ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsens:
- A. with rest because blood flow increases.
- B. with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away.
- C. when the leg is in a dependent position because blood pools.
- D. when the leg is touched or massaged because cytokines are released.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In peripheral artery disease, pain in the lower extremities worsens with the elevation of the extremity because it diverts blood flow away from the affected area, exacerbating the pain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Resting doesn't increase blood flow, a dependent position doesn't lead to blood pooling in this context, and pain worsening due to touch or massage is not a typical feature of peripheral artery disease.
2. A 10-year-old male is stung by a bee while playing in the yard. He begins itching and develops pain, swelling, redness, and respiratory difficulties. He is suffering from:
- A. Immunodeficiency
- B. Autoimmunity
- C. Anaphylaxis
- D. Tissue-specific hypersensitivity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, immediate allergic reaction mediated by IgE. In this scenario, the symptoms of itching, pain, swelling, redness, and respiratory difficulties following a bee sting are indicative of anaphylaxis. Choice A, Immunodeficiency, refers to a weakened immune system's inability to protect the body from infections and diseases, which is not the case here. Choice B, Autoimmunity, involves the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissues by mistake, which is not the mechanism at play in anaphylaxis. Choice D, Tissue-specific hypersensitivity, does not accurately describe the immediate, systemic reaction seen in anaphylaxis.
3. A hospital client is at a high risk of developing bacterial endocarditis. Which of the following prophylactic measures is likely to be most effective?
- A. Avoiding exposure to individuals known to carry the streptococcus bacterium
- B. Daily administration of low-dose corticosteroids
- C. Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy before any invasive procedure
- D. Routine vaccinations against meningococcal and pneumococcal infections
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy before any invasive procedure is the most effective measure in preventing bacterial endocarditis in at-risk individuals. This measure helps to reduce the risk of bacterial infection during invasive procedures, which can lead to endocarditis. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding exposure to individuals with streptococcus does not address the primary preventive measure needed. Choice B is incorrect as corticosteroids do not prevent bacterial endocarditis, and daily administration is not the recommended prophylactic measure. Choice D is incorrect as routine vaccinations against meningococcal and pneumococcal infections are important for other conditions but not specifically for preventing bacterial endocarditis.
4. A 58-year-old woman comes to the clinic for evaluation of a sharp, intermittent, severe, stabbing facial pain that she describes as 'like an electric shock.' The pain occurs only on one side of her face; it seems to be triggered when she chews, brushes her teeth, or sometimes when she merely touches her face. There is no numbness associated with the pain. What is most likely causing her pain?
- A. Temporal arteritis
- B. Trigeminal neuralgia
- C. Migraine headache
- D. Cluster headache
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe, stabbing pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by light touch, chewing, or brushing teeth. In this case, the patient's symptoms of sharp, intermittent facial pain triggered by activities like chewing and touching her face are classic for trigeminal neuralgia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Temporal arteritis typically presents with unilateral headache, jaw claudication, and visual symptoms. Migraine headaches are usually throbbing in nature and often associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe unilateral pain around the eye with autonomic symptoms like lacrimation and nasal congestion.
5. Manifestations of Cushing syndrome include:
- A. truncal obesity with thin extremities.
- B. enlargement of face, hands, and feet.
- C. cachexia.
- D. thick scalp hair.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct manifestation of Cushing syndrome is truncal obesity with thin extremities. This occurs due to the redistribution of fat to the face, neck, and abdomen, while the arms and legs remain thin. Choice B, enlargement of face, hands, and feet, is more indicative of acromegaly. Choice C, cachexia, refers to extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, which is typically not seen in Cushing syndrome. Choice D, thick scalp hair, is not a typical manifestation of Cushing syndrome.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access