ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsens:
- A. with rest because blood flow increases.
- B. with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away.
- C. when the leg is in a dependent position because blood pools.
- D. when the leg is touched or massaged because cytokines are released.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In peripheral artery disease, pain in the lower extremities worsens with the elevation of the extremity because it diverts blood flow away from the affected area, exacerbating the pain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Resting doesn't increase blood flow, a dependent position doesn't lead to blood pooling in this context, and pain worsening due to touch or massage is not a typical feature of peripheral artery disease.
2. A patient presents with a rash from poison ivy. The nurse knows that this is which type of hypersensitivity?
- A. Type I
- B. Type II
- C. Type III
- D. Type IV
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A rash from poison ivy is an example of a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are delayed cell-mediated immune responses involving T cells. This type of reaction is characterized by a delayed onset, typically occurring 48-72 hours after exposure to the antigen. Choice A, Type I hypersensitivity reactions, are immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE antibodies. Choices B and C, Type II and Type III hypersensitivity reactions, involve antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and immune complex deposition, respectively, which are not characteristic of poison ivy-induced rashes.
3. A teacher states to the school nurse, 'I have a student who will often just stare at me for 15 seconds after asking a question; then the student blinks and asks me to repeat the question. Should I be concerned?' Which should the nurse include in the response to the teacher?
- A. The child has a crush on the teacher.
- B. The child has increased intracranial pressure.
- C. The child may have had a head injury.
- D. The child is experiencing absence seizures.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Staring spells that end abruptly and are followed by normal activity are indicative of absence seizures. In absence seizures, a child may exhibit staring spells, brief loss of awareness, and lack of responsiveness, which can last for a few seconds. Choice A is incorrect because the behavior described is not associated with having a crush. Choice B is incorrect as increased intracranial pressure usually presents with other symptoms. Choice C is less likely as a head injury would typically manifest with additional signs beyond just staring and blinking.
4. Which of the following chronic inflammatory skin diseases is characterized by angiogenesis, immune cell activation (particularly T cells), and keratinocyte proliferation?
- A. Psoriasis
- B. Melanoma
- C. Atopic dermatitis
- D. Urticaria
Correct answer: Psoriasis
Rationale: Psoriasis is the correct answer because it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by features such as angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), immune cell activation (especially T cells), and excessive keratinocyte proliferation. This results in the typical symptoms seen in psoriasis, such as red, scaly patches on the skin. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, not characterized by the features mentioned. Atopic dermatitis is a different skin condition involving eczematous changes, not specifically associated with the described characteristics of psoriasis. Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by hives and does not involve the same pathophysiological processes as psoriasis.
5. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Slow respirations
- C. Warm, flushed skin
- D. Decreased blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 90 days access @ $149.99