Pathophysiology Practice Questions - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A patient with a history of hypertension presenting with a severe headache, confusion, and visual disturbances, along with a blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg, likely has a hypertensive emergency. In this situation, the severely elevated blood pressure can lead to end-organ damage, causing symptoms such as headache and confusion. Migraine and tension headaches are not associated with such high blood pressure levels. Cluster headaches typically do not present with visual disturbances and confusion in the setting of severe hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dark urine is a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis. When muscle breakdown occurs, myoglobin is released into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys, leading to dark urine. Paresthesias (choice
A) refer to abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness and are not typically associated with rhabdomyolysis. Bone pain (choice
B) is not a prominent symptom of rhabdomyolysis. Diarrhea (choice
D) is not a common complaint in rhabdomyolysis cases and is not directly related to muscle breakdown.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of secondary hypertension. In primary aldosteronism, there is an overproduction of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, leading to increased sodium retention and potassium excretion, ultimately resulting in high blood pressure. Essential hypertension (
Choice
B) is the most common type of hypertension, but it is considered primary hypertension, not secondary. White coat hypertension (
Choice
C) refers to elevated blood pressure readings in a clinical setting due to anxiety but not in daily life. Prehypertension (
Choice
D) is a condition where blood pressure levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic lupus erythematosus. Joint pain, a malar rash, and photosensitivity are classic symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Choice A, Rheumatoid arthritis, is incorrect as it typically presents with symmetric joint involvement and morning stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis (
Choice
C) is characterized by joint pain associated with psoriasis, which is not described in the case. Dermatomyositis (
Choice
D) presents with muscle weakness, skin rash, and elevated muscle enzymes, different from the symptoms presented in the case.

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.