Hesi Pathophysiology
Practice Exam
Questions & Answers
After talking w/ the HCP, a male pt continues to have questions about the results
of a prostatic surface antigen (PSA) screening test and asks the nurse how the PSA
levels become elevated. The nurse should explain which pathophysiological
mechanism? - ANSWER-As the prostate gland enlarges, its cells contribute more
PSA in the circulating blood
PSA is a glycoprotein found in prostatic epithelial cells, and elevations are used as
a specific tumor markers. Elevations in PSA are r/t gland volume, ie. benign BPH,
prostatitis, and cancer of the prostate, indicating tumor cell load. PSA levels are
also used to monitor response to therapy
A 26 yr old male client w/ Hodgkin's disease is scheduled to undergo radiation
therapy. The clinet expresses concern about the effect of radiation on his ability to
have children. What info should the nurse provide? - ANSWER-Permanent sterility
occurs in the male client who receive radiation
Low sperm count and loss of motility are seen in males w/ Hodgkin's disease b/f
any therapy. Radiotherapy often results in permanent aspermia, or sterility
, The nurse hears short, high-pitched sounds just b/f the end of inspiration in the
right and left lower lobes when auscultating a client's lungs. How should this
finding be recorded? - ANSWER-Crackles in the right and left lower lobes
Fine crackles - short, high-pitched sounds heard just b/f the end of inspiration that
are the result of rapid equalization of pressure when collaped alveoli or terminal
bronchioles suddenly snap open
Wheezing is a continuous high-pitched squeaking or musical sound caused by
rapid vibration of bronchial walls that are 1st evident on expiration and may be
audible
A client is admitted to the ER w/ a tension pneumothorax. Which assessment
should the nurse expect to ID? - ANSWER-A deviation of the trachea toward the
side opposite of the pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is caused by rapid accumulation of air in the pleural space,
causing severely high intrapleural pressure. This results in collapse of the lung, and
the mediastinum shifts toward the unaffected side, which is subsequently
compressed
A client who is receiving a whole blood transfusion dv's chills, fever, and a HA 30
min after the transfusion is started. The nurse shold recognize these sx as
characteristic of what rxn? - ANSWER-A febrile transfusion reaction
Sx of a febrile reaction include sudden chills, fever, HA, flushing, and muscle pain.
Practice Exam
Questions & Answers
After talking w/ the HCP, a male pt continues to have questions about the results
of a prostatic surface antigen (PSA) screening test and asks the nurse how the PSA
levels become elevated. The nurse should explain which pathophysiological
mechanism? - ANSWER-As the prostate gland enlarges, its cells contribute more
PSA in the circulating blood
PSA is a glycoprotein found in prostatic epithelial cells, and elevations are used as
a specific tumor markers. Elevations in PSA are r/t gland volume, ie. benign BPH,
prostatitis, and cancer of the prostate, indicating tumor cell load. PSA levels are
also used to monitor response to therapy
A 26 yr old male client w/ Hodgkin's disease is scheduled to undergo radiation
therapy. The clinet expresses concern about the effect of radiation on his ability to
have children. What info should the nurse provide? - ANSWER-Permanent sterility
occurs in the male client who receive radiation
Low sperm count and loss of motility are seen in males w/ Hodgkin's disease b/f
any therapy. Radiotherapy often results in permanent aspermia, or sterility
, The nurse hears short, high-pitched sounds just b/f the end of inspiration in the
right and left lower lobes when auscultating a client's lungs. How should this
finding be recorded? - ANSWER-Crackles in the right and left lower lobes
Fine crackles - short, high-pitched sounds heard just b/f the end of inspiration that
are the result of rapid equalization of pressure when collaped alveoli or terminal
bronchioles suddenly snap open
Wheezing is a continuous high-pitched squeaking or musical sound caused by
rapid vibration of bronchial walls that are 1st evident on expiration and may be
audible
A client is admitted to the ER w/ a tension pneumothorax. Which assessment
should the nurse expect to ID? - ANSWER-A deviation of the trachea toward the
side opposite of the pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is caused by rapid accumulation of air in the pleural space,
causing severely high intrapleural pressure. This results in collapse of the lung, and
the mediastinum shifts toward the unaffected side, which is subsequently
compressed
A client who is receiving a whole blood transfusion dv's chills, fever, and a HA 30
min after the transfusion is started. The nurse shold recognize these sx as
characteristic of what rxn? - ANSWER-A febrile transfusion reaction
Sx of a febrile reaction include sudden chills, fever, HA, flushing, and muscle pain.
