ATI RN
Pathophysiology Final Exam
1. A child's thymus gland is fully formed and proportionately larger than an adult's. Which of the following processes that contribute to immunity takes place in the thymus gland?
- A. Differentiation of B cells
- B. Production of natural killer (NK) cells
- C. Proliferation of T cells
- D. Filtration of antigens from the blood
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Proliferation of T cells. The thymus gland is responsible for the maturation and proliferation of T cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. Option A, differentiation of B cells, is incorrect because B cell maturation primarily occurs in the bone marrow. Option B, production of natural killer (NK) cells, is incorrect as NK cells are mainly produced in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Option D, filtration of antigens from the blood, is incorrect as antigen filtration is not a primary function of the thymus gland.
2. A patient is being educated about sildenafil (Viagra). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates that further teaching is necessary?
- A. I can take this medication with nitroglycerin.
- B. This medication can cause an erection lasting more than 4 hours.
- C. I should not take this medication if I am taking medications containing nitrates.
- D. This medication is safe to take with any over-the-counter medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because sildenafil should not be taken with medications containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, due to the risk of severe hypotension. Choice B is incorrect because priapism (prolonged erection) is a serious side effect but does not require immediate intervention like severe hypotension. Choice C is incorrect as it correctly identifies a contraindication for sildenafil use. Choice D is incorrect because not all over-the-counter medications are safe to take with sildenafil, and interactions can occur.
3. 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.
4. A patient with systemic candidiasis has been prescribed flucytosine. The nurse should be aware of the need to administer this drug with which of the following?
- A. Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- B. Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- C. Amphotericin B
- D. Penicillin G
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Amphotericin B. When treating systemic candidiasis, Amphotericin B is the drug of choice, not flucytosine. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat severe fungal infections like systemic candidiasis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because vitamin D and calcium supplements, fluconazole, and penicillin G are not the drugs of choice for treating systemic candidiasis.
5. A client presents to the emergency department with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. The client's ECG shows ST-segment elevation. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administer aspirin as prescribed.
- B. Prepare the client for emergent coronary angiography.
- C. Administer oxygen therapy.
- D. Initiate CPR.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client presenting with chest pain, shortness of breath, and ST-segment elevation on ECG, the priority nursing intervention is to prepare the client for emergent coronary angiography. This procedure is crucial in diagnosing and treating acute myocardial infarction promptly. Administering aspirin (Choice A) is important but not the priority over emergent coronary angiography. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice C) is supportive but does not address the underlying cause of the ST-segment elevation. Initiating CPR (Choice D) is not the priority in this scenario as the client is stable and conscious.
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