ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. In which patient would the manifestation of a headache be a sign of a serious underlying disorder?
- A. A 55-year-old man with new onset of headaches that are worse at night and reported mood swings according to his family
- B. A 30-year-old woman with a unilateral throbbing headache with photophobia and nausea
- C. A 60-year-old man with his head feeling full and throbbing and muscle aching around his neck and shoulders
- D. A 40-year-old woman who experiences food cravings, gets irritable, and then develops a pulsatile-like headache on the right side of her head
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. New onset headaches in older adults, especially if worse at night, may indicate a serious condition like a brain tumor. Choice B describes symptoms commonly seen in migraines. Choice C describes tension-type headaches. Choice D describes symptoms of a menstrual migraine which is not typically associated with a serious underlying disorder.
2. A client with a history of smoking presents with a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The nurse should suspect which condition?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is often associated with a chronic cough and shortness of breath, especially in individuals with a history of smoking. Pulmonary fibrosis (choice A) typically presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough. Lung cancer (choice C) may present with a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms like weight loss and hemoptysis. Pulmonary edema (choice D) presents with symptoms such as acute shortness of breath, orthopnea, and pink, frothy sputum.
3. A woman of childbearing age is diagnosed with breast cancer. She is currently taking hormonal contraceptives. What information should the woman be given regarding the hormonal contraceptives?
- A. The hormonal contraceptives do not affect the course of the disease.
- B. The hormonal contraceptives will stimulate uterine bleeding.
- C. The hormonal contraceptives will impair uterine bleeding.
- D. The hormonal contraceptives will stimulate tumor growth.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Hormonal contraceptives should be discontinued in women diagnosed with breast cancer because they can potentially stimulate cancer growth. Choice B is incorrect as hormonal contraceptives do not stimulate uterine bleeding. Choice C is also incorrect as hormonal contraceptives typically do not impair uterine bleeding. Choice D is incorrect because hormonal contraceptives are not meant to stimulate tumor growth.
4. A female patient is concerned about the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). What common side effect should the nurse explain?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Hair loss
- C. Increased libido
- D. Decreased energy levels
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain. Weight gain is a common side effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to hormonal changes. Patients should be informed about this possibility as part of their treatment plan. Hair loss (Choice B) is not a common side effect of HRT. Increased libido (Choice C) and decreased energy levels (Choice D) are not typically associated with HRT side effects. Therefore, the nurse should focus on discussing weight gain with the patient.
5. Which of the following organs are primarily affected by poorly managed hypertension?
- A. The bladder and urethra
- B. The brain and skin
- C. The heart and kidneys
- D. The stomach and intestines
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Poorly managed hypertension primarily affects the heart and kidneys. The heart is at risk of conditions like heart failure due to the increased workload from elevated blood pressure. The kidneys can suffer damage from longstanding hypertension, leading to kidney disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the bladder, urethra, brain, skin, stomach, and intestines are not the primary organs affected by poorly managed hypertension.
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