the unique clinical presentation of a 3 month old infant in the emergency department leads the care team to suspect botulism which assessment question

ATI RN

WGU Pathophysiology Final Exam

1. The unique clinical presentation of a 3-month-old infant in the emergency department leads the care team to suspect botulism. Which assessment question posed to the parents is likely to be most useful in the differential diagnosis?

A. Has your child received all recommended vaccinations?
B. Has your child been feeding poorly or showing signs of constipation?
C. Has your child been exposed to any sick individuals?
D. Has your child been displaying signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Poor feeding and constipation are common early symptoms of infant botulism, which is caused by a neurotoxin that impairs muscle function. Option A is unrelated to the presentation of botulism. Option C does not directly relate to the symptoms of botulism. Option D is more indicative of respiratory issues rather than the constellation of symptoms seen in botulism.

2. Which of the following tests is recommended for lung cancer screening?

A. Chest X-ray
B. Pulmonary function test
C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
D. Magnetic resonance imaging

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Computed tomography (CT) scan. When screening for lung cancer, CT scans are recommended over chest X-rays due to their higher sensitivity in detecting lung nodules and early-stage cancers. Pulmonary function tests are not used for screening lung cancer but rather to assess lung function. Magnetic resonance imaging is not the preferred imaging modality for routine lung cancer screening, as CT scans are more commonly used.

3. Peritonitis is a condition that can result in serious complications. Identify one of the complications.

A. Increased peristalsis
B. Dizziness and malaise
C. Sepsis and shock
D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Peritonitis can lead to severe complications such as sepsis and shock due to the infection spreading in the abdominal cavity. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection, and shock is a life-threatening condition where the body's organs are not receiving enough blood flow. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Increased peristalsis is not a typical complication of peritonitis; dizziness and malaise, as well as nausea and vomiting, are symptoms rather than complications of the condition.

4. Which patient is most likely to be diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome II (CRPS II)?

A. A patient who has experienced a spinal cord injury and reports severe, burning pain in his legs.
B. A patient who reports severe pain in her hand following a surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
C. A patient who develops pain in his foot following a fracture and immobilization with a cast.
D. A patient who experiences chronic pain and swelling in his arm following a brachial plexus injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Complex regional pain syndrome II (CRPS II) typically occurs after an injury to a peripheral nerve. In this case, a brachial plexus injury involves damage to the nerves that control muscles in the arm and hand, leading to chronic pain and swelling. Choices A, B, and C describe pain related to other conditions such as spinal cord injury, carpal tunnel surgery, and fracture immobilization, which are not typically associated with CRPS II.

5. What causes secondary brain injury after head trauma?

A. Brain injury resulting from the body’s response to tissue damage
B. Brain injury resulting from initial trauma
C. Injury as a result of medical therapy
D. Focal areas of bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Secondary brain injury occurs due to the body's response to the initial trauma, which can worsen the effects of the primary injury. This response includes processes like inflammation, increased intracranial pressure, and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to the primary trauma itself, not the secondary injury. Choice C is incorrect as it relates to injury caused by medical interventions rather than the body's response. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions focal areas of bleeding, which is a consequence of trauma rather than the cause of secondary brain injury.