Pathophysiology (NURS231) Final Exam Prep
Complete Questions With Verified Answers
Under what circumstances do cells in the kidneys secrete renin?
1. Serum osmotic pressure increases.
2. Serum potassium levels are high
3. The urine pH decreases.
4. Blood flow in the afferent arteriole decreases.
4. blood flow in the afferent arteriole decreases
At change-of-shift report, the nurse learns the medical diagnoses for four patients. Which patient
should the nurse assess MOST carefully for development of hyponatremia?
Select one:
1. Vomiting all day and not replacing any fluid
2. Tumor that secretes excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
3. Tumor that secretes excessive aldosterone
4. Tumor that destroyed the posterior pituitary gland
2. tumour that secretes excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Compensation mechanisms in the body for dehydration would include:
Select one:
1. Increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
2. Decreased aldosterone.
3. Slow, strong heart contraction
4. Peripheral vasodilation.
1. increased antidiuretic hormone
Which of the following would result from a deficit of plasma proteins?
Select one:
1. Increased osmotic pressure
2. Increased hydrostatic pressure
3. Decreased osmotic pressure
4. Decreased hydrostatic pressure
3. decreased osmotic pressure
Which substance directly controls the reabsorption of water from the collecting ducts?
Select one:
1. Renin
2. Aldosterone
3. Angiotensin
4. Antidiuretic hormone
4. antidiuretic hormone
When a patient is receiving diuretic therapy, what best reflects the patient's fluid volume status?
Select one:
1. Blood pressure and pulse
2. Intake, output, and daily weight
3. Abdominal girth and calf circumference
4. Serum potassium and sodium levels
2. Intake, Output and Daily Weight
,When is the best time for a patient to receive antidiuretics to reduce the amount of disruption of their
daily routine?
In the morning
Fatigue is characterized by what 3 things?
1. perception of generalized weakness
2. mental fatigue
3. decreased ability to complete activities
Fatigue is classified as a health problem if it persists for...
a. 1+ week
b. 2+ weeks
c. 3+ weeks
d. one month+
b. 2 weeks
There are 3 kinds of fatigue classifications. What are they?
1. Unknown etiology
2. Physiological (due to an imbalance in sleep, nutrition and activity)
3. Secondary (due to an underlying health condition)
Fatigue is classified as chronic if it persists for...
6+ months
What are some physiological causes of fatigue (not related to health conditions, but physiological
processes themselves)
1. buildup of metabolic waste/waste products in the body
2. inflammatory process
3. an insufficient supply of nutrients needed for functioning
Which fatigue is resistant to treatment: temporary or chronic?
Chronic
What populations are at the highest risk for fatigue?
Women, older adults, and middle-aged adults
2/3 of all chronic fatigue is related to which of the following (choose all that apply):
a. seasonal affective disorder
b. an underlying medical/psychiatric disorder
c. medication side effects
d. isolation/loneliness
b. 2/3 of all chronic fatigue is related to either the side effects of medications or an underlying
diagnosis (secondary fatigue)
What are interventions for a nursing assessment related to a patient complaining of fatigue?
- PQRSTU
- assess the impact on their daily life
- ask them to explain how it feels/subjective data
,- observe their general appearance (facial expressions, hygiene)
- palpate lymph nodes and thyroid
- auscultate the lungs and heart
- assess muscle strength against resistance
- perform a cranial nerve assessment
- assess deep tendon reflexes
- perform any diagnostic tests (CBC, ESR, renal and liver function, HIV antibodies, thyroid function and
urinalysis)
What are primary prevention techniques for fatigue?
Balancing sleep and wakefulness, getting adequate exercise, having a healthy diet, providing patient
education for patients at particular risk for fatigue disorder
What are some interventions a patient can perform to manage fatigue?
exercise 30 minutes a day, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, manage any underlying conditions
that can cause fatigue, manage stress with relaxation techniques, have planned rest/nap breaks, use
CNS stimulants if needed, consider CBT psychotherapy, stretch/yoga regularly, and go for walks.
What is the difference between hypnotics and sedatives?
Sedatives reduce excitability but don't cause sleep unless given in high doses.
Hypnotics cause sleep.
What is a long-term side effect of prolonged sedative/hypnotic drug therapy?
Interference with REM sleep, daytime drowsiness and fatigue, interruptions of sleep cycles
What is the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines?
Bind to cell receptors enhancing the effect of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter), which slows the
activity of nerves in the brain
What are the indications for benzodiazepines?
Commonly used for sedation, relief of agitation or anxiety, treatment of anxiety-related depression or
bipolar disorder, sleep induction for sleep disorders, skeletal muscle relaxation for muscle spasms,
treatment of acute seizure disorders, treatment and prevention of the symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal, and used as an adjuncts in anaesthesia.
What are the contraindications of benzodiazepines?
pregnancy, known drug allergy, open-angle glaucoma, elderly (increases risk of falls and dementia),
impaired kidney or liver function
What can happen if a pregnant woman takes benzodiazepines?
Increases the risk of low birth weight babies and preterm delivery
What are the adverse effects of taking benzodiazepines?
- ataxia (balance, coordination and speech disturbances)
- confusion, amnesia
- fatigue/lethargy/drowsiness
- lightheadedness, dizziness, vertigo
- headaches
, - feeling "hungover", dry mouth, and GI upset
- visual disturbances
- restlessness and/or irritability.
What are some nursing considerations to help with the adverse drug reactions of benzodiazepines?
Dizziness/vertigo: have patient rise slowly, avoid driving heavy machinery, and take drug in the
evening
GI upset: take meds with food, regular water and fibre intake, and exercise
What happens if a person overdoses on benzodiazepines?
Luckily, the worst that can happen is coma. This is why benzo's are preferred to barbiturates because
they have lower toxicities and risks associated with an overdose.
What is flumazenil?
Benzodiazepine antagonist; an antidote to reverse sedative effects in the case of an OD
What are drug interactions for benzodiazepines?
Do not take with other CNS depressants to avoid risking respiratory depression, hypotension,
toxicities, sedation and confusion.
Which natural health products should be avoided with benzodiazepines?
Kava, valerian and grapefruit
Which of the following is a benzodiazepine?:
a. buspirone (Buspar)
b. hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
c. phenobarbital
d. lorazepam (Ativan)
d. lorazepam is a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines have "-zepam" or "-zolam" suffixes!!
Which of the following is a benzodiazepine?:
a. zoplicone (Rhovane)
b. zolpidem tartrate (Ambien)
c. diazepam (Valium)
d. flumazenil
c. diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines have "-zepam" or "-zolam" suffixes!!
Which of the following is NOT a benzodiazepine?:
a. alprazolam (Xanax)
b. clonazepam (Klonopin)
c. chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
d. cyclobenzaprine
d. cyclobenzaprine
cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant.
alprazolam, clonazepam, and chlordiazepoxide are all benzodiazepines
Complete Questions With Verified Answers
Under what circumstances do cells in the kidneys secrete renin?
1. Serum osmotic pressure increases.
2. Serum potassium levels are high
3. The urine pH decreases.
4. Blood flow in the afferent arteriole decreases.
4. blood flow in the afferent arteriole decreases
At change-of-shift report, the nurse learns the medical diagnoses for four patients. Which patient
should the nurse assess MOST carefully for development of hyponatremia?
Select one:
1. Vomiting all day and not replacing any fluid
2. Tumor that secretes excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
3. Tumor that secretes excessive aldosterone
4. Tumor that destroyed the posterior pituitary gland
2. tumour that secretes excessive antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Compensation mechanisms in the body for dehydration would include:
Select one:
1. Increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
2. Decreased aldosterone.
3. Slow, strong heart contraction
4. Peripheral vasodilation.
1. increased antidiuretic hormone
Which of the following would result from a deficit of plasma proteins?
Select one:
1. Increased osmotic pressure
2. Increased hydrostatic pressure
3. Decreased osmotic pressure
4. Decreased hydrostatic pressure
3. decreased osmotic pressure
Which substance directly controls the reabsorption of water from the collecting ducts?
Select one:
1. Renin
2. Aldosterone
3. Angiotensin
4. Antidiuretic hormone
4. antidiuretic hormone
When a patient is receiving diuretic therapy, what best reflects the patient's fluid volume status?
Select one:
1. Blood pressure and pulse
2. Intake, output, and daily weight
3. Abdominal girth and calf circumference
4. Serum potassium and sodium levels
2. Intake, Output and Daily Weight
,When is the best time for a patient to receive antidiuretics to reduce the amount of disruption of their
daily routine?
In the morning
Fatigue is characterized by what 3 things?
1. perception of generalized weakness
2. mental fatigue
3. decreased ability to complete activities
Fatigue is classified as a health problem if it persists for...
a. 1+ week
b. 2+ weeks
c. 3+ weeks
d. one month+
b. 2 weeks
There are 3 kinds of fatigue classifications. What are they?
1. Unknown etiology
2. Physiological (due to an imbalance in sleep, nutrition and activity)
3. Secondary (due to an underlying health condition)
Fatigue is classified as chronic if it persists for...
6+ months
What are some physiological causes of fatigue (not related to health conditions, but physiological
processes themselves)
1. buildup of metabolic waste/waste products in the body
2. inflammatory process
3. an insufficient supply of nutrients needed for functioning
Which fatigue is resistant to treatment: temporary or chronic?
Chronic
What populations are at the highest risk for fatigue?
Women, older adults, and middle-aged adults
2/3 of all chronic fatigue is related to which of the following (choose all that apply):
a. seasonal affective disorder
b. an underlying medical/psychiatric disorder
c. medication side effects
d. isolation/loneliness
b. 2/3 of all chronic fatigue is related to either the side effects of medications or an underlying
diagnosis (secondary fatigue)
What are interventions for a nursing assessment related to a patient complaining of fatigue?
- PQRSTU
- assess the impact on their daily life
- ask them to explain how it feels/subjective data
,- observe their general appearance (facial expressions, hygiene)
- palpate lymph nodes and thyroid
- auscultate the lungs and heart
- assess muscle strength against resistance
- perform a cranial nerve assessment
- assess deep tendon reflexes
- perform any diagnostic tests (CBC, ESR, renal and liver function, HIV antibodies, thyroid function and
urinalysis)
What are primary prevention techniques for fatigue?
Balancing sleep and wakefulness, getting adequate exercise, having a healthy diet, providing patient
education for patients at particular risk for fatigue disorder
What are some interventions a patient can perform to manage fatigue?
exercise 30 minutes a day, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, manage any underlying conditions
that can cause fatigue, manage stress with relaxation techniques, have planned rest/nap breaks, use
CNS stimulants if needed, consider CBT psychotherapy, stretch/yoga regularly, and go for walks.
What is the difference between hypnotics and sedatives?
Sedatives reduce excitability but don't cause sleep unless given in high doses.
Hypnotics cause sleep.
What is a long-term side effect of prolonged sedative/hypnotic drug therapy?
Interference with REM sleep, daytime drowsiness and fatigue, interruptions of sleep cycles
What is the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines?
Bind to cell receptors enhancing the effect of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter), which slows the
activity of nerves in the brain
What are the indications for benzodiazepines?
Commonly used for sedation, relief of agitation or anxiety, treatment of anxiety-related depression or
bipolar disorder, sleep induction for sleep disorders, skeletal muscle relaxation for muscle spasms,
treatment of acute seizure disorders, treatment and prevention of the symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal, and used as an adjuncts in anaesthesia.
What are the contraindications of benzodiazepines?
pregnancy, known drug allergy, open-angle glaucoma, elderly (increases risk of falls and dementia),
impaired kidney or liver function
What can happen if a pregnant woman takes benzodiazepines?
Increases the risk of low birth weight babies and preterm delivery
What are the adverse effects of taking benzodiazepines?
- ataxia (balance, coordination and speech disturbances)
- confusion, amnesia
- fatigue/lethargy/drowsiness
- lightheadedness, dizziness, vertigo
- headaches
, - feeling "hungover", dry mouth, and GI upset
- visual disturbances
- restlessness and/or irritability.
What are some nursing considerations to help with the adverse drug reactions of benzodiazepines?
Dizziness/vertigo: have patient rise slowly, avoid driving heavy machinery, and take drug in the
evening
GI upset: take meds with food, regular water and fibre intake, and exercise
What happens if a person overdoses on benzodiazepines?
Luckily, the worst that can happen is coma. This is why benzo's are preferred to barbiturates because
they have lower toxicities and risks associated with an overdose.
What is flumazenil?
Benzodiazepine antagonist; an antidote to reverse sedative effects in the case of an OD
What are drug interactions for benzodiazepines?
Do not take with other CNS depressants to avoid risking respiratory depression, hypotension,
toxicities, sedation and confusion.
Which natural health products should be avoided with benzodiazepines?
Kava, valerian and grapefruit
Which of the following is a benzodiazepine?:
a. buspirone (Buspar)
b. hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
c. phenobarbital
d. lorazepam (Ativan)
d. lorazepam is a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines have "-zepam" or "-zolam" suffixes!!
Which of the following is a benzodiazepine?:
a. zoplicone (Rhovane)
b. zolpidem tartrate (Ambien)
c. diazepam (Valium)
d. flumazenil
c. diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines have "-zepam" or "-zolam" suffixes!!
Which of the following is NOT a benzodiazepine?:
a. alprazolam (Xanax)
b. clonazepam (Klonopin)
c. chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
d. cyclobenzaprine
d. cyclobenzaprine
cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant.
alprazolam, clonazepam, and chlordiazepoxide are all benzodiazepines
