a client presents to the emergency department with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath the clients ecg shows st segment elevation what is

ATI RN

Pathophysiology Practice Exam

1. 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.

2. What function does aldosterone serve in the body?

A. Aldosterone causes a release of sodium from the body, decreases fluid volume, and decreases blood pressure
B. Aldosterone causes a retention of sodium in the body, increases fluid volume, and increases blood pressure
C. Aldosterone causes a release of sodium from the body, increases fluid volume, and decreases blood pressure
D. Aldosterone enhances intracellular sodium production and lowers blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aldosterone functions by causing the retention of sodium in the body, which results in an increase in fluid volume and blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because aldosterone actually promotes sodium retention rather than release. Choice C is incorrect as it states that aldosterone decreases fluid volume, which is not accurate. Choice D is incorrect because aldosterone does not enhance intracellular sodium production; instead, it primarily acts on sodium reabsorption in the kidneys.

3. A male patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prescribed finasteride (Proscar). What should the nurse include in the patient education?

A. The medication is expected to reduce the size of the prostate, which should improve urinary symptoms over time.
B. The medication will improve symptoms within a few days.
C. The medication will cure BPH after treatment is complete.
D. The medication may cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Finasteride is expected to reduce the size of the prostate, which should improve urinary symptoms over time, although the effects may take several weeks or months to become noticeable.

4. Which of the following are signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction?

A. Persistent chest pain which may radiate to the arm
B. Brief sternal chest pain on inspiration
C. Rapid respirations with left-sided weakness and numbness
D. Left upper quadrant abdominal pain which radiates to the back and shoulder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Persistent chest pain that may radiate to the arm is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction. This pain is typically described as crushing, pressure-like, or squeezing. Choice B is incorrect because brief sternal chest pain on inspiration is not characteristic of myocardial infarction. Choice C is incorrect because rapid respirations with left-sided weakness and numbness are not typical symptoms of myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because left upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiates to the back and shoulder is not a common presentation of myocardial infarction.

5. 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.