ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A 51-year-old woman has the following clinical findings: thin hair, exophthalmos, hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema. These findings are consistent with:
- A. Subacute thyroiditis.
- B. Autoimmune thyroiditis.
- C. Graves disease.
- D. Hashimoto’s disease.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The clinical findings of thin hair, exophthalmos, hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema are classic features of Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism. Exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and pretibial edema (swelling in the lower legs) are particularly associated with Graves disease due to the autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid gland, leading to increased thyroid hormone production. Subacute thyroiditis (Choice A) typically presents with neck pain and tenderness, while autoimmune thyroiditis (Choice B) is commonly known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which presents with hypothyroidism symptoms. Hashimoto's disease (Choice D) is characterized by goiter and hypothyroidism, which contrasts with the hyperthyroidism seen in this patient.
2. What causes atherosclerotic plaques to form in the body?
- A. Poor dietary habits
- B. Administration of statin medication
- C. Interruption of blood flow to the brain
- D. Injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Atherosclerotic plaques form in the body due to injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries. When the endothelium is damaged, it triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Poor dietary habits (choice A) can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis by promoting the buildup of plaque-forming substances in the blood, but the direct cause is the injury to the endothelium. Administration of statin medication (choice B) is actually a treatment for high cholesterol and aims to reduce the risk of plaque formation. Interruption of blood flow to the brain (choice C) is more related to conditions like ischemic stroke rather than the primary cause of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
3. What is the primary cause of primary hypercholesteremia?
- A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) defects
- B. Monogenic mutations, sedentary lifestyle, and high cholesterol diet
- C. Polygenic mutations and environmental factors
- D. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor mutation with defects in breakdown
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor mutation with defects in breakdown.' Primary hypercholesteremia is mainly caused by mutations in the LDL receptor, leading to impaired clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood. This results in high levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the primary cause of primary hypercholesteremia.
4. A 50-year-old female was diagnosed with sideroblastic anemia. Which of the following assessment findings would most likely occur?
- A. Bronze-colored skin
- B. Decreased iron
- C. Normochromic erythrocytes
- D. Aplastic bone marrow
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Bronze-colored skin.' Sideroblastic anemia is characterized by excess iron deposition, leading to bronze-colored skin. This occurs due to the abnormal accumulation of iron in tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sideroblastic anemia does not typically present with decreased iron levels, normochromic erythrocytes, or aplastic bone marrow.
5. How should rifampin most likely be administered to a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis?
- A. Orally, with food
- B. Orally, on an empty stomach
- C. Intramuscularly
- D. Intravenously, as a bolus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Rifampin is typically administered orally, and it is recommended to be taken with food to enhance its absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Administering rifampin intramuscularly or intravenously is not the standard route of administration for this medication used in tuberculosis treatment.
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