The primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema is:

Questions 68

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

The primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Pulmonary edema is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature. Step 2: Decreased left ventricular pumping leads to congestive heart failure, causing increased pressure in pulmonary circulation. Step 3: This increased pressure forces fluid from the capillaries into the alveoli, causing pulmonary edema. Step 4: Increased left atrial contractility (B) would not directly lead to pulmonary edema. Step 5: Decreased right ventricular elasticity (C) and increased right atrial pressure (D) are not directly related to the pathophysiology of pulmonary edema. Summary: The correct answer is A because decreased left ventricular pumping directly contributes to the increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation that leads to pulmonary edema. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema.

Question 2 of 9

A client is receiving chemotherapy to treat breath cancer. Which assessment finding indicates a fluid and electrolyte imbalance induced by chemotherapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A urine output of 400 ml in 8 hours indicates a fluid and electrolyte imbalance induced by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause renal damage, leading to decreased urine output. This can result in fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because a serum potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range. Choice C is incorrect as the blood pressure readings provided are within the normal range. Choice D is incorrect as dry oral mucous membranes and cracked lips are more indicative of dehydration rather than a fluid and electrolyte imbalance induced by chemotherapy.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperaldosteronism?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: An adrenal adenoma. Adrenal adenoma is the most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome. Adrenal adenomas are benign tumors that cause overproduction of aldosterone, leading to increased sodium retention and potassium excretion. This results in hypertension and hypokalemia. Excessive sodium intake (A) and deficient potassium intake (B) are not direct causes of hyperaldosteronism. A pituitary adenoma (C) is associated with other hormone imbalances, such as Cushing's syndrome or acromegaly, but not hyperaldosteronism.

Question 4 of 9

For a patient receiving furosemide, the nurse evaluates the medication as being effective if which of the following effects occurs?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urine output increased. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by increasing urine output, thus helping to reduce fluid volume in the body. This effect is crucial in managing conditions like heart failure and edema. Increased urine output indicates that the medication is working as intended. Choice B: Heart rate increased is incorrect as furosemide does not directly affect heart rate. Choice C: Serum potassium decreased is incorrect as furosemide can lead to potassium loss, but this is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness. Choice D: Pulse pressure increased is incorrect as furosemide does not typically impact pulse pressure.

Question 5 of 9

Which statement by a nurse indicates a good understanding about the differences between data validation and data interpretation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because data validation involves verifying the accuracy and consistency of data by comparing it with other reliable sources. This ensures that the data is correct and reliable for analysis. Choice A is incorrect because data validation typically occurs after data collection, which is followed by data interpretation. Choice B is incorrect because validation is not about professional standards but about verifying data accuracy. Choice D is incorrect because data interpretation focuses on deriving meaning and insights from data, not on professional standards. In summary, understanding the differences between data validation and interpretation is crucial for ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

Question 6 of 9

Which of the following measures will not help correct the patient’s condition

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Providing oral care does not directly address fluid balance or hydration status. 2. Oral care focuses on maintaining oral hygiene and preventing infections. 3. Choices A, B, and D all involve fluid intake to address dehydration. 4. Offering large amounts of fluid, enteral or parenteral fluids, and small volumes at frequent intervals all aim to correct the patient's condition by replenishing lost fluids. Summary: Choice C is incorrect because oral care does not directly address the patient's dehydration. Choices A, B, and D are better options as they focus on fluid replacement to correct the patient's condition.

Question 7 of 9

Decreasing level of consciousness is a symptom of which of the following physiological phenomena?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased ICP. Decreasing level of consciousness is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to the compression of the brain. As ICP rises, it impairs cerebral perfusion leading to altered mental status. Parasympathetic response (B) and sympathetic response (C) are related to autonomic nervous system functions, not consciousness. Increased cerebral blood flow (D) might lead to conditions like hyperemia but does not directly cause a decreased level of consciousness.

Question 8 of 9

Which initial intervention is most appropriate for a patient who has a new onset of chest pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, notifying the health care provider. This is the most appropriate initial intervention because chest pain can be a symptom of a serious medical condition like a heart attack. The health care provider needs to be informed immediately to assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment. Reassessing the patient (A) may delay crucial medical intervention. Administering pain medication (C) without knowing the cause of chest pain can be dangerous. Calling radiology for a chest x-ray (D) is not the initial step in managing new onset chest pain.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse administered neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin to a diabetic client at 7am. At what time would the nurse expect the client to be at most risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. NPH insulin peaks in 4-12 hours, making 4:00 PM the highest risk time. 2. 10:00 AM is too soon for peak effect. 3. Noon is too early for peak effect. 4. 10:00 PM is too late for peak effect. In summary, B is correct as it aligns with NPH insulin peak time, while other options are too early or too late.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days