ATI Pathophysiology Exam 1

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When the patient states, "AZT slows the progression of the disease but does not cure it," it shows an understanding that zidovudine (AZT) does not provide a cure for HIV/AIDS but helps in slowing down the progression of the disease. Choice A is incorrect because AZT does not inactivate the virus or prevent recurrence. Choice B is incorrect as AZT resistance can develop with therapy. Choice D is incorrect because while AZT can help prevent opportunistic infections by boosting the immune system, its primary action is not the prevention of opportunistic infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe diarrhea. A patient who has recently returned from a trip to Nepal with a nongovernmental organization and is seeking care for amebiasis would most likely have been prompted by the symptom of severe diarrhea. Amebiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water sources in developing countries like Nepal. The hallmark symptom of amebiasis is dysentery, which is characterized by severe diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool. Malaise and fatigue (choice A) are nonspecific symptoms that may accompany many illnesses and are not specific to amebiasis. Intermittent fever (choice C) is not a typical presenting symptom of amebiasis, which primarily manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dizziness and confusion (choice D) are also not typical symptoms associated with amebiasis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness following a concussion are indicative of increased intracranial pressure. These symptoms suggest a serious condition that can occur after head trauma, requiring immediate medical attention. Lower extremity compartment syndrome presents with symptoms related to pressure build-up in the muscles of the legs, not the head. Consuming too much food at once does not manifest with these neurological symptoms. Improved kidney function would not present with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Air trapping in the alveoli. A barrel chest in emphysema results from the hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping in the alveoli. This leads to increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Peripheral edema is swelling caused by fluid retention in tissues, not associated with a barrel chest in emphysema. Bacterial infections in the lungs can lead to conditions like pneumonia but do not directly cause a barrel chest. Muscle atrophy of the diaphragm could affect breathing mechanics but is not specifically linked to the development of a barrel chest in emphysema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed. In a client with a history of hypertension presenting with severe headache and blurred vision, these symptoms could indicate a hypertensive crisis. The priority action is to lower the blood pressure promptly to prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, or organ damage. Administering antihypertensive medications is crucial in this situation. Administering pain relief medication (Choice A) may temporarily alleviate symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of elevated blood pressure. Obtaining a stat head CT scan (Choice B) may be necessary to rule out other causes but should not delay the administration of antihypertensive medications. Calling the healthcare provider immediately (Choice D) is important but may not address the immediate need to lower blood pressure in a hypertensive crisis.