ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. In a 70-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reporting increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough, which finding would indicate a potential exacerbation of his COPD?
- A. Increased wheezing
- B. Decreased respiratory rate
- C. Improved exercise tolerance
- D. Decreased sputum production
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased wheezing. In COPD exacerbations, there is a worsening of symptoms such as increased wheezing due to airway inflammation and narrowing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased respiratory rate would not be expected in COPD exacerbation as it is usually a compensatory mechanism to maintain oxygenation. Improved exercise tolerance is not a typical finding in exacerbations but rather a sign of improvement. Decreased sputum production is also not indicative of exacerbation, as exacerbations are often associated with increased sputum production.
2. A patient is prescribed zanamivir (Relenza) to treat influenza B. The patient has a history of asthma. For which of the following symptoms should the nurse assess?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bronchospasm. Zanamivir (Relenza) is an inhaled medication used to treat influenza by reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Patients with a history of asthma are at risk of bronchospasm as a potential side effect of zanamivir. Assessing for bronchospasm is crucial in this case to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bradycardia, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism are not commonly associated with zanamivir use in the treatment of influenza B, especially in a patient with a history of asthma.
3. A 5-year-old female takes a hike through the woods during a school field trip. Upon returning home, she hugs her father, and he later develops poison ivy. Which of the following immune reactions is he experiencing?
- A. IgE-mediated
- B. Tissue-specific
- C. Immune complex
- D. Cell-mediated
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The father's immune reaction to poison ivy is an example of cell-mediated immunity, specifically a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. In this type of reaction, sensitized T cells react to antigens, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. IgE-mediated reactions involve antibodies of the IgE class, commonly seen in allergic responses like anaphylaxis. Tissue-specific reactions target specific organs or tissues. Immune complex reactions involve immune complexes formed by antigens and antibodies that can deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation.
4. A woman is complaining that she feels like the room is spinning even though she is not moving. Which of the following is characteristic of benign positional vertigo?
- A. It usually occurs with a headache.
- B. Pupillary changes are common.
- C. It is usually triggered when the patient bends forward.
- D. Nystagmus continues even when the eyes fixate on an object.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It is usually triggered when the patient bends forward.' Benign positional vertigo is often triggered by changes in head position, such as bending forward. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A is incorrect because benign positional vertigo is not typically associated with headaches. B is incorrect because pupillary changes are not a common feature of benign positional vertigo. D is incorrect because nystagmus in benign positional vertigo usually stops when the eyes fixate on an object.
5. What is the action of amphotericin B?
- A. It binds to ergosterol and forms holes in the membrane.
- B. It binds to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol.
- C. It disrupts the fungal cell walls rather than the cell membrane.
- D. It inhibits glucan synthetase required for glucan synthesis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication that acts by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, forming pores that disrupt the integrity of the membrane. This action leads to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death. Choice B is incorrect as amphotericin B does not bind to an enzyme required for the synthesis of ergosterol. Choice C is incorrect as the drug primarily affects the cell membrane rather than the cell wall. Choice D is also incorrect as amphotericin B does not inhibit glucan synthetase.
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