ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. During a home visit to a family of three: a mother, father, and their child, the mother tells the community nurse that the father (who is not present) had hit the child on several occasions when he was drinking. The mother further explains that she has talked her husband into going to Alcoholics Anonymous and asks the nurse not to interfere so her husband won’t get angry and refuse treatment. Which of the following is the best response of the nurse?
- A. The nurse agrees not to interfere if the husband attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that evening.
- B. The nurse commends the mother’s efforts and agrees to let her handle things.
- C. The nurse commends the mother’s efforts and also contacts protective services.
- D. The nurse confronts the mother’s failure to protect the child.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this situation, the best response for the nurse is to commend the mother's efforts in seeking help for her husband by encouraging him to attend Alcoholics Anonymous. However, it is crucial for the nurse to also contact protective services to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Option A is incorrect as it is not appropriate to condition non-interference on the husband attending a meeting that evening. Option B is incorrect because solely letting the mother handle things might put the child at risk. Option D is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to ensure the child's safety through involving protective services.
2. A 70-year-old client presents with weakness and sensory loss in the right hand and foot. The client also exhibits speech difficulties. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Brain tumor
- C. Cerebral infarction
- D. Multiple sclerosis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cerebral infarction (stroke). In this case, the client's symptoms of weakness and sensory loss in the right hand and foot, along with speech difficulties, are indicative of a stroke. These symptoms are commonly seen in individuals experiencing a cerebral infarction, where a blockage in blood flow to the brain leads to neurological deficits. Choices A, B, and D are less likely as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) typically have temporary symptoms with no permanent damage, brain tumors may present with a different set of symptoms depending on their location, and multiple sclerosis usually presents with a relapsing-remitting pattern of neurological symptoms rather than sudden onset unilateral deficits.
3. What assessment is the nurse performing when a client is asked to stand with feet together, eyes open, and hands by the sides, and then asked to close the eyes while the nurse observes for a full minute?
- A. Romberg test
- B. Weber test
- C. Rinne test
- D. Babinski test
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Romberg test. The Romberg test is used to assess balance and proprioception. During the test, the client is asked to stand with feet together, eyes open, and hands by the sides to observe their balance. Then, the client is asked to close their eyes while the nurse continues to observe for a full minute. This test helps in detecting any issues with proprioception and balance, which may be compromised in conditions affecting the nervous system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Weber test is used to assess hearing in each ear, the Rinne test is used to compare air and bone conduction of sound, and the Babinski test is used to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract.
4. What is the primary cause of angina?
- A. Increased oxygen demand by the heart
- B. Obstruction of the coronary arteries
- C. Lack of oxygen in the lungs
- D. Decreased blood supply to the liver
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obstruction of the coronary arteries. Angina is primarily caused by a reduced blood flow to the heart due to blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. Choice A is incorrect because while increased oxygen demand can contribute to angina symptoms, it is not the primary cause. Choice C is incorrect as angina is not caused by a lack of oxygen in the lungs. Choice D is also incorrect as angina is not related to decreased blood supply to the liver.
5. Prior to administering iodoquinol (Yodoxin), what assessment should the nurse make?
- A. Assess for allergy to iodine.
- B. Note the time the patient last ate.
- C. Assess for skin eruptions.
- D. Assess for ophthalmic symptoms.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before administering iodoquinol (Yodoxin), the nurse should assess for allergy to iodine since iodoquinol is a medication containing iodine. Assessing for skin eruptions (choice C) and ophthalmic symptoms (choice D) are not specifically related to iodoquinol administration. Noting the time the patient last ate (choice B) may be relevant for certain medications but is not directly related to assessing for an allergy to iodine in this case.
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