ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Which of the following birthmarks usually fade or regress as the child gets older?
- A. Hemangiomas
- B. Congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots)
- C. Macular stains
- D. Hemangiomas, congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots), and macular stains
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hemangiomas, congenital dermal melanocytosis (i.e., Mongolian spots), and macular stains are birthmarks that usually fade or regress as the child gets older. Hemangiomas are vascular birthmarks that often shrink and fade over time. Congenital dermal melanocytosis (Mongolian spots) are blue-gray birthmarks commonly found on the lower back and buttocks of infants, which typically fade by adolescence. Macular stains, also known as salmon patches, are pink or red birthmarks that usually fade within the first few years of life. Choice D is correct because all the mentioned birthmarks tend to diminish as the child grows, unlike choices A, B, and C which do not fade or regress with age.
2. During a flu shot clinic, one of the questions the student nurse asks relates to whether the client has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The client asks, 'What is that?' How should the nursing student reply?
- A. A type of paralysis that affects movement on both sides of the body. It may even involve the respiratory muscles.
- B. Swelling of your arm where you got your flu shot and maybe your eyes and lips had some swelling as well.
- C. A degenerative disease where you have trouble walking without the help of a cane or walker.
- D. Influenza-like illness where you had fever and chills for 2 to 3 days after your last flu shot.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy that can lead to paralysis affecting movement on both sides of the body, and in severe cases, involving the respiratory muscles. Choice B is incorrect as it describes local swelling, not the systemic effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a degenerative disease affecting mobility, not an acute immune-mediated condition like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Choice D is incorrect as it describes flu-like symptoms following a flu shot, which is not the same as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
3. A client is admitted with a suspected aortic dissection. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed.
- B. Prepare the client for emergency surgery.
- C. Administer intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure.
- D. Monitor the client's urine output closely.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare the client for emergency surgery. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency that often necessitates immediate surgical intervention to prevent rupture and further complications. Administering antihypertensive medications (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority over surgical intervention. While maintaining blood pressure with intravenous fluids (choice C) is important, the urgent need for surgery takes precedence. Monitoring urine output (choice D) is essential for assessing renal function but is not the priority in this critical situation.
4. Which of the following is found in higher concentrations within intracellular fluid?
- A. Magnesium
- B. Sodium
- C. Chloride
- D. Bicarbonate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium is the correct answer as it is found in higher concentrations within intracellular fluid, where it plays vital roles in various cellular functions. Sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate are predominantly found in extracellular fluid rather than intracellular fluid, making them incorrect choices for this question.
5. A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) is frustrated by tremors associated with the disease. How should the nurse explain why these tremors occur? Due to the demyelination of neurons that occurs in MS:
- A. there is an imbalance in acetylcholine and dopamine, leading to tremors.
- B. there is a disruption in nerve impulse conduction, causing tremors.
- C. muscles are unable to receive impulses, resulting in tremors.
- D. the reflex arc is disrupted, leading to muscle tremors.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination of neurons disrupts nerve impulse conduction. This disruption in nerve impulses can lead to tremors, explaining why the client experiences tremors in MS. Choice A is incorrect because tremors in MS are primarily due to nerve conduction issues, not an imbalance in acetylcholine and dopamine. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the process; the issue lies in nerve impulses, not the muscle's ability to receive them. Choice D is incorrect as the primary cause of tremors in MS is the disruption in nerve impulse conduction, not the reflex arc being disrupted.
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