ATI RN
Final Exam Pathophysiology
1. A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome is experiencing ascending paralysis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress.
- B. Prepare the client for plasmapheresis.
- C. Administer analgesics for pain management.
- D. Initiate passive range-of-motion exercises.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of respiratory distress. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis can lead to respiratory muscle involvement, putting the client at risk for respiratory distress and failure. Prioritizing respiratory monitoring is crucial to ensure timely intervention if respiratory compromise occurs. Plasmapheresis (Choice B) may be indicated in some cases to remove harmful antibodies, but the priority in this situation is respiratory support. Administering analgesics (Choice C) for pain management and initiating passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) are important aspects of care but are not the priority when the client's respiratory status is at risk.
2. Which of the following describes the etiology of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?
- A. A blow to the head from a hard object
- B. Lack of blood flow to part of the brain
- C. Excessive exercise, such as running
- D. A ruptured artery in the heart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke, is often caused by a lack of blood flow to part of the brain. This leads to damage in the brain tissue due to the deprived oxygen and nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A blow to the head from a hard object can cause a traumatic brain injury but is not the etiology of a CVA. Excessive exercise like running does not typically lead to a stroke. A ruptured artery in the heart may result in a heart attack, not a cerebrovascular accident.
3. A client with heart failure is experiencing pulmonary edema. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. Administer diuretics to reduce fluid overload.
- B. Position the client in high-Fowler's position.
- C. Administer oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation.
- D. Restrict fluid intake to prevent further fluid overload.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client experiencing pulmonary edema due to heart failure, the priority intervention is to administer oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation. This helps in increasing the oxygen levels in the blood, thereby improving tissue perfusion and reducing the workload on the heart. Positioning the client in high-Fowler's position can also aid in improving oxygenation, but administering oxygen therapy directly addresses the immediate need for increased oxygen levels. Administering diuretics to reduce fluid overload and restricting fluid intake are important interventions in heart failure management, but in the acute situation of pulmonary edema, oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygen supply to vital organs.
4. Following the administration of her annual influenza vaccination, a health care worker remains at the clinic for observation due to pain at the injection site. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. ASA
- B. Acetaminophen
- C. Meperidine (Demerol)
- D. Heat application
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct recommendation for pain at the injection site after an influenza vaccination is Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a suitable choice for managing mild to moderate pain and fever commonly associated with vaccinations. Choice A, ASA (aspirin), is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers following viral illnesses. Choice C, Meperidine (Demerol), is a potent opioid analgesic and is not typically indicated for mild pain relief. Choice D, heat application, is not the standard recommendation for pain at an injection site and may not provide adequate relief.
5. Anemia of chronic inflammation is generally classified as:
- A. Hypochromic and microcytic.
- B. Hypochromic and macrocytic.
- C. Normochromic and microcytic.
- D. Normochromic and normocytic.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Anemia of chronic inflammation is typically characterized by normochromic (normal hemoglobin content) and normocytic (normal cell size) red blood cells. Choice A, hypochromic and microcytic, is incorrect because hypochromic refers to reduced hemoglobin content and microcytic refers to smaller than normal red blood cells, which are not typically seen in anemia of chronic inflammation. Choice B, hypochromic and macrocytic, is also incorrect as macrocytic refers to larger than normal red blood cells. Choice C, normochromic and microcytic, is incorrect because microcytic red blood cells are smaller than normal. Therefore, the correct classification for anemia of chronic inflammation is normochromic and normocytic.
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