ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. A patient presents with a chronic cough, night sweats, and weight loss. A chest X-ray reveals upper lobe cavitary lesions. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Tuberculosis
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tuberculosis. Cavitary lesions in the upper lobes are classic findings seen in tuberculosis. This infectious disease commonly presents with symptoms such as chronic cough, night sweats, and weight loss. Pneumonia (Choice B) typically does not present with cavitary lesions on chest X-ray. Lung cancer (Choice C) may present with similar symptoms but is less likely to cause cavitary lesions in the upper lobes. Sarcoidosis (Choice D) usually presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and non-caseating granulomas, different from the cavitary lesions described in the case.
2. A nurse is providing education to a patient starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms. What should the nurse emphasize regarding the long-term risks associated with HRT?
- A. HRT may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
- B. HRT may decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
- C. HRT may improve mood and energy levels.
- D. HRT may decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: HRT is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, particularly with long-term use.
3. Seizures are diagnosed by which of the following?
- A. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and ECG
- B. Seizure symptoms and complete blood count (CBC)
- C. Seizure symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG)
- D. Seizure symptoms and EEG
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Seizures are most accurately diagnosed by EEG, which measures brain activity. Choice A is incorrect as ECG (electrocardiogram) measures heart activity, not brain activity. Choice B is incorrect as CBC (complete blood count) is a blood test and not used to diagnose seizures. Choice C is incorrect as an ECG (electrocardiogram) also measures heart activity, not brain activity, and is not the primary diagnostic tool for seizures.
4. A nurse is administering testosterone to a patient with hypogonadism. What outcome indicates that the treatment is having the desired effect?
- A. Increased libido
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Improved secondary sexual characteristics
- D. Decreased sperm count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Improved secondary sexual characteristics.' Testosterone therapy in patients with hypogonadism typically leads to improved secondary sexual characteristics, which include increased muscle mass and libido. While increased libido (choice A) and increased muscle mass (choice B) are effects of testosterone therapy, they are more specific outcomes related to secondary sexual characteristics. Decreased sperm count (choice D) would not be an expected outcome of testosterone therapy for hypogonadism, as testosterone is essential for sperm production.
5. What is a common factor related to all forms of heart failure?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Reduced cardiac output
- D. Jugular vein distention
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reduced cardiac output. All forms of heart failure share this common factor, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While peripheral edema and pulmonary edema can be symptoms of heart failure, they are not universal to all forms. Jugular vein distention is a sign of right heart failure, not a common factor across all types of heart failure.
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