ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. When a healthcare professional is reviewing lab results and notices that the erythrocytes contain an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin, the healthcare professional calls these erythrocytes:
- A. Hyperchromic
- B. Hypochromic
- C. Macrocytic
- D. Microcytic
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Erythrocytes with an abnormally low concentration of hemoglobin are called hypochromic. Hyperchromic refers to erythrocytes with an abnormally high concentration of hemoglobin. Macrocytic indicates larger than normal red blood cells, while microcytic refers to smaller than normal red blood cells. Therefore, in this scenario, the correct term is hypochromic.
2. A patient with a history of breast cancer is being prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). The nurse should educate the patient about what potential side effect of this medication?
- A. Increased risk of venous thromboembolism
- B. Increased risk of hot flashes
- C. Increased risk of cataracts
- D. Increased risk of bone fractures
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Tamoxifen is known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, a serious side effect. Patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots such as swelling, redness, warmth, or pain in the affected limb. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because tamoxifen is not associated with an increased risk of hot flashes, cataracts, or bone fractures.
3. A patient has suffered from several infections in the last 6 months and unexplained impaired wound healing. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Assess for pain.
- B. Assess for nutritional deficiencies.
- C. Assess genetic tendency for infection.
- D. Assess for edema and decreased hemoglobin.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient's history of multiple infections and impaired wound healing indicates a potential issue with their immune system and overall health. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing for nutritional deficiencies. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy immune response and wound healing. Assessing for pain (choice A) may be important but addressing the root cause of the recurrent infections and impaired wound healing is crucial. Genetic tendency for infection (choice C) would be a less immediate concern compared to assessing for nutritional deficiencies. Edema and decreased hemoglobin (choice D) are not the most relevant assessments based on the patient's symptoms.
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 30-year-old woman is taking an oral contraceptive and is concerned about the potential side effects. What should the nurse include in the patient education?
- A. Oral contraceptives can cause weight loss and increased energy levels.
- B. Oral contraceptives can cause increased appetite and weight gain.
- C. Oral contraceptives can cause headaches and breast tenderness.
- D. Oral contraceptives have no side effects.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Oral contraceptives can cause headaches and breast tenderness.' It is essential for the nurse to educate the patient about common side effects of oral contraceptives, such as headaches and breast tenderness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Weight loss and increased energy levels (Choice A) are not common side effects of oral contraceptives. Similarly, increased appetite and weight gain (Choice B) are not typical side effects. Finally, stating that oral contraceptives have no side effects (Choice D) is inaccurate as they can have various side effects, albeit usually mild and manageable.
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