ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A 70-year-old woman has difficulty with driving, and she has been frequently getting lost. Her husband said she has also been acting strangely and seems to want to sleep a lot. He said the other night she kept saying she was seeing animals such as lions in her room. He says her memory is not too bad, but he is very concerned about her health. Physical examination reveals an alert woman with stable vital signs. Bradykinesia and limb rigidity are noted. These findings are consistent with:
- A. Alzheimer's disease.
- B. vascular dementia.
- C. dementia with Lewy bodies.
- D. frontotemporal dementia.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Hallucinations, parkinsonian symptoms (like bradykinesia and limb rigidity), and fluctuating cognition are characteristic of DLB. Alzheimer's disease (Choice A) typically presents with memory loss as a prominent feature. Vascular dementia (Choice B) is associated with a history of strokes and step-wise cognitive decline. Frontotemporal dementia (Choice D) often presents with changes in behavior and personality rather than the parkinsonian symptoms seen in this case.
2. A 17-year-old woman has come to the clinic requesting emergency contraception after having unprotected sex 24 hours ago. What medication is the clinician most likely to prescribe?
- A. Levonorgestrel (Plan B)
- B. Mifepristone (RU-486)
- C. Ulipristal acetate (ella)
- D. Estradiol (Estrace)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Levonorgestrel (Plan B). Levonorgestrel is the most commonly prescribed medication for emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It is effective when taken within 72 hours after intercourse, with better efficacy the sooner it is taken. Choice B, Mifepristone (RU-486), is not indicated for emergency contraception but is used for medical abortion. Choice C, Ulipristal acetate (ella), is another option for emergency contraception that is effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. Choice D, Estradiol (Estrace), is not used for emergency contraception.
3. Cushing syndrome is characterized by which disorder?
- A. Hypocortisolism
- B. Exophthalmos
- C. Hypercortisolism
- D. Hyperpigmentation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cushing syndrome is characterized by hypercortisolism, which is an excessive amount of cortisol in the body. Choice A, 'Hypocortisolism,' is incorrect as Cushing syndrome is associated with elevated cortisol levels. Choice B, 'Exophthalmos,' refers to bulging eyes and is not a characteristic feature of Cushing syndrome. Hyperpigmentation, as mentioned in choice D, can be present in Cushing syndrome due to increased ACTH levels stimulating melanocytes, but it is not the defining characteristic of the syndrome.
4. Why is the administration of benzene hexachloride (Lindane) for the treatment of scabies applied in small quantities?
- A. Excessive applications will lead to central nervous system toxicity.
- B. Excessive applications will cause irritation, rash, and inflammation.
- C. Excessive applications will cause headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea.
- D. Excessive applications will lead to anorexia and cachexia.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The rationale for instructing the patient to apply benzene hexachloride (Lindane) in small quantities for scabies treatment is that excessive applications can lead to central nervous system toxicity. Lindane is a neurotoxin, and overuse or incorrect application can result in adverse effects on the central nervous system, such as seizures, dizziness, and even death. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the specific toxic effects associated with Lindane, which primarily affects the central nervous system rather than causing skin irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms, or metabolic issues.
5. What are the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries?
- A. Hypoextension, expansion, hyperflexion
- B. Hyperflexion, expansion, hypometabolism
- C. Hypermetabolism, compression, hyperextension
- D. Hyperextension, hyperflexion, compression
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Spinal cord injuries commonly occur due to hyperextension, hyperflexion, and compression. Hyperextension and hyperflexion refer to the excessive bending or stretching of the spinal cord, while compression is the exertion of pressure on the spinal cord. These mechanisms can lead to damage such as contusions, lacerations, and compression of the spinal cord. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access