ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Mrs. Mendoza is a 75-year-old client who has dementia of the Alzheimer’s type and confabulates. The nurse understands that this client:
- A. Denies confusion by being jovial.
- B. Pretends to be someone else.
- C. Rationalizes various behaviors.
- D. Fills in memory gaps with fantasy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Confabulation, a common symptom in dementia, involves filling in memory gaps with fabricated stories rather than intentionally pretending to be someone else (Choice B), denying confusion by being jovial (Choice A), or rationalizing various behaviors (Choice C). Confabulation is not a deliberate act but a memory error that results in the creation of false memories.
2. A patient is prescribed tadalafil (Cialis) for erectile dysfunction. What critical contraindication should the nurse discuss with the patient?
- A. Use of nitrates
- B. Use of antihypertensive medications
- C. History of hypertension
- D. History of peptic ulcer disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use of nitrates. Tadalafil (Cialis) is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Nitrates potentiate the hypotensive effects of tadalafil, leading to a potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because antihypertensive medications, history of hypertension, and history of peptic ulcer disease are not critical contraindications for tadalafil use. While caution may be needed in patients with certain conditions, the highest priority is addressing the interaction with nitrates.
3. A 9-year-old girl has a diffuse collection of symptoms that are indicative of deficits in endocrine and autonomic nervous system control. She also suffers from persistent fluid and electrolyte imbalances. On which aspect of the nervous system listed below would her health care providers focus their diagnostic efforts?
- A. The thalamus
- B. The pituitary
- C. The hypothalamus
- D. The midbrain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating endocrine and autonomic functions, including fluid and electrolyte balance. In this case, the girl's symptoms of deficits in endocrine and autonomic nervous system control, along with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, point towards dysfunction in the hypothalamus. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thalamus is mainly involved in sensory relay, the pituitary gland regulates various hormones but is controlled by the hypothalamus, and the midbrain is responsible for motor control and arousal, not endocrine or autonomic functions.
4. Which of the following describes the type of incontinence due to an increase in intraabdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, and laughing?
- A. Overflow
- B. Stress
- C. Mixed
- D. Functional
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stress. Stress incontinence occurs when there is an increase in intraabdominal pressure, for example, during activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing, leading to urine leakage. This type of incontinence is specifically triggered by physical movements or activities that put pressure on the bladder. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because overflow incontinence is characterized by the bladder not emptying properly, mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence, and functional incontinence is typically due to physical or cognitive impairments.
5. A healthcare provider is explaining to a patient the difference between primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders and explains that secondary immunodeficiencies (select ONE that does not apply):
- A. May develop after viral infections
- B. Develop before birth
- C. May develop following immunosuppressive therapies
- D. Are caused by superimposed conditions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct statements about secondary immunodeficiencies are that they may develop after viral infections, following immunosuppressive therapies, and are caused by superimposed conditions. Choice B ('Develop before birth') is incorrect because secondary immunodeficiencies do not develop before birth. They are acquired later in life. Therefore, the correct answers are A, C, and D.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access