ATI RN
Pathophysiology Final Exam
1. After a thoracentesis on a client with a pleural effusion, which nursing intervention is most important post-procedure?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection.
- B. Assess for signs of bleeding or hematoma.
- C. Monitor vital signs and respiratory status.
- D. Instruct the client to rest and limit physical activity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for signs of bleeding or hematoma. After a thoracentesis, it is crucial to monitor for any bleeding or hematoma formation at the puncture site, as this can lead to complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but is usually a delayed concern compared to the immediate risk of bleeding post-procedure. While monitoring vital signs and respiratory status (Choice C) is important, assessing for bleeding takes precedence to address any immediate complications. Instructing the client to rest and limit physical activity (Choice D) is relevant for general post-procedure care but is not the most critical intervention in this scenario.
2. A patient with a history of breast cancer is being prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What is a critical point the nurse should include in the patient education?
- A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
- B. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
- C. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- D. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain and fluid retention.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Choice B is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Choice C is incorrect as tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms but this is not the critical point for patient education. Choice D is incorrect as tamoxifen may cause weight gain and fluid retention, but it is not the critical point that the nurse should focus on in patient education.
3. Which of the following statements indicates more teaching is needed regarding secondary lymph organs? ________is/are a secondary lymph organ.
- A. The spleen
- B. Peyer's patches
- C. Adenoids
- D. The liver
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'The liver.' The liver is not a secondary lymph organ. Secondary lymph organs are primarily involved in the immune response, such as the spleen, Peyer's patches, and adenoids. The spleen filters blood and is essential for immune function. Peyer's patches are located in the small intestine and help protect against pathogens. Adenoids are located in the throat and play a role in immune defense. Therefore, the liver is the incorrect choice as it is not part of the secondary lymph organ system.
4. A nurse caring for a patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer is aware that the primary risk factor for developing lung cancer is:
- A. Alcohol consumption
- B. Smoking
- C. Poor diet
- D. Environmental exposure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking. Smoking is the primary risk factor for developing lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogens that can damage the cells in the lungs, leading to the development of cancer. Alcohol consumption (Choice A), poor diet (Choice C), and environmental exposure (Choice D) can contribute to overall health risks, but they are not the primary risk factors specifically associated with the development of lung cancer.
5. A patient's anemia is described as having erythrocytes that demonstrate anisocytosis. The nurse would recognize the erythrocytes as:
- A. Pale in color
- B. Present in various sizes
- C. Able to assume various shapes
- D. Live only a few days
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Present in various sizes.' Anisocytosis refers to erythrocytes that are present in various sizes, indicating an abnormality in the uniformity of red blood cell size. Choice A is incorrect because anisocytosis does not refer to the color of erythrocytes. Choice C is incorrect as anisocytosis does not involve the shape of erythrocytes. Choice D is incorrect as anisocytosis does not determine the lifespan of erythrocytes.
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