ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A 20-year-old male shoots his hand with a nail gun while replacing roofing shingles. Which of the following cell types would be the first to aid in killing bacteria to prevent infection in his hand?
- A. Eosinophils
- B. Neutrophils
- C. Leukotrienes
- D. Monocytes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infections. When there is a breach in the skin like in this scenario, neutrophils are quickly recruited to the site of injury to phagocytize and kill bacteria. Eosinophils are primarily involved in parasitic infections and allergic reactions, making choice A incorrect. Leukotrienes are lipid mediators involved in inflammation but are not cells, so choice C is incorrect. Monocytes are precursors to macrophages and play a role in immune response, but they are not the first cells to arrive at the site of a bacterial infection, making choice D incorrect.
2. A patient is being treated for active tuberculosis with ethambutol (Myambutol). The patient states to the nurse that he cannot identify the red and green on the traffic lights when he is driving. Based on this finding, what medical intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Assess for photosensitivity.
- B. Discontinue ethambutol (Myambutol).
- C. Decrease the ethambutol (Myambutol) dose.
- D. Administer vitamin B.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for photosensitivity. Ethambutol can cause optic neuritis, leading to visual disturbances, including difficulty differentiating red and green colors. This is a sign of optic nerve damage and requires immediate evaluation. Discontinuing ethambutol may be necessary if optic neuritis is confirmed, but this decision should be made by a healthcare provider. Decreasing the dose of ethambutol may not address the visual changes. Administering vitamin B does not directly address the side effect caused by ethambutol.
3. The early stages of atheroma development are characterized by:
- A. macrophages full of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL; i.e., foam cells) in the intima
- B. accumulation of lipids in the intima (i.e., fatty streak)
- C. accumulation of proteins such as collagen and elastin (i.e., fibrous cap)
- D. development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. In the early stages of atheroma development, macrophages accumulate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and transform into foam cells, leading to the formation of fatty streaks in the intima of blood vessels. This process is a hallmark of the initial stages of atherosclerosis. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the accumulation of lipids in the intima, which is a later event following foam cell formation. Choice C is also incorrect as it refers to the accumulation of proteins forming the fibrous cap, which occurs at a later stage to stabilize the atheroma. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core, typically seen in advanced atherosclerosis rather than the early stages.
4. Which of the following are characteristic, localized cardinal signs of acute inflammation? (Select ONE that does not apply.)
- A. Redness
- B. Fatigue
- C. Swelling
- D. Warmth
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answers are A, C, and D. Redness, swelling, and warmth are classic signs of acute inflammation. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow, swelling is caused by leakage of fluid into tissues, and warmth is due to the vasodilation and increased blood flow in the affected area. Fatigue is not a cardinal sign of acute inflammation and is not directly associated with the inflammatory response.
5. When starting on oral contraceptives, what should the nurse include in the education regarding the timing of the medication?
- A. Oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels and prevent pregnancy.
- B. Oral contraceptives can be taken at any time of day, as long as the schedule is consistent.
- C. Oral contraceptives should be taken in the morning to avoid nighttime side effects.
- D. Oral contraceptives are effective immediately upon starting, regardless of timing.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When educating a patient starting on oral contraceptives, it is essential to stress the importance of taking the medication at the same time each day. This ensures stable hormone levels, improving the effectiveness of the contraceptives in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because consistency in timing is crucial for maintaining hormone levels. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take oral contraceptives in the morning to avoid side effects. Choice D is incorrect as oral contraceptives may take some time to become fully effective, and consistent timing is important for their efficacy.
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