HESI RN
HESI RN Patho Pharmacology Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A male client with a massive pulmonary embolus is tachycardic, hypotensive, and has audible bilateral pulmonary crackles. His arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.0: PaCO₂ 66 mm Hg; HCO3- 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L); PaO₂ 60 mm Hg. Based on these findings, this client is at greatest risk for which pathophysiological condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ABG results (pH 7.0, PaCO₂ 66 mmHg, PaO₂ 60 mmHg) indicate respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia, signaling respiratory failure (
C) due to impaired gas exchange from the embolus. Embolic migration (
A) is a risk, not a condition. Atelectasis (
B) is secondary. Infarction (
D) is possible but less immediate.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with intestinal obstruction who presents with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Which pathophysiologic mechanism supports the client’s clinical presentation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Volvulus (
B), intestinal twisting post-appendectomy, causes obstruction, leading to colicky pain, nausea, vomiting, and distention. Nerve degeneration (
A) relates to GERD. Esophagitis (
C) causes heartburn. H. pylori (
D) causes ulcers, not obstruction.
Question 3 of 5
After the nurse obtains a blood sample from a client’s right radial arterial client reports a sudden onset of pain at the arterial line insertion site. The nurse recognizes which physiological effect may be inducing the sudden pain?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vasospasm (
B) at the arterial line site causes sudden pain by constricting vessels, reducing blood flow. Elevated BP (
A) causes generalized symptoms. A clot (
C) may cause ischemia but is less immediate. Air lock (
D) affects monitoring, not pain.
Question 4 of 5
A male client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) develops a gangrenous toe and is admitted for possible amputation. Which pathophysiological consequence of DM has contributed to this client’s complication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral neuropathy (
C) from prolonged hyperglycemia damages sensory nerves, reducing pain perception and leading to unnoticed foot injuries, infections, and gangrene. CKD (
A) affects kidneys, not directly causing gangrene. Retinopathy (
B) impacts eyes. Hypertension (
D) exacerbates vascular issues but is secondary to neuropathy in this context.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a young adult who reports uncontrolled acne vulgaris. Which pathological findings should the nurse observe on inspection of skin areas commonly affected in acne vulgaris?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acne vulgaris involves hyperactive sebaceous glands causing comedones, papules, and pustules on the face, neck, and upper back (
C). Skin tags (
A) are benign growths. Hyperpigmentation (
B) may follow acne but isn’t primary. Scaling plaques (
D) indicate psoriasis.