ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A family member expresses concern to a nurse about behavioral changes in an elderly aunt. Which would cause the nurse to suspect a cognitive impairment disorder?
- A. Decreased interest in activities that she once enjoyed
- B. Fear of being alone at night
- C. Increased complaints of physical ailments
- D. Problems with preparing a meal or balancing her checkbook
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Problems with tasks like meal preparation and balancing a checkbook can indicate cognitive impairment, as these activities involve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Choices A, B, and C are less indicative of cognitive impairment. Decreased interest in activities and increased complaints of physical ailments may be related to other factors like depression, while fear of being alone at night could be due to anxiety or other psychological issues.
2. Which of the following is a cause of hypothyroidism?
- A. Overproduction of cortisol
- B. Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland
- C. Overactivity of the thyroid gland
- D. Insufficient iodine intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to meet the body's needs. This can be due to autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Overproduction of cortisol is associated with conditions like Cushing's syndrome, overactivity of the thyroid gland is a characteristic of hyperthyroidism, and insufficient iodine intake can lead to goiter but not necessarily hypothyroidism.
3. A patient is prescribed clomiphene citrate (Clomid) for the treatment of infertility. Which of the following statements should be included in the nurse's teaching?
- A. This drug induces ovulation by stimulating gonadotropins.
- B. This drug induces ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropins.
- C. This drug suppresses ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropins.
- D. This drug increases progesterone levels, which maintains pregnancy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct statement to include in the nurse's teaching is that clomiphene induces ovulation by stimulating the release of gonadotropins, which in turn stimulate the ovaries. Choice B is incorrect because clomiphene does not induce ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropins. Choice C is also incorrect as clomiphene does not suppress ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropins. Choice D is inaccurate as clomiphene does not directly increase progesterone levels to maintain pregnancy.
4. The nurse is closely following a patient who began treatment with testosterone several months earlier. When assessing the patient for potential adverse effects of treatment, the nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
- A. Skin inspection for developing lesions
- B. Lung function testing
- C. Assessment of serum calcium levels
- D. Assessment of arterial blood gases
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In patients receiving testosterone therapy, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum calcium levels. Testosterone therapy can lead to hypercalcemia, making the evaluation of serum calcium levels crucial. Skin inspection for developing lesions, lung function testing, and arterial blood gas assessment are not the priority assessments for potential adverse effects of testosterone therapy. Skin inspection may be relevant for dermatological side effects, lung function testing and arterial blood gas assessment are not directly related to the common side effects of testosterone therapy.
5. In a 41-year-old male patient with a complex medical history diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism, which of the following health problems is the most likely etiology of his diagnosis?
- A. Type 1 diabetes
- B. Mumps
- C. An inflammatory process in the testicles
- D. Testicular trauma
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: An inflammatory process in the testicles. Secondary hypogonadism in males can be caused by various factors, including an inflammatory process in the testicles. Mumps (choice B) can lead to orchitis but is less common in adults. Type 1 diabetes (choice A) is not a common cause of secondary hypogonadism. Testicular trauma (choice D) can cause primary hypogonadism but is less likely to cause secondary hypogonadism.
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