ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Which of the following conditions is associated with a positive Homan's sign?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis
- B. Peripheral artery disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Lymphedema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A positive Homan's sign is indicative of deep vein thrombosis. This sign is elicited by dorsiflexing the foot of a patient with the knee slightly flexed, resulting in calf pain. Peripheral artery disease (choice B) is associated with decreased blood flow to the extremities, but it does not produce a positive Homan's sign. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins that are typically not related to Homan's sign. Lymphedema (choice D) is swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage or dysfunction and is not linked to Homan's sign.
2. What should the nurse emphasize regarding the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in a patient with a history of cardiovascular disease?
- A. HRT is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
- B. HRT may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
- C. HRT may improve mood and energy levels.
- D. HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Choice B is incorrect because HRT does not decrease the risk of osteoporosis; instead, it may have adverse effects on bone health. Choice C is incorrect as the improvement in mood and energy levels is not a significant risk associated with HRT. Choice D is incorrect because while HRT may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, the question specifically focuses on patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, where the emphasis should be on cardiovascular risks.
3. What is a common cause of a pulmonary embolism?
- A. An autoimmune disorder
- B. A venous blood clot from the lower extremity
- C. An increase in intracranial pressure
- D. Hypotension
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism is commonly caused by a blood clot that originates in the venous system of the lower extremity and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This clot is known as a venous thromboembolism. An autoimmune disorder (Choice A) is not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. Intracranial pressure (Choice C) refers to pressure inside the skull and is unrelated to pulmonary embolism. Hypotension (Choice D) is low blood pressure and is not a common cause of pulmonary embolism.
4. Which of the following is found in higher concentrations within intracellular fluid?
- A. Magnesium
- B. Sodium
- C. Chloride
- D. Bicarbonate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium is the correct answer as it is found in higher concentrations within intracellular fluid, where it plays vital roles in various cellular functions. Sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate are predominantly found in extracellular fluid rather than intracellular fluid, making them incorrect choices for this question.
5. Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of prednisone can cause:
- A. adrenal crisis.
- B. hypercortisolism.
- C. ACTH stimulation.
- D. thyroid crisis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: adrenal crisis. Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, resulting in adrenal crisis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a sudden drop in cortisol levels, leading to adrenal crisis with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypercortisolism refers to excess cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation would not result from prednisone withdrawal, and thyroid crisis is not directly related to corticosteroid discontinuation.
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