ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. A patient suffers from an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following represents a potential result of a viral infection in a patient with an autoimmune disorder?
- A. Lymphocytes recognize the host's tissue as foreign.
- B. Erythrocytes destroy the T cells of the host.
- C. The involution of the thymus gland increases the risk of infection.
- D. The differential decreases the sedimentation rate.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with an autoimmune disorder, a viral infection can trigger an immune response where lymphocytes mistakenly recognize the host's tissue as foreign. This can lead to an exacerbation of the autoimmune condition. Choice B is incorrect because erythrocytes are not responsible for destroying T cells. Choice C is incorrect as thymus involution weakens the immune response, making the patient more susceptible to infections rather than increasing the infection risk. Choice D is unrelated to the potential effects of a viral infection in a patient with an autoimmune disorder.
2. Which disorder is caused by a Staphylococcus aureus organism producing a toxin leading to exfoliation and large blister formation?
- A. Herpes simplex I virus
- B. Bullous impetigo
- C. Necrotizing fasciitis
- D. Cellulitis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bullous impetigo is the correct answer because it is caused by a Staphylococcus aureus toxin that leads to exfoliation and the formation of large blisters. Herpes simplex I virus (Choice A) causes cold sores and is not associated with exfoliation and blister formation. Necrotizing fasciitis (Choice C) is a severe skin infection involving the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, typically caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Clostridium species, not Staphylococcus aureus. Cellulitis (Choice D) is a common bacterial skin infection, but it does not involve exfoliation and blister formation as seen in bullous impetigo.
3. A patient with a history of cardiovascular disease is being prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What should the nurse include in the patient education regarding the risks associated with HRT?
- A. HRT may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
- B. HRT may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
- C. HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
- D. HRT may decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Choice B is incorrect because HRT does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; in fact, it may increase the risk of certain conditions like venous thromboembolism, as mentioned in choice C. Choice D is also incorrect as HRT has been associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer.
4. When administering an immunization, which of the following medications should be available?
- A. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- B. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- C. Physostigmine
- D. Epinephrine
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When administering an immunization, it is essential to have epinephrine available in case of an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the medication of choice for treating severe allergic reactions due to its ability to reverse the symptoms rapidly. Diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine are antihistamines that can help manage mild allergic reactions but are not the primary medications for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Physostigmine is not indicated for managing allergic reactions and is used for specific conditions such as anticholinergic toxicity.
5. When a patient asks the nurse what hypersensitivity is, how should the nurse respond? Hypersensitivity is best defined as:
- A. A reduced immune response found in most pathologic states
- B. A normal immune response to an infectious agent
- C. An excessive or inappropriate response of the immune system to a sensitizing antigen
- D. Antigenic desensitization
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hypersensitivity is correctly defined as an excessive or inappropriate response of the immune system to a sensitizing antigen. This response leads to tissue damage or other clinical manifestations. Choice A is incorrect as hypersensitivity involves an exaggerated, not a reduced, immune response. Choice B is incorrect because hypersensitivity is not a normal immune response to an infectious agent but rather an exaggerated one. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to desensitization, which is the opposite of hypersensitivity.
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