ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. A patient develops itching and burning of the vaginal vault while taking an anti-infective to treat strep throat. What fungal agent has most likely caused the burning and itching?
- A. Cryptococcus neoformans
- B. Candida albicans
- C. Aspergillus
- D. Dermatophytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a common fungal agent responsible for causing vaginal yeast infections characterized by itching and burning. It is known to overgrow in the vagina, especially when the normal vaginal flora is disrupted, such as during antibiotic use. Cryptococcus neoformans is more associated with causing meningitis in immunocompromised individuals, not vaginal symptoms. Aspergillus is more commonly associated with lung infections and allergic reactions, not vaginal infections. Dermatophytes typically cause skin infections like ringworm, not vaginal symptoms.
2. What property is found in clients with metastatic cancer?
- A. Tumors that are well encapsulated
- B. Tumors with slow, stable growth
- C. Cells that are genetically stable
- D. Cells invading local tissue and overrunning neighboring cells
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Metastatic cancer is characterized by cells that invade local tissue and overrun neighboring cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because metastatic cancer is associated with aggressive behavior where cells invade and spread to other parts of the body, rather than being well encapsulated, growing slowly, or being genetically stable.
3. Following a spinal cord injury suffered in a motor vehicle accident, a 22-year-old male has lost fine motor function of his finger and thumb, but is still able to perform gross motor movements of his hand and arm. Which component of his 'white matter' has most likely been damaged?
- A. The inner layer (archilayer)
- B. The middle layer (paleolayer)
- C. The outer layer (neolayer)
- D. The reticular formation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The outer layer (neolayer). The white matter of the spinal cord consists of three layers: the outer layer (neolayer), the middle layer (paleolayer), and the inner layer (archilayer). Damage to the outer layer (neolayer) is likely to affect fine motor skills, explaining the loss of fine motor function in the finger and thumb while gross motor movements remain intact. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific layer of the white matter that is typically associated with fine motor control.
4. A newborn is diagnosed with congenital intrinsic factor deficiency. Which of the following types of anemia will the nurse see documented on the chart?
- A. Iron deficiency anemia
- B. Sideroblastic anemia
- C. Pernicious anemia
- D. Hemolytic anemia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is associated with a congenital intrinsic factor deficiency, leading to the impaired absorption of vitamin B12. Iron deficiency anemia (Choice A) is not directly related to intrinsic factor deficiency. Sideroblastic anemia (Choice B) is characterized by defective iron uptake by developing erythrocytes and is not linked to intrinsic factor deficiency. Hemolytic anemia (Choice D) involves the premature destruction of red blood cells and is not specifically associated with intrinsic factor deficiency.
5. While in an induced coma for 3 weeks, a badly burned firefighter awakens and thanks his son for singing Happy Birthday to him a week earlier. Which part of the brain is responsible for allowing him to hear and comprehend while comatose?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Thalamus
- C. Temporal lobe
- D. Occipital lobe
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The temporal lobe is responsible for processing auditory information, allowing the patient to hear and comprehend while in a coma. The cerebellum is primarily associated with coordination and balance, not auditory processing. The thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not specifically responsible for auditory processing. The occipital lobe is mainly involved in processing visual information, not auditory functions.
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