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. The nurse is caring for an infant after a cleft lip repair. Which of these measures should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Position prone
- B. Provide fluids from a cup
- C. Position supine
- D. Avoid elbow restraints
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct measure that should be included in the plan of care for an infant after a cleft lip repair is to position the infant supine. Placing the infant in a supine position helps protect the surgical site from injury and promotes proper healing. Choice A, 'Position prone,' is incorrect as placing the infant prone can put pressure on the surgical site and hinder healing. Choice B, 'Provide fluids from a cup,' is not directly related to the surgical care of a cleft lip repair. Choice D, 'Avoid elbow restraints,' is not specific to the postoperative care of a cleft lip repair.
3. Which of the following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine if a client has gastric cancer?
- A. Barium enema
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Gastroscopy
- D. Serum chemistry levels
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A gastroscopy is performed to visualize the stomach lining and obtain biopsies to diagnose gastric cancer.
4. A nurse is providing care to a client who is in active labor. The nurse observes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask
- B. Reposition the client from side to side
- C. Increase the rate of the IV infusion
- D. Notify the provider
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when observing variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate is to reposition the client from side to side. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression, and repositioning the client can relieve pressure on the cord. Administering oxygen, increasing the IV infusion rate, and notifying the provider can be appropriate actions but repositioning the client takes priority in addressing variable decelerations.
5. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?
- A. Teenagers! They don't know a thing about real stress.
- B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
- C. When you are in poor physical condition, you can't experience psychological well-being.
- D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Stress can manifest as physical or psychological. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as a physiological change. Choice A is dismissive of the teenager's concerns and does not address the issue professionally. Choice B is incorrect as stress can result from various factors, not just loss. Choice C oversimplifies the relationship between physical condition and psychological well-being, neglecting the impact of mental stressors on overall health.
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