ATI RN
Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with suspected acute exacerbation of asthma presents with severe dyspnea, accessory muscle use, and inability to speak in full sentences. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for assessing the severity of the patient's asthma exacerbation and guiding management decisions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is presenting with severe symptoms of acute exacerbation of asthma, including severe dyspnea, accessory muscle use, and inability to speak in full sentences. In such cases, the most appropriate intervention for assessing the severity of the asthma exacerbation and guiding management decisions is a clinical assessment using standardized severity scores.
Question 2 of 5
A patient presents with recurrent episodes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Laboratory tests reveal elevated levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant). Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies, which can lead to an increased risk of blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The two most common antiphospholipid antibodies are anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant. Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome can present with recurrent thrombotic events, such as DVT and PE, due to the pro-thrombotic effects of these antibodies. Protein C deficiency, Protein S deficiency, and Antithrombin III deficiency are other causes of hypercoagulability but would not typically present with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with recurrent episodes of fever, sore throat, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes on peripheral blood smear and positive heterophile antibody test (Monospot test). Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The clinical presentation of recurrent fever, sore throat, cervical lymphadenopathy, leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, and positive heterophile antibody test (Monospot test) is highly indicative of infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family and is a common cause of infectious mononucleosis. The atypical lymphocytes seen on peripheral blood smear are reactive T lymphocytes responding to the EBV infection. The Monospot test detects heterophile antibodies produced in response to EBV infection.
Question 4 of 5
A patient presents with gradual-onset memory loss, impaired judgment, and personality changes. Over time, the patient develops difficulty with language, motor function, and coordination. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described such as memory loss, impaired judgment, personality changes, difficulty with language, motor function, and coordination all point towards Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects memory and cognitive functions. Over time, it leads to severe impairment in daily activities and overall functioning. While Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and ALS can also present with neurological symptoms, the combination of gradual-onset memory loss, cognitive decline, and functional impairments seen in this scenario is most characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Question 5 of 5
A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. On examination, there is neck stiffness and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms described - sudden-onset severe headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs - are classic manifestations of meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection. The sudden onset of these symptoms and signs, along with neck stiffness and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs (indicative of meningeal irritation), strongly suggest meningitis as the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.