an older adult patient comes to the clinic complaining of not being able to do what he used to be able to you know that normal changes associated with

ATI RN

WGU Pathophysiology Final Exam

1. An older adult patient comes to the clinic complaining of not being able to do what he used to be able to. You know that normal changes associated with aging include:

A. Improved blood flow
B. Slowed metabolic rate
C. Increased brain weight
D. Improved nerve fiber conduction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Normal changes associated with aging include a slowed metabolic rate and decreased brain weight. Option A, 'Improved blood flow,' is incorrect as aging is generally associated with reduced vascular health rather than improved blood flow. Option D, 'Improved nerve fiber conduction,' is incorrect as aging typically leads to a decline in nerve function rather than improvement.

2. Joseph, a 12-year-old child, complains to the school nurse about nausea and dizziness. While assessing the child, the nurse notices a black eye that looks like an injury. This is the third time in 1 month that the child has visited the nurse. Each time, the child provides vague explanations for various injuries. Which of the following is the school nurse’s priority intervention?

A. Contact the child’s parents and ask about the child’s injuries.
B. Encourage the child to be honest about the injuries.
C. Question the teacher about the child's injuries.
D. Report suspicion of abuse to the proper authorities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The school nurse's priority intervention in this situation is to report suspicion of abuse to the proper authorities. Given the pattern of unexplained injuries and vague explanations provided by the child, it raises significant concerns for possible abuse. Reporting to the appropriate authorities is crucial to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Contacting the child's parents (Choice A) may not be appropriate if abuse is suspected, as it could potentially put the child at further risk. Merely encouraging the child to be honest (Choice B) does not address the immediate safety concerns. Questioning the teacher (Choice C) is not the appropriate initial action when abuse is suspected; reporting to authorities should take precedence.

3. What causes the appearance of a barrel chest in clients with emphysema?

A. Peripheral edema
B. Bacterial infections in the lungs
C. Air trapping in the alveoli
D. Muscle atrophy of the diaphragm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Air trapping in the alveoli. A barrel chest in emphysema results from the hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping in the alveoli. This leads to increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Peripheral edema is swelling caused by fluid retention in tissues, not associated with a barrel chest in emphysema. Bacterial infections in the lungs can lead to conditions like pneumonia but do not directly cause a barrel chest. Muscle atrophy of the diaphragm could affect breathing mechanics but is not specifically linked to the development of a barrel chest in emphysema.

4. What should the nurse teach the boy about anabolic steroid abuse?

A. The ability of anabolic steroids to build muscle is greatly exaggerated in the media.
B. Anabolic steroids are universally dangerous but are especially harmful to adolescents.
C. The muscle mass resulting from steroid use will atrophy unless doses are continually increased.
D. Anabolic steroids will reduce the boy's ability to perform weight-bearing exercise later in life.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because anabolic steroids are indeed universally dangerous, but they pose greater risks to adolescents due to their impact on growth and development. Choice A is incorrect because anabolic steroids do have the potential to build muscle mass, though not to the extent often portrayed in the media. Choice C is incorrect as muscle mass gained from steroid use may persist for a period even after discontinuation. Choice D is incorrect as anabolic steroids can enhance muscle performance initially, though long-term use can have adverse effects on health and not specifically on the ability to perform weight-bearing exercises.

5. What important point should the nurse emphasize about taking oral contraceptives consistently?

A. Oral contraceptives must be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels and ensure effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
B. Oral contraceptives should be taken in the morning to avoid side effects at night.
C. Oral contraceptives should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
D. Oral contraceptives can be skipped occasionally without significant consequences.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is crucial for patients taking oral contraceptives to take them at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels, which is essential for their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect as the timing of the medication is more about consistency than avoiding side effects at night. Choice C is incorrect as oral contraceptives do not necessarily need to be taken with food for absorption. Choice D is incorrect because skipping oral contraceptives occasionally can significantly reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.