ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. A report comes back indicating that muscular atrophy has occurred. A nurse recalls that muscular atrophy involves a decrease in muscle cell size:
- A. Number
- B. Size
- C. Vacuoles
- D. Lipofuscin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Size. Muscular atrophy is characterized by a reduction in the size of muscle cells. This decrease in size can be due to various factors such as disuse, aging, or disease. Choice A, Number, is incorrect because muscular atrophy does not involve a decrease in the number of muscle cells but rather their size. Choice C, Vacuoles, is incorrect as vacuoles are not directly related to the definition of muscular atrophy. Choice D, Lipofuscin, is incorrect as lipofuscin is a pigment associated with aging and has no direct connection to the decrease in muscle cell size seen in muscular atrophy.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of Increased Intracranial Pressure (IICP)?
- A. Irritability, confusion, restlessness
- B. Fatigue and SOB
- C. Changes in pupillary response
- D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Irritability, confusion, restlessness. These are common signs of Increased Intracranial Pressure (IICP) as they result from the increased pressure on brain tissue. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fatigue and shortness of breath (SOB) are not typical symptoms of IICP. Changes in pupillary response can be seen in other conditions but are not specific to IICP. Elevated blood pressure is not a common sign of IICP.
3. Sharon has cirrhosis of the liver and develops ascites. What intervention is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in her peritoneal cavity?
- A. Restrict fluids
- B. Encourage ambulation
- C. Increase sodium in the diet
- D. Give antacids as prescribed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Restricting fluids is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity for a patient with ascites due to cirrhosis.
4. A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?
- A. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment.
- B. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
- C. Place a blanket over the feet.
- D. Remove the restraint.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to remove the restraint (Choice D). Cyanosis of the toes, indicated by a light blue color, suggests impaired circulation. The priority action is to ensure proper circulation by removing the restraint to prevent further compromise. Choices A and B are not the immediate actions needed for cyanosis related to impaired circulation. Choice C, placing a blanket over the feet, does not address the underlying issue of impaired circulation and could delay appropriate intervention.
5. What does it mean when a medication has a half-life?
- A. It only lasts for 30 minutes after the medication is given
- B. How long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream
- C. It is the peak of how effective the medicine is
- D. Drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is crucial in understanding the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications in clinical practice. Choice A is incorrect as the half-life is not about how long the medication lasts but about elimination from the body. Choice C is incorrect because the half-life is not about the peak effectiveness of the medicine. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately define the concept of half-life.
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