ATI RN
Pathophysiology Final Exam
1. When starting on oral contraceptives, what should the nurse include in the education regarding the timing of the medication?
- A. Oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels and prevent pregnancy.
- B. Oral contraceptives can be taken at any time of day, as long as the schedule is consistent.
- C. Oral contraceptives should be taken in the morning to avoid nighttime side effects.
- D. Oral contraceptives are effective immediately upon starting, regardless of timing.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When educating a patient starting on oral contraceptives, it is essential to stress the importance of taking the medication at the same time each day. This ensures stable hormone levels, improving the effectiveness of the contraceptives in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because consistency in timing is crucial for maintaining hormone levels. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take oral contraceptives in the morning to avoid side effects. Choice D is incorrect as oral contraceptives may take some time to become fully effective, and consistent timing is important for their efficacy.
2. After a patient is exposed to a specific antigen, B cells will differentiate into:
- A. B cytotoxic cells
- B. Plasma cells
- C. Bursal cells
- D. Clonal equivalents
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After exposure to a specific antigen, B cells undergo differentiation into plasma cells. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies in response to the antigen. Choice A ('B cytotoxic cells') is incorrect because B cells do not differentiate into cytotoxic cells; cytotoxic cells are typically associated with T cells. Choice C ('Bursal cells') is incorrect as bursal cells are specific to birds and not relevant to human immune responses. Choice D ('Clonal equivalents') is incorrect as it does not describe the differentiation process of B cells exposed to antigens.
3. What is the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function?
- A. The ability to perform complex mathematics
- B. Altered level of consciousness
- C. The lack of cerebrospinal fluid production
- D. Intact cranial nerve functions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Altered level of consciousness. Changes in consciousness are the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function as they can signal underlying neurological issues. Option A, the ability to perform complex mathematics, though it involves brain function, is not as sensitive or direct an indicator as altered consciousness. Option C, the lack of cerebrospinal fluid production, is more related to conditions like hydrocephalus rather than a direct indicator of altered brain function. Option D, intact cranial nerve functions, indicate the normal functioning of peripheral nerves and are not as sensitive to changes in brain function as alterations in consciousness.
4. A student nurse was asked which of the following best describes dementia. Which of the following best describes the condition?
- A. Memory loss as a natural consequence of aging
- B. Difficulty coping with physical and psychological changes
- C. Severe cognitive impairment that occurs rapidly
- D. Loss of cognitive abilities, impairing the ability to perform activities of daily living
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Dementia is characterized by a loss of cognitive abilities that impairs the individual's capacity to perform activities of daily living. Choice A is incorrect because dementia is not simply memory loss related to aging but involves broader cognitive deficits. Choice B is incorrect as it does not capture the comprehensive cognitive decline seen in dementia. Choice C is incorrect as dementia typically progresses gradually rather than rapidly, and it is not solely about severe cognitive impairment but also impacts daily functioning.
5. When reviewing the purpose/action of neurotransmitters as they interact with different receptors, the nursing instructor gives an example using acetylcholine. When acetylcholine is released at the sinoatrial node in the right atrium of the heart, it is:
- A. positively charged.
- B. inhibitory.
- C. overstimulated.
- D. dormant.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acetylcholine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter at the sinoatrial node. It slows down the heart rate by decreasing the firing rate of the sinoatrial node, which serves as the heart's natural pacemaker. Neurotransmitters do not have a charge, so choice A is incorrect. Choice C is wrong as overstimulation is not a characteristic of acetylcholine at the sinoatrial node. Choice D is also incorrect because acetylcholine actively influences heart rate regulation when released at the sinoatrial node.
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