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 55-year-old man presents with a history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He reports recent onset of a productive cough and hemoptysis. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
- A. Lung cancer
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tuberculosis. The symptoms described - fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, productive cough, and hemoptysis - are classic manifestations of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly affecting the lungs but can also involve other organs. **Choice A: Lung cancer** typically presents with symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, but it is less likely in this case due to the presence of hemoptysis. **Choice B: Pneumonia** can present with productive cough, fever, and chest pain, but it is less likely given the chronicity of symptoms and the presence of hemoptysis. **Choice D: Pulmonary embolism** usually presents with sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and can be associated with risk factors like recent surgery or immobility.
3. A patient is prescribed raloxifene (Evista) for osteoporosis. What is the primary mechanism of action for this medication?
- A. Raloxifene decreases bone resorption, which helps to maintain or increase bone density.
- B. Raloxifene increases calcium absorption in the intestines, which helps build stronger bones.
- C. Raloxifene stimulates new bone formation by increasing osteoblast activity.
- D. Raloxifene decreases calcium excretion by the kidneys, helping to maintain bone density.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Raloxifene decreases bone resorption, which helps to maintain or increase bone density, making it effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
4. A patient has been prescribed raloxifene (Evista) for the prevention of osteoporosis. What effect should the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding the action of this medication?
- A. Decreases calcium excretion by the kidneys.
- B. Increases intestinal absorption of calcium.
- C. Stimulates bone formation by increasing osteoblast activity.
- D. Selectively binds to estrogen receptors, decreasing bone resorption.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Selectively binds to estrogen receptors, decreasing bone resorption. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that works by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby decreasing bone resorption. This action helps in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by preserving bone density. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because raloxifene does not directly affect calcium excretion by the kidneys, intestinal absorption of calcium, or stimulate bone formation by increasing osteoblast activity.
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.
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