ATI RN
Pathophysiology Practice Questions
1. Which of the following conditions is associated with a positive Homan's sign?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis
- B. Peripheral artery disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Lymphedema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A positive Homan's sign is indicative of deep vein thrombosis. This sign is elicited by dorsiflexing the foot of a patient with the knee slightly flexed, resulting in calf pain. Peripheral artery disease (choice B) is associated with decreased blood flow to the extremities, but it does not produce a positive Homan's sign. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins that are typically not related to Homan's sign. Lymphedema (choice D) is swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage or dysfunction and is not linked to Homan's sign.
2. When a child jumps out of the tub, crying and stating her feet are 'burning,' what pathophysiologic principle is responsible for this response?
- A. Pain receptors (nociceptors) have been activated in response to a thermal stimulus.
- B. The child's skin thermal receptors have undergone adaptation.
- C. The child is exhibiting a psychogenic pain response due to anxiety.
- D. The child is experiencing a conditioned pain response based on previous experiences.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The child's reaction is due to the activation of nociceptors, which are pain receptors that respond to thermal stimuli. This response is an immediate protective mechanism to prevent tissue damage caused by extreme temperatures. Option B is incorrect because adaptation does not explain the child's immediate and intense response. Option C is incorrect as there is a clear physical stimulus present, ruling out a psychogenic response. Option D is incorrect as the child's response is not based on previous experiences but rather on the current thermal stimulus.
3. A patient is being treated for active tuberculosis with ethambutol (Myambutol). The patient states to the nurse that he cannot identify the red and green on the traffic lights when he is driving. Based on this finding, what medical intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Assess for photosensitivity.
- B. Discontinue ethambutol (Myambutol).
- C. Decrease the ethambutol (Myambutol) dose.
- D. Administer vitamin B.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for photosensitivity. Ethambutol can cause optic neuritis, leading to visual disturbances, including difficulty differentiating red and green colors. This is a sign of optic nerve damage and requires immediate evaluation. Discontinuing ethambutol may be necessary if optic neuritis is confirmed, but this decision should be made by a healthcare provider. Decreasing the dose of ethambutol may not address the visual changes. Administering vitamin B does not directly address the side effect caused by ethambutol.
4. Which scenario would be an example of a child born with congenital insensitivity to pain?
- A. A child who does not cry when injured and fails to respond to painful stimuli.
- B. A child who cries excessively and has a heightened response to pain.
- C. A child who experiences pain but has difficulty expressing it.
- D. A child who is sensitive to minor stimuli but has a delayed response to severe pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct scenario depicting a child with congenital insensitivity to pain is when the child does not cry when injured and fails to respond to painful stimuli. This condition is characterized by the inability to feel and react to pain, resulting in a lack of typical responses such as crying or withdrawal when hurt. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a child with heightened pain sensitivity, opposite to the insensitivity seen in the condition. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests the child feels pain but struggles to communicate it, which is not the case with congenital insensitivity to pain. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a child who is sensitive to minor stimuli and has delayed responses to severe pain, which is not indicative of congenital insensitivity to pain.
5. What are the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries?
- A. Hypoextension, expansion, hyperflexion
- B. Hyperflexion, expansion, hypometabolism
- C. Hypermetabolism, compression, hyperextension
- D. Hyperextension, hyperflexion, compression
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Spinal cord injuries commonly occur due to hyperextension, hyperflexion, and compression. Hyperextension and hyperflexion refer to the excessive bending or stretching of the spinal cord, while compression is the exertion of pressure on the spinal cord. These mechanisms can lead to damage such as contusions, lacerations, and compression of the spinal cord. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries.
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