NR 507: MIDTERM EXAM
CHAMBERLAIN
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ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS|
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EXAM NAME: MIDTERM EXAM
PROGRAM: NR (Nursing Program)
COURSE NUMBER: NR 507
COURSE NAME: Advanced Pathophysiology Review
ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
,1. Identifying the Client Most at Risk for Iron Deficiency
Anemia
A nurse practitioner (NP) is conducting health assessments in a primary care clinic and is
evaluating several clients for risk factors associated with iron deficiency anemia. Iron
deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and occurs
when iron stores become depleted, resulting in decreased hemoglobin production and
reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. The NP understands that certain
populations are more vulnerable because of increased iron requirements, chronic blood loss,
or inadequate iron intake. Based on the following client profiles, which client should the NP
recognize as being at the greatest risk for developing iron deficiency anemia?
A. A 25-year-old client who recently became pregnant
B. A 40-year-old client with a history of peptic ulcers
C. A 30-year-old client who donates blood every 3 months
D. A 50-year-old client with congestive heart failure
Correct Answer: C – A 30-year-old client who donates blood every 3 months
Rationale:
Frequent blood donation causes the body to lose red blood cells and iron on a regular basis.
Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
throughout the body. When a person donates blood every 3 months, iron stores may not have
enough time to fully recover before the next donation. Over time, this repeated loss of iron can
lead to iron deficiency anemia. Although pregnancy increases the body's need for iron and
peptic ulcers can cause blood loss, the ongoing and repeated blood loss from frequent blood
donation places this client at the greatest risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. The body
may not be able to replace the lost iron quickly enough, especially if dietary iron intake is
inadequate.
2. The nurse practitioner (NP) reviews a client's laboratory results. Which laboratory result
best reflects the client's level of iron stores?
A. Transferrin saturation
B. Hemoglobin
C. Serum iron
D. Serum ferritin
E. Hematocrit
F. Total iron-binding capacity
Correct Answer: D – Serum ferritin
, Rationale: Serum ferritin is the most sensitive and specific indicator of total body iron stores. It
reflects the amount of iron stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Low serum ferritin is
the first laboratory abnormality seen in iron deficiency anemia, often before changes in
hemoglobin or hematocrit occur. Transferrin saturation and total iron-binding capacity reflect
iron transport, while hemoglobin and hematocrit reflect the functional consequence of iron
deficiency rather than stores themselves.
3. Management of Beta Thalassemia Major
A nurse practitioner (NP) is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with beta thalassemia
major, a severe inherited blood disorder characterized by reduced or absent production of
beta-globin chains in hemoglobin. The client has a history of severe anemia, fatigue, growth
delays, and multiple hospitalizations related to the condition. During a follow-up visit, the NP
reviews the client's treatment plan and anticipates the need for ongoing interventions to
manage the disease and prevent complications. Based on the pathophysiology of beta
thalassemia major, which treatment should the NP expect this client will require?
A. A blood transfusion
B. Iron supplementation therapy
C. Bone marrow stimulants only
D. Increased dietary protein intake
Correct Answer: A blood transfusion
Rationale: Beta thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia) is a severe inherited hemoglobinopathy
characterized by defective beta-globin chain synthesis, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and
severe hemolytic anemia. These clients typically require lifelong regular blood transfusions to
maintain adequate hemoglobin levels and suppress ineffective erythropoiesis. Transfusions are
essential for growth, development, and survival, though they lead to iron overload requiring
chelation therapy.
4. The nurse practitioner (NP) is counseling a client with iron deficiency anemia about dietary
needs. Which instruction(s) should the NP include? (Select all that apply)
A. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals
B. Consume lean red meat
C. Increase intake of calcium-rich foods
, D. Consume iron-fortified cereal
E. Consume vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich meals
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale:
Tea and coffee contain tannins and polyphenols that inhibit non-heme iron absorption
and should be avoided with meals.
Lean red meat is an excellent source of highly bioavailable heme iron.
Iron-fortified cereals provide non-heme iron supplementation.
Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing ferric iron to the more
absorbable ferrous form and forming a chelate with iron.
Calcium-rich foods should NOT be increased with iron-rich meals, as calcium competes
with iron for absorption in the duodenum.
5. A nurse practitioner (NP) is providing pre-conception counseling to a couple, both of whom
are carriers of thalassemia. Which of the following actions should the NP take? (Select all that
apply)
A. Encourage the couple not to conceive
B. Refer the couple for genetic counseling