ATI RN
WGU Pathophysiology Final Exam
1. A patient is being treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms. What are the risks associated with long-term HRT that the nurse should discuss with the patient?
- A. HRT may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and breast cancer.
- B. HRT may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
- C. HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
- D. HRT may improve mood and energy levels.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Long-term HRT is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and breast cancer. These risks should be discussed with the patient to ensure they are informed about the potential adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect because HRT does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; in fact, it may increase the risk of certain conditions like cardiovascular events. Choice C is incorrect as HRT is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, not a decreased risk. Choice D is incorrect because while HRT may have positive effects like improving symptoms of menopause, it is not primarily indicated for improving mood and energy levels.
2. What is a potential implication of multiple dark bands on the nails?
- A. They are considered a normal variant.
- B. They can be associated with malignant melanoma.
- C. They are indicative of a nail fungus.
- D. They are associated with aging.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Multiple dark bands on the nails can be a concerning sign of malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can affect the nails. While some nail changes are considered normal variants, dark bands should not be dismissed lightly as they can indicate a serious condition like melanoma. Nail fungus typically presents differently, causing discoloration, thickening, or distortion of the nail without distinct dark bands. Additionally, aging can lead to various nail changes, but dark bands alone are not a common feature of normal aging.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with an astrocytoma. The client asks, 'What do astrocytes do in the brain?' What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Astrocytes help to nourish and support neurons in the brain.
- B. Astrocytes are a type of neuron that transmit electrical signals.
- C. Astrocytes are involved in immune responses in the brain.
- D. Astrocytes help regulate blood flow in the brain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Astrocytes play a crucial role in supporting and nourishing neurons by providing metabolic support, maintaining the blood-brain barrier, and regulating the chemical environment of the brain. While astrocytes are essential for brain function, they are not neurons and do not transmit electrical signals (Choice B). Astrocytes are not primarily involved in immune responses in the brain (Choice C) or in regulating blood flow in the brain (Choice D), although they indirectly influence blood flow through their support functions.
4. A patient is starting on a statin medication for hyperlipidemia. What critical instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects.
- B. Take the medication in the morning with breakfast to improve absorption.
- C. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication to reduce the risk of liver damage.
- D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal to increase its effectiveness.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Statins like atorvastatin should be taken at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects. Taking the medication with a high-fat meal (choice D) is not recommended as it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Alcohol consumption (choice C) should be moderated but does not need to be completely avoided unless contraindicated. Taking the medication with breakfast (choice B) may not be as effective as taking it at night due to the circadian rhythm of cholesterol synthesis.
5. What is the cause of swelling during acute inflammation?
- A. Collagenase
- B. Fluid exudate
- C. Lymphocytic margination
- D. Anaerobic glycolysis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Swelling during acute inflammation is primarily caused by the accumulation of fluid exudate in the affected tissues. This fluid exudate contains proteins and cells that leak from blood vessels due to increased vascular permeability. Collagenase (Choice A) is an enzyme that breaks down collagen and is not directly responsible for swelling. Lymphocytic margination (Choice C) is the process where white blood cells line up along the blood vessel walls, which does not directly cause swelling. Anaerobic glycolysis (Choice D) is a metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen and is not related to the mechanism of swelling in acute inflammation.
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