ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. In clients with a cognitive impairment disorder, the phenomenon of increased confusion in the early evening hours is called:
- A. Aphasia.
- B. Agnosia.
- C. Sundowning.
- D. Confabulation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sundowning. Sundowning is a phenomenon where individuals with cognitive impairment experience increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or early evening. This often occurs in conditions like dementia. Choice A, Aphasia, refers to a language disorder affecting a person's ability to communicate. Choice B, Agnosia, is the inability to recognize objects. Choice D, Confabulation, is the production of false memories without the intention to deceive, often seen in conditions like Korsakoff's syndrome.
2. In the ICU setting, a client transported from surgery following open heart bypass grafting will likely have his or her core temperature measured by:
- A. oral thermometer.
- B. rectal thermometer.
- C. esophageal thermometer.
- D. temporal artery thermometer.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An esophageal thermometer is commonly used in ICU settings to accurately measure core body temperature, especially in post-surgical patients. The esophageal thermometer provides a more precise measurement of core temperature compared to other methods like oral, rectal, or temporal artery thermometers. In the ICU, accuracy in temperature measurement is crucial for detecting and responding to changes promptly, making the esophageal thermometer the preferred choice in this scenario.
3. In discussing sex hormone production with the patient, the nurse should describe that testosterone is normally secreted in response to
- A. sexual arousal.
- B. stimulation by luteinizing hormone.
- C. ACTH release by the adrenal cortex.
- D. decreased cortisol levels.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Testosterone production is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, 'sexual arousal,' is incorrect because testosterone secretion is not directly linked to arousal but rather to hormonal stimulation. Choice C, 'ACTH release by the adrenal cortex,' is incorrect as testosterone production is not primarily regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Choice D, 'decreased cortisol levels,' is also incorrect as cortisol and testosterone are regulated by separate endocrine pathways.
4. What symptoms would the nurse expect to see in a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Dyspnea on exertion
- B. Normal lung sounds
- C. Normal arterial blood gases
- D. Onset of the disease during young adulthood
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dyspnea on exertion. COPD typically manifests with symptoms like dyspnea on exertion due to impaired lung function. This symptom is a result of the airways being obstructed and the lungs not being able to expel air effectively. Choices B and C are incorrect because in COPD, abnormal lung sounds such as wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds are often heard upon auscultation, and arterial blood gases are usually abnormal, showing low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels. Choice D is incorrect as COPD is more commonly diagnosed in individuals over 40 who have a history of smoking or exposure to lung irritants.
5. What is the purpose of the inflammatory response?
- A. Prevents blood from entering the injured tissue
- B. Elevates body temperature to prevent spread of infection
- C. Prevents formation of abscess
- D. Minimizes injury and promotes healing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The inflammatory response is a protective mechanism triggered by tissue damage or infection. It aims to minimize injury by removing harmful stimuli and initiating the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because blood flow to the injured tissue is actually increased to deliver immune cells and nutrients. Choice B is incorrect because while fever is a response to infection, it is not the primary purpose of the inflammatory response. Choice C is incorrect because abscess formation can occur as part of the inflammatory response in an attempt to contain an infection.
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