ATI RN
ATI Pathophysiology Test Bank
1. A nurse practitioner is seeing a client in the clinic with a suspected diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What should the nurse anticipate as the priority action?
- A. Administer the first dose of antibiotics immediately after blood cultures are drawn.
- B. Start an IV line and administer corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- C. Isolate the client to prevent the spread of infection.
- D. Perform a lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the first dose of antibiotics immediately after blood cultures are drawn for suspected bacterial meningitis. This is crucial to initiate treatment promptly and improve patient outcomes. Starting an IV line and administering corticosteroids (Choice B) may be part of the treatment plan but administering antibiotics is the priority. Isolating the client (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of infection but not the priority over initiating antibiotic therapy. Performing a lumbar puncture (Choice D) may confirm the diagnosis, but treatment should not be delayed for this step in suspected cases of bacterial meningitis.
2. Which of the following steps occurs first during hemostasis?
- A. Vascular spasm
- B. Platelet plug
- C. Coagulation
- D. Dissolution of the clot
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Vascular spasm is the initial step in hemostasis, where blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow to the injured area. This constriction helps limit blood loss until further steps like platelet plug formation and coagulation can take place. Platelet plug formation and coagulation occur after the vascular spasm, making them incorrect choices. Dissolution of the clot happens much later in the healing process, after the injury has sufficiently healed.
3. After a generalized seizure, a 27-year-old woman with epilepsy feels tired and falls asleep. This is:
- A. an ominous sign.
- B. normal and termed the postictal period.
- C. a reflection of an underlying brain tumor.
- D. only worrisome if there are focal neurologic deficits after.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer. The postictal period is the phase following a seizure, characterized by symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and sleepiness. It is a normal part of the seizure process and does not necessarily indicate a serious underlying issue. Choice A is incorrect because feeling tired and falling asleep after a seizure is expected and not an ominous sign. Choice C is incorrect as there is no indication in the scenario provided to suggest an underlying brain tumor. Choice D is incorrect because the presence of focal neurologic deficits would indeed be concerning, but the postictal state itself is a common and expected occurrence post-seizure.
4. Which of the following birthmarks usually fade or regress as the child gets older?
- A. Hemangiomas
- B. Congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots)
- C. Macular stains
- D. Hemangiomas, congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots), and macular stains
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hemangiomas, congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots), and macular stains are birthmarks that usually fade or regress as the child gets older. Hemangiomas are vascular birthmarks that often shrink and fade over time. Congenital dermal melanocytosis (Mongolian spots) are blue-gray birthmarks commonly found on the lower back and buttocks of infants, which typically fade by adolescence. Macular stains, also known as salmon patches, are pink or red birthmarks that usually fade within the first few years of life. Choice D is correct because all the mentioned birthmarks tend to diminish as the child grows, unlike choices A, B, and C which do not fade or regress with age.
5. A client diagnosed with heart failure displays bilateral pitting edema of the lower extremities. Which of the following terms is used to describe this finding?
- A. Contraindication
- B. Sign
- C. Symptom
- D. Subjective data
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B. Sign.' In this scenario, bilateral pitting edema is an objective finding that can be observed by others, making it a sign of heart failure. Choice A, 'Contraindication,' refers to a factor that makes a particular treatment or procedure potentially harmful. Choice C, 'Symptom,' is a subjective indication of a condition experienced by the client. Choice D, 'Subjective data,' is information that is reported by the client but cannot be directly observed or measured.
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