ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. In a patient with chronic kidney disease and a hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL, which of the following treatments is most appropriate?
- A. Iron supplementation
- B. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
- C. Blood transfusion
- D. Vitamin B12 supplementation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, anemia commonly occurs due to decreased erythropoietin production. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, such as erythropoietin or darbepoetin, are the mainstay of treatment to stimulate red blood cell production. Iron supplementation is more appropriate for iron-deficiency anemia, not the anemia of chronic kidney disease. Blood transfusion is reserved for severe cases or acute blood loss. Vitamin B12 supplementation is indicated for megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, not specifically in chronic kidney disease-related anemia.
2. Which of the following is a clinical manifestation in a patient with renal impairment associated with polycystic kidney disease?
- A. Suprapubic pain
- B. Periorbital edema
- C. Low serum creatinine level
- D. Palpable kidneys
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Palpable kidneys are a common clinical manifestation in patients with polycystic kidney disease due to the enlarged kidneys with multiple cysts. Suprapubic pain is not typically associated with this condition. Periorbital edema is more commonly seen in conditions like nephrotic syndrome. A low serum creatinine level is not a typical finding in renal impairment, as impaired kidneys usually lead to an elevated serum creatinine level.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. When evaluating the success of adding raltegravir to the drug regimen of a 42-year-old female patient with HIV, which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize?
- A. The patient's C-reactive protein levels
- B. The patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C. The patient's viral load
- D. The patient's CD4 count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The patient's viral load. In HIV management, monitoring the viral load is crucial to assess the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. A decrease in viral load indicates the treatment's success in controlling the HIV infection. Choices A, B, and D are less relevant in this context. C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are markers of inflammation and non-specific indicators of infection, not specifically for HIV. CD4 count is important but not as immediate for evaluating the response to the newly added medication compared to monitoring the viral load.
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