the unique clinical presentation of a 3 month old infant in the emergency department leads the care team to suspect botulism which assessment question

ATI RN

WGU Pathophysiology Final Exam

1. The unique clinical presentation of a 3-month-old infant in the emergency department leads the care team to suspect botulism. Which assessment question posed to the parents is likely to be most useful in the differential diagnosis?

A. Has your child received all recommended vaccinations?
B. Has your child been feeding poorly or showing signs of constipation?
C. Has your child been exposed to any sick individuals?
D. Has your child been displaying signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Poor feeding and constipation are common early symptoms of infant botulism, which is caused by a neurotoxin that impairs muscle function. Option A is unrelated to the presentation of botulism. Option C does not directly relate to the symptoms of botulism. Option D is more indicative of respiratory issues rather than the constellation of symptoms seen in botulism.

2. What is the primary function of the kidneys in acid-base balance?

A. The kidneys remove hydrogen ions and retain bicarbonate ions.
B. The kidneys convert ammonia into urea, which is excreted in the urine.
C. The kidneys produce aldosterone to regulate sodium levels.
D. The kidneys secrete renin to regulate blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The kidneys are crucial in maintaining acid-base balance by removing hydrogen ions to decrease acidity and retaining bicarbonate ions to increase alkalinity. Choice B is incorrect because the conversion of ammonia into urea is related to nitrogen waste excretion, not acid-base balance. Choice C is incorrect as aldosterone regulates sodium levels, not acid-base balance. Choice D is also incorrect as renin is involved in regulating blood pressure, not acid-base balance.

3. Which of the following stores electrolytes and acts as an electrolyte pool?

A. Brain - Kidneys
B. Bone - Nails
C. Bone - Liver
D. Liver - Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bones store electrolytes and act as a reservoir, maintaining a balance of essential minerals like calcium and phosphate. The correct pair in this context is 'Bone - Nails.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the brain, kidneys, liver, and pancreas perform other functions in the body and are not primarily responsible for storing electrolytes.

4. Which of the following disorders is more likely associated with blood in stool?

A. Gastroesophageal reflux
B. Crohn's disease
C. Irritable bowel syndrome
D. Colon cancer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Colon cancer is more likely associated with blood in stool due to the presence of bleeding from the tumor in the colon. Gastroesophageal reflux (Choice A) typically presents with heartburn and regurgitation but not blood in stool. Crohn's disease (Choice B) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but bloody stools are more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome (Choice C) is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, but it does not typically cause blood in stool. Therefore, the correct answer is D, Colon cancer.

5. What property is found in clients with metastatic cancer?

A. Tumors that are well encapsulated
B. Tumors with slow, stable growth
C. Cells that are genetically stable
D. Cells invading local tissue and overrunning neighboring cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Metastatic cancer is characterized by cells that invade local tissue and overrun neighboring cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because metastatic cancer is associated with aggressive behavior where cells invade and spread to other parts of the body, rather than being well encapsulated, growing slowly, or being genetically stable.