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 client with a pneumothorax is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding would indicate that the treatment is effective?
- A. Increased respiratory rate
- B. Decreased oxygen saturation levels
- C. Improved breath sounds on the affected side
- D. Increased dyspnea and chest pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with a pneumothorax receiving oxygen therapy, improved breath sounds on the affected side would indicate effective treatment. This finding suggests that the collapsed lung is re-expanding, allowing air to flow more freely in and out of the affected area. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Increased respiratory rate, decreased oxygen saturation levels, and increased dyspnea and chest pain are signs of ineffective treatment or worsening of the condition in a client with a pneumothorax.
3. What key contraindication should the nurse emphasize to a patient prescribed sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction?
- A. Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension.
- B. Sildenafil should not be taken with food as it can reduce its effectiveness.
- C. Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypertension.
- D. Sildenafil should not be taken with grapefruit juice as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Nitrates and sildenafil both cause vasodilation, leading to a synergistic effect that can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no specific contraindication for taking sildenafil with food, having a history of hypertension, or taking it with grapefruit juice. The main concern is the concurrent use of nitrates with sildenafil.
4. A client with a history of rheumatic fever presents with signs of heart failure. What is the likely underlying cause?
- A. Infective endocarditis
- B. Coronary artery disease
- C. Mitral valve stenosis
- D. Aortic regurgitation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mitral valve stenosis. Rheumatic fever can lead to scarring and thickening of the heart valves, often affecting the mitral valve. This stenosis can impede blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, eventually causing heart failure. Choice A, infective endocarditis, is an infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, and is not directly related to rheumatic fever. Choice B, coronary artery disease, involves the obstruction of coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle with blood, leading to ischemia and not typically associated with rheumatic fever. Choice D, aortic regurgitation, is the backflow of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle and is not a common consequence of rheumatic fever.
5. What is the best way to prevent transmission of infectious agents?
- A. Take antibiotics daily
- B. Call the practitioner for herbal supplements
- C. Wash hands
- D. Avoid public areas as much as possible
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wash hands. Washing hands is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. Antibiotics are not effective in preventing infections, and their overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. Calling a practitioner for herbal supplements is not a primary method for preventing the transmission of infectious agents. Avoiding public areas entirely is impractical and not as effective as proper hand hygiene.
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