ATI RN
Pathophysiology Final Exam
1. A 56-year-old woman has been experiencing memory loss and confusion for the past year. The client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which finding is most characteristic of this disease?
- A. Neurofibrillary tangles in the brain
- B. Demyelination of neurons in the brain
- C. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques
- D. Formation of Lewy bodies
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are formed from the buildup of beta-amyloid protein fragments between nerve cells. Choice A, neurofibrillary tangles, are a hallmark of another neurodegenerative disease called Alzheimer's disease. Choice B, demyelination of neurons, is more characteristic of diseases like multiple sclerosis. Choice D, formation of Lewy bodies, is associated with Lewy body dementia, not Alzheimer's disease.
2. What function does aldosterone serve in the body?
- A. Aldosterone causes a release of sodium from the body, decreases fluid volume, and decreases blood pressure
- B. Aldosterone causes a retention of sodium in the body, increases fluid volume, and increases blood pressure
- C. Aldosterone causes a release of sodium from the body, increases fluid volume, and decreases blood pressure
- D. Aldosterone enhances intracellular sodium production and lowers blood pressure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Aldosterone functions by causing the retention of sodium in the body, which results in an increase in fluid volume and blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because aldosterone actually promotes sodium retention rather than release. Choice C is incorrect as it states that aldosterone decreases fluid volume, which is not accurate. Choice D is incorrect because aldosterone does not enhance intracellular sodium production; instead, it primarily acts on sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.
3. A healthcare provider is assisting with mass casualty triage following an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the healthcare provider identify as the priority?
- A. A client who has massive head trauma
- B. A client who has full-thickness burns to the face and trunk
- C. A client with indications of hypovolemic shock
- D. A client with an open fracture of the lower extremity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a mass casualty situation, a client with hypovolemic shock should be the priority as they require immediate intervention to restore fluid volume and prevent further deterioration. Hypovolemic shock can lead to organ failure and death if not addressed promptly. While clients with other severe conditions like massive head trauma, full-thickness burns, or an open fracture also need urgent care, hypovolemic shock directly threatens the client's life due to inadequate circulating blood volume. Therefore, stabilizing the client with indications of hypovolemic shock takes precedence over others in this scenario.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis who is prescribed warfarin. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid vitamin K-rich foods.
- B. I will avoid using aspirin while on this medication.
- C. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.
- D. I will increase my intake of leafy greens.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Warfarin's effectiveness is reduced by high intake of vitamin K-rich foods, so increasing their intake would contradict the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate statements for a client on warfarin therapy. Avoiding vitamin K-rich foods helps maintain the medication's effectiveness, avoiding aspirin reduces the risk of bleeding, and monitoring blood pressure is essential for overall health monitoring.
5. What may be a cause of conductive hearing loss?
- A. Prolonged exposure to loud noises
- B. Medications
- C. Presbycusis
- D. Otitis media
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Otitis media can cause conductive hearing loss by affecting the middle ear.
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