ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. When reviewing the purpose/action of neurotransmitters as they interact with different receptors, the nursing instructor gives an example using acetylcholine. When acetylcholine is released at the sinoatrial node in the right atrium of the heart, it is:
- A. positively charged.
- B. inhibitory.
- C. overstimulated.
- D. dormant.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acetylcholine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter at the sinoatrial node. It slows down the heart rate by decreasing the firing rate of the sinoatrial node, which serves as the heart's natural pacemaker. Neurotransmitters do not have a charge, so choice A is incorrect. Choice C is wrong as overstimulation is not a characteristic of acetylcholine at the sinoatrial node. Choice D is also incorrect because acetylcholine actively influences heart rate regulation when released at the sinoatrial node.
2. Women who have breast cancer due to a BRCA1 gene mutation are usually:
- A. positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 and 2.
- B. negative for estrogen receptor.
- C. positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
- D. negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Women with breast cancer due to a BRCA1 gene mutation commonly have a triple-negative breast cancer subtype, which means they are negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This subtype tends to be more aggressive and harder to treat. Choice A is incorrect as they are typically negative for HER2. Choice B is incorrect because they are usually negative for estrogen receptor. Choice C is incorrect as they are usually negative for progesterone receptor and HER2.
3. In which of the following cases is dehydration more likely to occur?
- A. A 50-year-old woman who is a bodybuilder
- B. A 50-year-old man who is morbidly obese
- C. A 10-year-old child who is thin
- D. A 30-year-old with multiple sclerosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Morbid obesity increases the risk of dehydration due to the larger body surface area and potential for greater insensible losses. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to experience dehydration compared to a morbidly obese individual.
4. In a patient with chronic kidney disease and a hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL, which of the following treatments is most appropriate?
- A. Iron supplementation
- B. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
- C. Blood transfusion
- D. Vitamin B12 supplementation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, anemia commonly occurs due to decreased erythropoietin production. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, such as erythropoietin or darbepoetin, are the mainstay of treatment to stimulate red blood cell production. Iron supplementation is more appropriate for iron-deficiency anemia, not the anemia of chronic kidney disease. Blood transfusion is reserved for severe cases or acute blood loss. Vitamin B12 supplementation is indicated for megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, not specifically in chronic kidney disease-related anemia.
5. Not realizing that its surface was hot, a woman has quickly withdrawn her hand from the surface of a bowl that she was removing from a microwave. Which phenomena has facilitated the rapid movement of her hand in response to the painful stimulus?
- A. Crossed-extensor reflex
- B. Flexor reflex
- C. Withdrawal reflex
- D. Stretch reflex
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The withdrawal reflex is a protective response that allows a person to quickly remove their hand from a painful stimulus.
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