what is the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function
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ATI RN

ATI Pathophysiology Exam 2

1. What is the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Altered level of consciousness. Changes in consciousness are the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function as they can signal underlying neurological issues. Option A, the ability to perform complex mathematics, though it involves brain function, is not as sensitive or direct an indicator as altered consciousness. Option C, the lack of cerebrospinal fluid production, is more related to conditions like hydrocephalus rather than a direct indicator of altered brain function. Option D, intact cranial nerve functions, indicate the normal functioning of peripheral nerves and are not as sensitive to changes in brain function as alterations in consciousness.

2. What causes atherosclerotic plaques to form initially?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atherosclerotic plaques form initially due to injury to the coronary artery endothelium, which triggers a cascade of events leading to plaque buildup. Choice A is incorrect because atherosclerotic plaques do not form due to an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Choice C is incorrect as statin medications are actually used to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of plaque formation. Choice D is incorrect as poor dietary modifications can contribute to atherosclerosis but are not the initial cause of plaque formation.

3. A 50-year-old female was diagnosed with sideroblastic anemia. Which of the following assessment findings would most likely occur?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Bronze-colored skin.' Sideroblastic anemia is characterized by excess iron deposition, leading to bronze-colored skin. This occurs due to the abnormal accumulation of iron in tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sideroblastic anemia does not typically present with decreased iron levels, normochromic erythrocytes, or aplastic bone marrow.

4. A male patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prescribed finasteride (Proscar). What should the nurse include in the patient education?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Finasteride is expected to reduce the size of the prostate, which should improve urinary symptoms over time, although the effects may take several weeks or months to become noticeable.

5. Which of the following describes the type of incontinence due to an increase in intraabdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, and laughing?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stress. Stress incontinence occurs when there is an increase in intraabdominal pressure, for example, during activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing, leading to urine leakage. This type of incontinence is specifically triggered by physical movements or activities that put pressure on the bladder. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because overflow incontinence is characterized by the bladder not emptying properly, mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence, and functional incontinence is typically due to physical or cognitive impairments.

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