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. Thrombocytopenia is which disorder below?
- A. Increased blood coagulation
- B. Increased platelet production
- C. Increased number of infections
- D. Decreased platelet production
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is a disorder characterized by a decreased platelet count or decreased platelet production, which affects blood clotting. Choice A, 'Increased blood coagulation,' is incorrect as thrombocytopenia is associated with decreased platelets, leading to impaired clotting. Choice B, 'Increased platelet production,' is incorrect as thrombocytopenia is characterized by a decrease in platelet production. Choice C, 'Increased number of infections,' is unrelated to thrombocytopenia, which primarily involves low platelet levels.
3. Which of the following findings is commonly associated with congestive heart failure?
- A. Decreased jugular venous pressure
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary edema is a common finding in congestive heart failure. In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. This results in symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with congestive heart failure. Jugular venous pressure is often elevated, not decreased in heart failure. Hyperactive bowel sounds and weight loss are not specific findings for congestive heart failure.
4. A male patient with erectile dysfunction is prescribed sildenafil (Viagra). What specific instruction should the nurse provide to ensure the safe use of this medication?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
- B. Avoid taking nitrates while on this medication.
- C. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
- D. Take the medication with milk to enhance absorption.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should provide is to avoid taking nitrates while on sildenafil (Viagra). Combining sildenafil with nitrates can result in severe hypotension due to additive vasodilatory effects. Choice A is incorrect because sildenafil can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take sildenafil at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as taking sildenafil with milk has not been shown to enhance its absorption.
5. A client with atrial fibrillation is at risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Hypertensive crisis
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: A client with atrial fibrillation is at increased risk of thromboembolism due to blood stasis in the atria. This can lead to the formation of blood clots, which may travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of atrial fibrillation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while atrial fibrillation can lead to complications such as stroke or heart failure, it is specifically associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism due to the clot formation associated with the condition.
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