NUR 205 | NUR 205 Med Surg Exam 1 Version 3 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Which physiological change occurs during the vascular stage of acute inflammation?
A. Decreased capillary permeability
B. Vasoconstriction of the small vessels only
C. Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased blood flow to the injured area
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The vascular stage of acute inflammation involves immediate
changes in the blood vessels at the site of injury. Vasodilation occurs to increase
blood flow, which produces the characteristic redness and heat. Increased capillary
permeability allows protein-rich fluid to move into the extravascular spaces. This
fluid movement results in localized edema or swelling in the tissues. These
responses are vital for delivering immune cells and nutrients to the damaged area.
2. A patient is experiencing a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. Which immunoglobulin
is primarily responsible for this response?
A. IgG
,B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgA
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by IgE
antibodies bound to mast cells. When an allergen binds to these antibodies, it
triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This process
can lead to symptoms ranging from mild hay fever to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
IgG and IgM are typically involved in Type II and Type III reactions instead.
Understanding the specific immunoglobulin involved helps nurses anticipate the
clinical course and treatment needs.
3. Which characteristic is most indicative of a malignant tumor rather than a benign
tumor?
A. Ability to metastasize to distant sites
B. Slow and steady growth rate
C. Well-defined borders and encapsulation
D. Cells that closely resemble the parent tissue
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to invade
surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs. Unlike benign tumors, they often
lack a capsule and have irregular, poorly defined borders. The cells within a
malignant tumor often show significant dysplasia and lose specialized functions.
This process of metastasis is what makes malignant conditions particularly
dangerous to the host. Monitoring for systemic signs of spread is a priority in
oncological nursing care.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a large wound that is being left open to heal.
This is known as healing by:
A. Primary intention
B. Quaternary intention
C. Tertiary intention
D. Secondary intention
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Secondary intention occurs when a wound is left open to heal
through the formation of granulation tissue. This process is common in large
wounds, pressure ulcers, or infected surgical incisions. It takes longer than primary
intention and typically results in a larger scar. Nurses must monitor these wounds
, closely for signs of infection and ensure adequate nutritional support. Proper
wound care is essential to facilitate the filling of the defect from the bottom up.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs)?
A. Blocking the release of histamine from mast cells
B. Stimulating the production of glucocorticoids
C. Inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)
D. Inhibiting the production of white blood cells
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes,
which are necessary for prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are key mediators
of pain, fever, and the inflammatory response. By reducing these levels, NSAIDs
provide analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this
inhibition can also lead to adverse effects like gastric irritation and renal
impairment. Nurses must educate patients on the risks of long-term or high-dose
NSAID use.
6. During the ‘Alarm Stage’ of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which
hormone is released to increase blood glucose levels?
A. Cortisol
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Which physiological change occurs during the vascular stage of acute inflammation?
A. Decreased capillary permeability
B. Vasoconstriction of the small vessels only
C. Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased blood flow to the injured area
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The vascular stage of acute inflammation involves immediate
changes in the blood vessels at the site of injury. Vasodilation occurs to increase
blood flow, which produces the characteristic redness and heat. Increased capillary
permeability allows protein-rich fluid to move into the extravascular spaces. This
fluid movement results in localized edema or swelling in the tissues. These
responses are vital for delivering immune cells and nutrients to the damaged area.
2. A patient is experiencing a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. Which immunoglobulin
is primarily responsible for this response?
A. IgG
,B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgA
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by IgE
antibodies bound to mast cells. When an allergen binds to these antibodies, it
triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This process
can lead to symptoms ranging from mild hay fever to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
IgG and IgM are typically involved in Type II and Type III reactions instead.
Understanding the specific immunoglobulin involved helps nurses anticipate the
clinical course and treatment needs.
3. Which characteristic is most indicative of a malignant tumor rather than a benign
tumor?
A. Ability to metastasize to distant sites
B. Slow and steady growth rate
C. Well-defined borders and encapsulation
D. Cells that closely resemble the parent tissue
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to invade
surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs. Unlike benign tumors, they often
lack a capsule and have irregular, poorly defined borders. The cells within a
malignant tumor often show significant dysplasia and lose specialized functions.
This process of metastasis is what makes malignant conditions particularly
dangerous to the host. Monitoring for systemic signs of spread is a priority in
oncological nursing care.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a large wound that is being left open to heal.
This is known as healing by:
A. Primary intention
B. Quaternary intention
C. Tertiary intention
D. Secondary intention
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Secondary intention occurs when a wound is left open to heal
through the formation of granulation tissue. This process is common in large
wounds, pressure ulcers, or infected surgical incisions. It takes longer than primary
intention and typically results in a larger scar. Nurses must monitor these wounds
, closely for signs of infection and ensure adequate nutritional support. Proper
wound care is essential to facilitate the filling of the defect from the bottom up.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs)?
A. Blocking the release of histamine from mast cells
B. Stimulating the production of glucocorticoids
C. Inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)
D. Inhibiting the production of white blood cells
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: NSAIDs work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes,
which are necessary for prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are key mediators
of pain, fever, and the inflammatory response. By reducing these levels, NSAIDs
provide analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, this
inhibition can also lead to adverse effects like gastric irritation and renal
impairment. Nurses must educate patients on the risks of long-term or high-dose
NSAID use.
6. During the ‘Alarm Stage’ of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which
hormone is released to increase blood glucose levels?
A. Cortisol