ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. What causes atherosclerotic plaques to form in the body?
- A. Poor dietary habits
- B. Administration of statin medication
- C. Interruption of blood flow to the brain
- D. Injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Atherosclerotic plaques form in the body due to injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries. When the endothelium is damaged, it triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Poor dietary habits (choice A) can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis by promoting the buildup of plaque-forming substances in the blood, but the direct cause is the injury to the endothelium. Administration of statin medication (choice B) is actually a treatment for high cholesterol and aims to reduce the risk of plaque formation. Interruption of blood flow to the brain (choice C) is more related to conditions like ischemic stroke rather than the primary cause of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
3. A patient with breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What should the nurse emphasize during patient education?
- A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
- B. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
- C. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- D. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so patients should ensure adequate calcium intake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, a serious side effect. Therefore, patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots, such as swelling, pain, and redness in the legs, and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Choice B is incorrect because weight gain is not a significant side effect of tamoxifen. Choice C is incorrect because hot flashes and menopausal symptoms are common side effects of tamoxifen but are not as critical to address as venous thromboembolism. Choice D is incorrect because tamoxifen does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; in fact, it may increase the risk of bone loss in premenopausal women.
4. A 22-year-old was recently diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which decreased lab finding would be expected to accompany this virus?
- A. CD4 helper T cells
- B. CD8 helper T cells
- C. CDC cells
- D. CDC10 cells
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a person diagnosed with AIDS, a decrease in CD4 helper T cells is expected. These cells are critical for the immune system's proper functioning, and their reduction weakens the body's ability to fight infections. CD8 helper T cells (Choice B) are not typically decreased in AIDS. CDC cells (Choice C) and CDC10 cells (Choice D) are not relevant terms in this context, making them incorrect choices.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer a vaccine to a newborn. Before administering the vaccine, the nurse should
- A. warm the vaccine to room temperature.
- B. gently cleanse the chosen injection site.
- C. check the infant's temperature.
- D. administer the full dose at a single injection site.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Before administering a vaccine to a newborn, it is essential for the nurse to check the infant's temperature. This is important to ensure that the newborn does not have a fever, which could indicate an underlying infection or illness. Warming the vaccine to room temperature is not necessary and could be harmful. Vigorously massaging the injection site is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and tissue damage. Dividing the dose for administration to three injection sites is not standard practice for vaccine administration to a newborn.
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