The school nurse is teaching a group of clients about how tobacco smoke causes lung cancer. Which pathophysiological process supports the risk of cancer from smoking?
Vasoconstrictive properties of nicotine reduce oxygenation and stimulate metabolism.
Drug addiction changes the neurochemical messages in the brain causing cravings.
Carcinogenic agents in tobacco alter cellular cytology, morphology, and function of the lung.
Risk for comorbidities increase incidence of chronic diseases and decrease longevity.
The Correct Answer is C
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, and the pathophysiological process underlying this association involves the exposure of the lungs to carcinogenic agents present in tobacco smoke. Here's why option C is the correct choice:
A) Vasoconstrictive properties of nicotine reduce oxygenation and stimulate metabolism:
While nicotine is a primary addictive component of tobacco smoke and can lead to vasoconstriction, reduced oxygenation, and increased metabolism, these effects primarily contribute to cardiovascular diseases associated with smoking, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, rather than the development of lung cancer.
B) Drug addiction changes the neurochemical messages in the brain causing cravings:
This statement addresses the addictive nature of nicotine and its impact on neurochemistry, leading to cravings and dependence. While addiction is a significant aspect of tobacco use, it does not directly explain the pathophysiological process by which smoking causes lung cancer.
C) Carcinogenic agents in tobacco alter cellular cytology, morphology, and function of the lung:
Correct. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and benzene, which can directly damage the DNA of lung cells. This DNA damage can lead to mutations and alterations in cellular cytology, morphology, and function, ultimately contributing to the development of lung cancer.
D) Risk for comorbidities increase incidence of chronic diseases and decrease longevity:
While smoking is associated with an increased risk of various comorbidities and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and certain cancers, this option does not specifically address the pathophysiological process of lung cancer development.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The clinical manifestations described in the scenario, including lethargy, difficulty talking, hypertension (blood pressure of 146/122 mm Hg), and elevated urine specific gravity (1.055), are indicative of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). Here's a breakdown of the rationale:
A) Hyposecretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):
Hyposecretion of ADH would result in decreased levels of ADH, leading to increased urine output (polyuria) and low urine specific gravity. This condition is known as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and dilute urine. The elevated urine specific gravity in the scenario is inconsistent with diabetes insipidus. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH):
Correct. SIADH is a condition characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary gland, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. The elevated urine specific gravity (1.055) in the scenario indicates concentrated urine, consistent with SIADH. Additionally, lethargy and difficulty talking are common neurological manifestations of hyponatremia, which can occur as a result of water retention in SIADH. The client's hypertension is likely a compensatory response to hyponatremia-induced cerebral edema. Therefore, SIADH is the most likely diagnosis in this context.
C) Hypopituitarism:
Hypopituitarism refers to deficient production of one or more pituitary hormones, which can lead to a variety of endocrine abnormalities depending on which hormones are affected. While it is possible for hypopituitarism to cause hyponatremia, the other clinical manifestations described in the scenario are not typically associated with this condition. Additionally, the elevated urine specific gravity is not consistent with hypopituitarism-induced hyponatremia. Therefore, this option is less likely.
D) Septic shock:
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension and tissue hypoperfusion due to systemic infection. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, hypotension (not hypertension), and oliguria (not concentrated urine), it is not typically associated with elevated urine specific gravity. Therefore, septic shock is not the most likely diagnosis in this context.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. The physiological processes involved in hemodialysis include:
A) Solute movement toward a solution with a higher concentration:
While solute movement occurs during hemodialysis, it is typically from a solution with a higher concentration to one with a lower concentration, rather than the opposite. This movement facilitates the removal of waste products and excess solutes from the bloodstream.
B) Water movement toward a solution with a lower solute concentration:
Correct. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In hemodialysis, water moves out of the bloodstream, across the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer, and into the dialysate solution, which has a lower solute concentration. This process helps remove excess fluid from the body.
C) Blood cells and protein movement through the semipermeable membrane:
Blood cells and proteins are too large to pass through the pores of the semipermeable membrane in the dialyzer during hemodialysis. Therefore, the primary exchange occurs between smaller molecules such as urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and water.
D) Osmosis of water movement and diffusion of solute movement:
Correct. Hemodialysis involves both osmosis and diffusion. Osmosis refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Together, these processes facilitate the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream during hemodialysis.
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