ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Which of the following is not included in the care plan of a client with moderate cognitive impairment involving dementia of the Alzheimer’s type?
- A. Daily structured schedule
- B. Positive reinforcement for performing activities of daily living
- C. Stimulating environment
- D. Use of validation techniques
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the care plan for a client with moderate cognitive impairment involving Alzheimer's type dementia, a stimulating environment is not included as it can potentially increase confusion. Therefore, it is important to provide a familiar, structured, and predictable environment to reduce stress and disorientation. Daily structured schedules help in maintaining routine and familiarity, positive reinforcement encourages engagement in activities, and validation techniques help in communicating effectively with the client by acknowledging their feelings and reality orientation.
2. A hemoglobin electrophoresis is done to evaluate for sickle cell disease. The report reveals the person has HbAS, which means the person:
- A. is normal with no sickle cell disease.
- B. is a sickle cell carrier.
- C. has sickle cell anemia.
- D. has thalassemia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: HbAS indicates sickle cell trait, not full-blown sickle cell anemia. Choice A is incorrect because HbAS indicates the presence of the sickle cell trait. Choice C is incorrect as sickle cell anemia is characterized by HbSS, not HbAS. Choice D is incorrect as thalassemia is a different type of hemoglobin disorder not indicated by HbAS.
3. Nurse Isabelle enters the room of a client with a cognitive impairment disorder and asks what day of the week it is, what the date, month, and year are, and where the client is. The nurse is attempting to assess:
- A. confabulation.
- B. delirium.
- C. orientation.
- D. perseveration.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "orientation." Nurse Isabelle is assessing the client's orientation by asking questions about time (day, date, month, year), place, and person. This assessment helps determine the client's awareness of their surroundings and situation. Confabulation (choice A) is the unintentional fabrication of details or events to fill in memory gaps and is not being assessed in this scenario. Delirium (choice B) is a state of acute confusion and disorientation, usually with a rapid onset, which is different from assessing orientation. Perseveration (choice D) refers to the persistent repetition of a response, statement, or behavior and is not the focus of the assessment being conducted by Nurse Isabelle in this situation.
4. Pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsens:
- A. with rest because blood flow increases.
- B. with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away.
- C. when the leg is in a dependent position because blood pools.
- D. when the leg is touched or massaged because cytokines are released.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In peripheral artery disease, pain in the lower extremities worsens with the elevation of the extremity because it diverts blood flow away from the affected area, exacerbating the pain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Resting doesn't increase blood flow, a dependent position doesn't lead to blood pooling in this context, and pain worsening due to touch or massage is not a typical feature of peripheral artery disease.
5. Which ability should Nurse Rebecca expect from a client in the mild stage of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type?
- A. Remembering the daily schedule
- B. Recalling past events
- C. Coping with anxiety
- D. Solving problems of daily living
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the mild stage of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, clients can often recall past events but may have difficulty with new information. Therefore, Nurse Rebecca should expect the client to have the ability to recall past events. Choice A is incorrect because remembering the daily schedule may become challenging as the disease progresses. Choice C is incorrect as clients in the mild stage may experience anxiety, but coping with anxiety is not a specific ability associated with this stage of dementia. Choice D is incorrect as solving problems of daily living becomes more challenging as the disease advances, not in the mild stage.
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