ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. During admission, 82-year-old Mr. Robeson is brought to the medical-surgical unit for diagnostic confirmation and management of probable delirium. Which statement by the client’s daughter best supports the diagnosis?
- A. “Maybe it’s just caused by aging. This usually happens by age 82.â€
- B. “The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn’t sure what was happening.â€
- C. “Dad just didn’t seem to know what he was doing. He would forget what he had for breakfast.â€
- D. “Dad has always been so independent. He’s lived alone for years since mom died.â€
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sudden onset of behavioral changes is a typical symptom of delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition. Choice A is incorrect because delirium is not a normal part of aging. Choice C describes memory issues, which can be seen in delirium but are less specific than sudden behavioral changes. Choice D, while it mentions the patient's independence, does not directly support the diagnosis of delirium.
2. An older adult man has moved to a long-term care facility, and the nurse is performing medication reconciliation. The resident's current medication regimen includes alfuzosin (Uroxatral). After considering the most likely indication for this drug, what potential problem should the nurse include in the resident's interdisciplinary plan of care?
- A. Impaired urinary elimination
- B. Ineffective sexual pattern
- C. Sexual dysfunction
- D. Functional urinary incontinence
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Sexual dysfunction.' Alfuzosin is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can lead to sexual dysfunction in older men. It is important to include this potential problem in the interdisciplinary plan of care to address the impact of the medication on the resident's sexual health. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while alfuzosin can affect urinary function, the primary concern related to this medication in this scenario is sexual dysfunction due to its indication for BPH.
3. 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.
4. In the ED, a homeless client is brought in with severe hypothermia. The police officers also state that they found a 'bottle of booze' on the sidewalk next to him. This puts the nurse on high alert since alcohol contributes to hypothermia by:
- A. interfering with the appetite center in the brain, causing the person to not respond to hunger cues.
- B. causing the person to have less insulation from body fat.
- C. dulling mental awareness, impairing judgment to seek shelter.
- D. increasing the basal metabolic rate, leading to faster depletion of ATP.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Alcohol impairs judgment and dulls mental awareness, making a person less likely to seek shelter when experiencing hypothermia. This impaired judgment can lead to risky behaviors that exacerbate the effects of cold exposure. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol does not directly interfere with the appetite center in the brain to the extent described. Choice B is incorrect as alcohol consumption does not directly impact the amount of body fat present. Choice D is incorrect because alcohol does not increase the basal metabolic rate but rather slows it down.
5. When teaching a young woman about the use of hormonal contraceptives, a nurse should emphasize that these drugs are most effective when taken:
- A. Immediately after sexual intercourse.
- B. At the same time each day.
- C. Before going to bed at night.
- D. On an empty stomach.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'At the same time each day.' Hormonal contraceptives should be taken consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels, which is crucial for their effectiveness. Taking them at random times can increase the risk of contraceptive failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking hormonal contraceptives immediately after sexual intercourse, before going to bed at night, or on an empty stomach does not align with the recommended usage instructions for these drugs.
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