ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A family member expresses concern to a nurse about behavioral changes in an elderly aunt. Which would cause the nurse to suspect a cognitive impairment disorder?
- A. Decreased interest in activities that she once enjoyed
- B. Fear of being alone at night
- C. Increased complaints of physical ailments
- D. Problems with preparing a meal or balancing her checkbook
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Problems with tasks like meal preparation and balancing a checkbook can indicate cognitive impairment, as these activities involve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Choices A, B, and C are less indicative of cognitive impairment. Decreased interest in activities and increased complaints of physical ailments may be related to other factors like depression, while fear of being alone at night could be due to anxiety or other psychological issues.
2. During childhood, the thymus decreases in size, and this is referred to as ______ atrophy.
- A. Physiologic
- B. Pathologic
- C. Disuse
- D. Neurogenic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Physiologic.' Physiologic atrophy is a normal part of development, like the reduction in thymus size during childhood. Pathologic atrophy (choice B) refers to tissue wasting due to disease, not a normal process like the reduction in thymus size. Disuse atrophy (choice C) results from a lack of physical activity or stimulation, which is not the case with thymus size reduction. Neurogenic atrophy (choice D) is caused by damage to or diseases of the nerves supplying the muscles, not related to the thymus size reduction seen in childhood.
3. Which of the following are risk factors for hypertension (HTN)?
- A. High sugar, low-fat diet
- B. Increased physical activity
- C. Tobacco use
- D. Low-fat diet
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tobacco use is a well-established risk factor for hypertension (HTN) as it can lead to increased blood pressure. High sugar intake and low-fat diets, as well as increased physical activity, are not directly associated with hypertension. While low-fat diets are generally recommended for overall health, they are not specifically linked to hypertension risk.
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. A patient with a history of breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). What critical information should the nurse include in the patient education?
- A. Tamoxifen may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
- B. Tamoxifen may cause weight gain, so patients should monitor their diet.
- C. Tamoxifen may decrease the risk of osteoporosis, so patients should ensure adequate calcium intake.
- D. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tamoxifen increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, so patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of blood clots and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if they occur.
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