a nurse is assessing a client with suspected myasthenia gravis which symptom would the nurse expect to find

ATI RN

Pathophysiology Practice Exam

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with suspected myasthenia gravis. Which symptom would the healthcare professional expect to find?

A. Muscle atrophy
B. Facial weakness
C. Ptosis and diplopia
D. Increased muscle tone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ptosis (drooping eyelid) and diplopia (double vision) are classic symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Muscle atrophy (Choice A) is not a typical early manifestation of myasthenia gravis. While facial weakness (Choice B) can occur, it is not as specific as ptosis and diplopia. Increased muscle tone (Choice D) is more indicative of conditions like spasticity, not myasthenia gravis.

2. A client asks a nurse about the cause of Parkinson's disease. How should the nurse respond?

A. Parkinson's disease is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, which affects movement.
B. Parkinson's disease is caused by an excess of acetylcholine in the brain, leading to tremors and rigidity.
C. Parkinson's disease is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the nervous system.
D. Parkinson's disease is caused by a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Parkinson's disease is caused by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain, which results in the characteristic motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Choice B is incorrect because Parkinson's disease is not caused by an excess of acetylcholine. Choice C is incorrect because Parkinson's disease is not an autoimmune disorder. Choice D is incorrect because Parkinson's disease is not caused by a bacterial infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics.

3. What is a characteristic of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

A. The build-up of infectious by-products in the lymph nodes
B. Insufficient delivery of oxygenated blood to the myocardium
C. Insufficient delivery of carbon dioxide to the lungs
D. The build-up of bile in the stomach and gallbladder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct characteristic of coronary artery disease (CAD) is the insufficient delivery of oxygenated blood to the myocardium. CAD is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This lack of oxygenated blood can result in chest pain, known as angina, and if a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A refers to an issue related to the lymphatic system, choice C is about gas exchange in the lungs, and choice D describes a problem with bile accumulation in the digestive system, none of which are characteristics of CAD.

4. A patient is prescribed sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. What is a key contraindication that the nurse should review with the patient?

A. History of hypertension
B. Use of nitrates
C. Use of antihypertensive medications
D. History of peptic ulcer disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use of nitrates.' Sildenafil (Viagra) is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Nitrates and sildenafil both act as vasodilators, and their combined use can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because having a history of hypertension, using antihypertensive medications, or having a history of peptic ulcer disease are not key contraindications for sildenafil use.

5. Macular degeneration occurs as a result of:

A. loss of lens accommodation
B. detachment of the retina
C. increased intraocular pressure
D. impaired blood supply leading to cellular waste accumulation and ischemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, a part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is primarily caused by impaired blood supply to the macula, leading to cellular waste accumulation and ischemia. This results in the death of photoreceptor cells and ultimately vision loss. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because macular degeneration is not related to the loss of lens accommodation, detachment of the retina, or increased intraocular pressure. The correct answer directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology of macular degeneration.