ATI RN
Final Exam Pathophysiology
1. An older adult patient has asked her primary care provider for a prescription that will help to resolve her “warped toenails.” The care provider has diagnosed the woman with onychomycosis. The nurse should anticipate that this patient will be treated with what drug?
- A. Micafungin (Mycamine)
- B. Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- C. Voriconazole (Vfend)
- D. Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Terbinafine (Lamisil). Terbinafine is commonly used to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus. Micafungin (Mycamine) is an antifungal medication used for different types of fungal infections but is not typically used to treat onychomycosis. Voriconazole (Vfend) is another antifungal medication used for specific fungal infections, but it is not a first-line treatment for onychomycosis. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is also an antifungal medication, but it is more commonly used for yeast infections and may not be as effective for treating onychomycosis compared to terbinafine.
2. A patient has a heart attack that leads to progressive cell injury resulting in cell death with severe cell swelling and breakdown of organelles. What term would the nurse use to define this process?
- A. Adaptation
- B. Pathologic calcification
- C. Apoptosis
- D. Necrosis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Necrosis. Necrosis is the process of cell death characterized by cell swelling, breakdown of organelles, and eventual rupture, often following ischemic injury like a heart attack. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Adaptation refers to the ability of cells to adjust to changes in their environment. Pathologic calcification is the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death that occurs in a controlled, orderly manner.
3. A 74-year-old woman states that many of her peers underwent hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in years past. The woman asks the nurse why her primary care provider has not yet proposed this treatment for her. What fact should underlie the nurse's response to the woman?
- A. The risks of stroke and breast cancer are unacceptably high in women taking HRT.
- B. HRT was found to cause mood disturbances in many women who used it long term.
- C. HRT was found to be a significant risk factor for bone fractures and osteoporosis.
- D. The risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were found to be significantly higher in women using HRT.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the main reason HRT is not recommended for all women is due to the increased risks of stroke and breast cancer associated with its use. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an elevated risk of stroke and breast cancer, which outweigh its potential benefits for many individuals. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the primary concerns regarding HRT use. While HRT can indeed cause mood disturbances and may affect bone health, the significant risks of stroke and breast cancer are the primary reasons why healthcare providers may choose not to recommend HRT for some women.
4. When taking medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) for the treatment of endometriosis, what important instruction should the nurse provide about taking this medication?
- A. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
- B. Medroxyprogesterone should be taken without regard to meals.
- C. Discontinuing medroxyprogesterone should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- D. Medroxyprogesterone is typically taken daily rather than weekly for the treatment of endometriosis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When taking medroxyprogesterone acetate for endometriosis, it is essential to maintain consistent hormone levels by taking the medication at the same time each day. This consistency helps optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. Choice B is incorrect because medroxyprogesterone should be taken without regard to meals, not necessarily with food. Choice C is incorrect because discontinuing the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful and may not address side effects appropriately. Choice D is incorrect as medroxyprogesterone is typically taken daily to manage endometriosis symptoms, not weekly, to ensure continuous therapy and symptom control.
5. A school nurse is meeting with a high school student who mentions that she is frustrated with her repeated outbreaks of cold sores. The student states that she tried an over-the-counter topical cream but that it failed to produce an appreciable improvement. The nurse should recognize that this student used what medication?
- A. Ganciclovir
- B. Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- C. Famciclovir (Famvir)
- D. Docosanol (Abreva)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Docosanol (Abreva). Docosanol is an over-the-counter topical cream commonly used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. It works by inhibiting viral fusion to host cell membranes, reducing the spread of the virus. Ganciclovir (Choice A) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections. Valacyclovir (Choice B) and Famciclovir (Choice C) are prescription antiviral medications used to treat herpes simplex virus infections but are not typically available over-the-counter like Docosanol.
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