Physiology

Question 1

Kawasaki Disease (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 1

🔹 Patho: Vasculitis affecting small/medium arteries (esp. coronary)
🔹 S/S: Fever >5 days, strawberry tongue, cracked lips, swollen hands/feet, conjunctivitis, rash, cervical lymphadenopathy
🔹 Tx: IVIG, high-dose aspirin
🔹 Nursing: Monitor for coronary aneurysms, hydration

Question 2

Status Epilepticus (Condition, Causes, Rescue)

Answer 2

Longer than 5 minutes/Repeated seizures per 30 min

Causes:
- Epileptic Med Withdrawals
- Infections
- Acute Alcohol/Drug Withdrawal
- Cerebral Edema
- Metabolic Disturbances
- Head Trauma

Rescue: Benzodiazepines - (Lorazepam)

Question 3

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 3

🔹 Patho: Severe skin reaction, often drug-induced (usually to meds like sulfonamides, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants)
🔹 S/S: Widespread blistering, Nikolsky’s sign, fever, respiratory distress
🔹 Tx: D/C offending drug, supportive care, IV fluids, wound care
🔹 Nursing: Infection prevention, pain management

Question 4

Serotonin Syndrome (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 4

🔹 Patho: Excess serotonin (from SSRIs, MAOIs, etc.)
🔹 S/S: Hyperreflexia, tremors, clonus, fever, confusion, HTN, tachycardia
🔹 Tx: D/C serotonin drugs, benzodiazepines, cooling measures, cyproheptadine (antidote)
🔹 Nursing: Monitor vitals, airway support if needed

Question 5

Hematoma (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 5

🔹 Patho: Localized blood collection outside vessels (trauma, surgery, anticoagulants)
🔹 S/S: Swelling, discoloration (ecchymosis), tenderness
🔹 Tx: Ice (early), warm compress (late), elevation, compression, pain control
🔹 Nursing: Monitor for expanding hematoma (compartment syndrome)

Question 6

Hemophilia (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 6

🔹 Patho: X-linked disorder (↓ clotting factor VIII or IX)
🔹 S/S: Excess bleeding, hemarthrosis, easy bruising
🔹 Tx: Factor replacement therapy, desmopressin (for mild Hemophilia A)
🔹 Nursing: Bleeding precautions, NO NSAIDs

Question 7

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 7

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune attack on synovial joints
🔹 S/S: Morning stiffness, joint swelling (bilateral), deformities
🔹 Tx: DMARDs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine), NSAIDs, steroids
🔹 Nursing: ROM exercises, monitor for bone marrow suppression (methotrexate)

Question 8

Scleroderma (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 8

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune disease causing skin & organ fibrosis
🔹 S/S: CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud’s, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia)
🔹 Tx: CCBs (Raynaud’s), PPIs (esophageal issues), immunosuppressants
🔹 Nursing: Avoid cold (Raynaud’s), GI support, monitor for pulmonary fibrosis, monitor organs

Question 9

Cystic Fibrosis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 9

🔹 Patho: Genetic disorder (CFTR mutation) → thick mucus in lungs, pancreas, GI
🔹 S/S: Recurrent lung infections, steatorrhea, failure to thrive, salty sweat
🔹 Tx: Airway clearance (chest PT, bronchodilators), pancreatic enzymes, high-calorie diet
🔹 Nursing: Monitor respiratory function, infection prevention

Question 10

Hepatitis A (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 10

🔹 Patho: Viral infection (fecal-oral transmission) → acute liver inflammation
🔹 S/S: Fatigue, jaundice, RUQ pain, dark urine
🔹 Tx: Supportive care (hydration, rest), self-limiting
🔹 Nursing: Hand hygiene, Hep A vaccine prevention

Question 10

Hepatitis B (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 10

🔹 Patho: Viral infection (blood/body fluids) → acute or chronic liver disease
🔹 S/S: Jaundice, RUQ pain, clay-colored stool, fatigue
🔹 Tx: Acute: supportive care | Chronic: antivirals (entecavir, tenofovir)
🔹 Nursing: Hep B vaccine prevention, avoid hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, alcohol)

Question 11

Hepatitis C (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 11

🔹 Patho: Bloodborne viral infection (IV drug use, transfusions) → chronic liver disease
🔹 S/S: Asymptomatic early, later: cirrhosis, jaundice, fatigue
🔹 Tx: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) → curative
🔹 Nursing: Screen high-risk patients, monitor liver function

Question 12

Myasthenia Gravis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 12

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors
🔹 S/S: Muscle weakness, ptosis, dysphagia, worse with activity
🔹 Tx: Pyridostigmine (1st line), steroids, plasmapheresis (severe cases)
🔹 Nursing: Monitor for myasthenic crisis (respiratory failure)

Question 13

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) (Patho, S/x, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 13

🔹 Patho: X-linked disorder → progressive muscle degeneration (lack of dystrophin)
🔹 S/S: Gower’s sign, calf pseudohypertrophy, progressive weakness
🔹 Tx: Corticosteroids (slow progression), PT, respiratory support
🔹 Nursing: Prevent contractures, monitor cardiac/respiratory function

Question 14

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 14

🔹 Patho: Life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics (dopamine blockade)
🔹 S/S: High fever, lead-pipe rigidity, HTN, AMS, tachycardia
🔹 Tx: D/C antipsychotic, cool patient, bromocriptine/dantrolene
🔹 Nursing: Monitor vitals, aggressive cooling, ICU care

Question 15

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 15

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune attack on multiple organs
🔹 S/S: Butterfly rash, joint pain, fatigue, nephritis, pericarditis
🔹 Tx: NSAIDs, hydroxychloroquine, steroids, immunosuppressants (methotrexate)
🔹 Nursing: Avoid sunlight, infection precautions, monitor kidneys, stress can worsen

Question 16

Crohn’s Disease (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 16

🔹 Patho: Chronic inflammation (any part of GI, skip lesions, transmural)
🔹 S/S: Diarrhea, RLQ pain, weight loss, fistulas
🔹 Tx: Steroids, immunosuppressants, biologics (infliximab), surgery (if severe)
🔹 Nursing: Low-fiber diet, B12 supplementation

Question 17

Ulcerative Colitis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 17

🔹 Patho: Inflammation of colon/rectum (continuous lesions, mucosal only)
🔹 S/S: Bloody diarrhea, LLQ pain, urgency, tenesmus
🔹 Tx: 5-ASA (mesalamine), steroids, colectomy (curative)
🔹 Nursing: Low-residue diet, monitor for toxic megacolon

Question 18

Pyelonephritis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 18

🔹 Patho: Upper UTI → kidney infection
🔹 S/S: Flank pain, fever, CVA tenderness, dysuria
🔹 Tx: IV antibiotics (cipro, ceftriaxone), fluids, pain control
🔹 Nursing: Monitor urine output, prevent urosepsis

Question 19

Glomerulonephritis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 19

🔹 Patho: Inflammation of glomeruli (post-strep most common)
🔹 S/S: Hematuria (tea-colored urine), edema, HTN, proteinuria
🔹 Tx: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, steroids (if autoimmune cause)
🔹 Nursing: Monitor BP, fluid restriction if severe edema

Question 20

Gout (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 20

🔹 Patho: Uric acid crystal buildup (joints, esp. big toe)
🔹 S/S: Severe joint pain, redness, swelling
🔹 Tx: Acute: NSAIDs, colchicine | Chronic: allopurinol, probenecid
🔹 Nursing: Avoid purine-rich foods (red meat, alcohol), increase fluids

Question 21

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 21

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune demyelination of CNS neurons
🔹 S/S: Vision changes, weakness, spasticity, bowel/bladder dysfunction
🔹 Tx: Steroids (exacerbations), immunomodulators (interferon, fingolimod)
🔹 Nursing: Prevent fatigue, monitor mobility

Question 22

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 22

🔹 Patho: Autoimmune attack on myelin (often post-infection)
🔹 S/S: Ascending paralysis, absent DTRs, respiratory failure risk
🔹 Tx: Plasmapheresis, IVIG
🔹 Nursing: Monitor respiratory status, prevent DVTs

Question 23

Diabetes Inspidus (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 23

🔹 Patho: ↓ ADH (central DI) or kidney resistance (nephrogenic DI)
🔹 S/S: Polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, low urine specific gravity
🔹 Tx: Desmopressin (DDAVP) for central DI, fluids, thiazide diuretics (nephrogenic DI)
🔹 Nursing: Monitor Na+ levels, hydration status

Question 24

SIADH (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 24

🔹 Patho: Excess ADH → water retention, dilutional hyponatremia 🔹 S/S: Low UOP, weight gain, confusion, seizures (low Na) 🔹 Tx: Fluid restriction, hypertonic saline (severe cases), vasopressin receptor antagonists 🔹 Nursing: Monitor Na+ closely, seizure precautions

Question 25

Pancreatitis (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 25

🔹 Patho: Inflammation due to alcohol or gallstones 🔹 S/S: LUQ pain (worse with eating), N/V, Cullen’s sign (umbilical bruising) 🔹 Tx: NPO, IV fluids, pain control (opioids), possible ERCP for gallstone removal 🔹 Nursing: Monitor for shock, infection

Question 26

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 26

🔹 Patho: Blood clot in deep vein (legs most common) 🔹 S/S: Unilateral swelling, redness, warmth, pain 🔹 Tx: Anticoagulation (heparin, warfarin, DOACs) 🔹 Nursing: Elevate leg, NO massage, monitor for PE

Question 27

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 27

🔹 Patho: Clot lodges in pulmonary artery 🔹 S/S: Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, hypoxia 🔹 Tx: Heparin drip, thrombolytics (if severe), possible embolectomy 🔹 Nursing: O2, monitor for bleeding

Question 28

Addison's Disease (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 28

🔹 Patho: Adrenal insufficiency (↓ cortisol & aldosterone) 🔹 S/S: Fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, hyperpigmentation, hyperkalemia 🔹 Tx: Lifelong steroids (hydrocortisone), fludrocortisone (if aldosterone deficient) 🔹 Nursing: Stress-dose steroids for illness, monitor electrolytes

Question 29

Cushing's Syndrome (Patho, S/x, Txt, Nursing Considerations)

Answer 29

🔹 Patho: Excess cortisol (steroids or adrenal tumor) 🔹 S/S: Moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, striae, HTN, hyperglycemia 🔹 Tx: Gradual steroid taper (if exogenous cause), adrenalectomy (if tumor) 🔹 Nursing: Monitor BG, infection risk, osteoporosis