ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. In which of the following cases is dehydration more likely to occur?
- A. A 50-year-old woman who is a bodybuilder
- B. A 50-year-old man who is morbidly obese
- C. A 10-year-old child who is thin
- D. A 30-year-old with multiple sclerosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Morbid obesity increases the risk of dehydration due to the larger body surface area and potential for greater insensible losses. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to experience dehydration compared to a morbidly obese individual.
3. A patient is prescribed sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. What is a key contraindication that the nurse should review with the patient?
- A. History of hypertension
- B. Use of nitrates
- C. Use of antihypertensive medications
- D. History of peptic ulcer disease
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use of nitrates.' Sildenafil (Viagra) is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Nitrates and sildenafil both act as vasodilators, and their combined use can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because having a history of hypertension, using antihypertensive medications, or having a history of peptic ulcer disease are not key contraindications for sildenafil use.
4. A nurse is teaching a young adult patient about oral contraceptives, which the patient will soon begin taking. The patient's primary concern is the effectiveness of the medication in preventing pregnancy. The nurse should teach the patient that oral contraceptives, when taken consistently, are how effective in preventing pregnancy?
- A. Between 96% and 98%
- B. Approximately 98.5%
- C. Highly effective, but partially dependent on genetic factors
- D. Nearly 100%
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When taken correctly, estrogen–progestin contraceptive preparations are nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A suggests a range below the actual effectiveness, choice B provides a specific percentage that is not accurate, and choice C introduces the concept of genetic factors which is not relevant to the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
5. A nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who presents with symptoms that are characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What assessment finding would be expected in this client?
- A. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs
- B. Decreased cognitive function
- C. Involuntary muscle contractions
- D. Hyperreflexia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperreflexia. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hyperreflexia is a common assessment finding due to the degeneration of upper motor neurons. This results in an overactive reflex response to stimuli. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs (choice A) are not typically seen in ALS; instead, hyperreflexia is more common. Decreased cognitive function (choice B) is not a primary characteristic of ALS. Involuntary muscle contractions (choice C) are more indicative of conditions such as dystonia or myoclonus, not ALS.
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