequent rescue use, meeting
criteria for systemic corticosteroids and possible adjustment of controller therapy. The
nurse must facilitate immediate provider evaluation for treatment escalation. While