WGU Pathophysiology Final Exam

While performing the genital assessment of a male client, a nurse observes that the client has curvature of the penis. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?

Peyronie's disease

A client tells a nurse, "My erections lasts for several hours and are painful. "Which medication found in the client's prescription is responsible?

Sildenafil

A nurse observes that a newborn has an abnormally positioned urethral orifice of the penis. Which disorder will the nurse suspect in the newborn?

Hypospadias

Which physical finding in a client will lead a nurse to suspect paraphimosis?

Permanent retracted position of the foreskin behind the penis

A registered nurse is teaching about the medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to a group of student nurses. Which statement of a student nurse indicates the need for further teaching?

"Alpha-blockers REDUCE the size of the prostate."

Which hormone stimulates Sertoli cells to synthesize spermatozoa?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

While assessing a male client for reproductive disorders, the primary health-care provider wants to understand whether the client has prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which diagnostic test will the nurse expect in this case?

Both A and B

(Ultrasound

Urine flow studies)

While assessing a male client, a nurse finds erythema, swelling, and tenderness of the scrotum. The client also reports pain in the scrotum. Which disorder does the nurse suspect in the client?

Testicular torsion

A digital rectal examination (DRE) in a client reveals the enlargement of the prostate gland that is firm, painless, and generalized. Which medications will the nurse anticipate from the primary health-care provider to treat the client?

Alpha-blockers & 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Alpha-blockers help to relax the smooth muscles of the prostate but do not aid in reducing the size of the prostate.

While assessing a male client, a nurse observes swelling in the scrotum due to the collection of serous fluid. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?

HYDROcele

Which disorder can occur due to HIV?

Testicular cancer

Which artery provides engorgement of the glans during erection?

Dorsal

After examining an elderly client's penis, a nurse finds the presence of scar tissue in the corpora cavernosum. On further assessment, the nurse confirms Peyronie's disease in the client. Which finding supports the nurse's confirmation?

Presence of a curved penis

A nurse teaches intervention to a client for healthy spermatogenesis. During a follow-up visit, the nurse finds that the client has risk for diminished sperm production. Which statement of the client supports the nurse's conclusion?

"I should take a hot bath regularly."

During an assessment, a nurse observes the signs of diminished secondary sexual characteristics in an adult male client. What should be the appropriate nursing action?

Measure the morning serum testosterone levels.

Which hormone stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to secrete testosterone?

Luteinizing hormone

Which cells secrete inhibin hormone?

Sertoli cells

Which condition can cause ischemia of the testicle?

Testicular torsion

While assessing a male client, a nurse observes that the client has a small penis, long legs, short trunk, enlarged breast tissues, small testicles, and sexual dysfunction. What reason does the nurse suspect from these findings?

Presence of an extra X chromosome

Which gland secretes a lubricating fluid that coats the urethra during sexual arousal?

Bulbourethral gland

Endocrine System

Consists of glands secreting hormones into the bloodstream

Hormone Regulation

Hormones act on target cells by binding to specific receptors

Homeostasis Maintenance

Hormones regulate physiological parameters for internal balance

Growth and Development

Hormones influence growth, muscle development, and maturation

Stress Response

Endocrine system releases cortisol to adapt to stressors

Autoimmune Diseases

Immune system attacks endocrine glands, causing disorders

Neoplastic Growth

Tumors in glands disrupt hormone production and functions

Pituitary Gland Disorders

Conditions affecting pituitary hormone secretion levels

Hypopituitarism

Underactivity of pituitary gland causing hormone deficiencies

Hyperpituitarism

Overactivity of pituitary gland leading to hormone excess

SIADH

Excessive antidiuretic hormone secretion causing water retention

Thyroid Disorders

Conditions affecting thyroid hormone production and function

Graves' Disease

Autoimmune hyperthyroidism with goiter and eye involvement

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland causing hormone deficiency symptoms

Thyrotoxicosis

Excessive thyroid hormone activity in the body

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Conditions affecting adrenal hormone production and function

Cushing's Disease

Hypercortisolism due to excessive ACTH production

Addison's Disease

Adrenal insufficiency from autoimmune adrenal destruction

Pheochromocytoma

Adrenal tumor producing excess catecholamines

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance leading to decreased insulin production

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Severe hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)

Life-threatening hyperglycemia, hyperosmolarity, and dehydration

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

Occurs in older adults with type 2 diabetes, leading to extreme dehydration and altered consciousness.

Chlamydia

Common STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, often asymptomatic but can cause PID and infertility.

Gonorrhea

STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with symptoms like urethral discharge and pelvic pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection of female reproductive organs, commonly caused by STIs, leading to pelvic pain and infertility.

LGBTQ Sexual Health Care

Unique care needs for LGBTQ individuals related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Endometriosis

Condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and infertility.

Adenomyosis

Endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall, causing heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Hormonal disorder with ovarian cysts, irregular cycles, and symptoms of androgen excess.

Hormone Receptors

ER, PR, and HER2 play a key role in breast cancer biology.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Rapid growing Breast cancer subtype lacking ER, PR, and HER2 expression, treated with chemotherapy.

Ovarian Cancer

Malignancy in ovaries with symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and bowel habit changes.

Cervical Cancer

Malignancy in cervix cells, often caused by high-risk HPV infection.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-cancerous prostate enlargement causing urinary symptoms in older men.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.

Prostate Cancer

Malignancy in the prostate gland, varying in aggressiveness.

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Aims to reduce androgens stimulating prostate cancer growth, involving testosterone and DHT suppression.

Surgical Castration

Removal of testes to decrease testosterone production, a permanent form of hormone therapy.

Medical Castration

Administration of medications suppressing testosterone production by the testes.

Anti-Androgens

Medications blocking androgen action at the cellular level in prostate cancer treatment.

Indications for Hormone Therapy

Used in locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, alone or with other treatments.

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

Include hot flashes, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, and metabolic changes.

Long-term Hormone Therapy Risks

May increase risk of cognitive impairment, mood changes, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Esophagus

Muscular tube connecting throat to stomach for food transport

Peristalsis

Coordinated muscular contractions aiding food movement in esophagus

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Regulates food passage, prevents stomach reflux into esophagus

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Weak LES causes stomach acid reflux, leading to heartburn

Esophageal Stricture

Narrowing of esophagus from chronic inflammation or scarring

Stomach

Upper abdomen organ for food digestion, storage, and mixing

Chyme

Semi-liquid food mixture formed in the stomach

Gastritis

Stomach lining inflammation from infections, medications, or alcohol

Small Intestine

Longest digestive tract part for nutrient digestion and absorption

Villi and Microvilli

Structures aiding nutrient absorption in the small intestine

Malabsorption Syndromes

Conditions impairing nutrient absorption like celiac disease

Small Bowel Obstruction

Blockage in the small intestine causing abdominal symptoms

Inflammation

Digestive tract swelling from immune responses, infections, or autoimmune reactions

Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to the gut leading to tissue damage

Chemical Injury

Gastrointestinal mucosa damage from irritants or toxic substances

Immune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases attacking the gut, causing inflammation

Abdominal Pain

Common manifestation of gastrointestinal disorders

Perforation

Intestinal wall hole from severe inflammation or injury

Fistulas

Abnormal connections between digestive tract parts or organs

Malabsorption

Impaired nutrient absorption leading to deficiencies

Colorectal Cancer

Cancer risk from chronic inflammation and genetic factors

Complications of Treatment

Adverse effects from gastrointestinal disorder treatments

Upper Esophageal Sphincter

Relaxes during swallowing to allow food passage

Epithelial Cells

Protective barrier cells in the esophageal lining

Barrett's Esophagus

Precancerous condition due to chronic acid reflux

Esophageal Blood Vessels

Blood vessels supplying the esophagus, forming a vasa vasorum network.

Esophageal Veins

Veins draining blood from the esophagus into the portal vein system.

Upper GI Tract Bleeding

Bleeding in the upper digestive tract, including esophagus, stomach, duodenum.

Esophageal Varices

Enlarged veins in the lower esophagus, often due to liver cirrhosis.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Open sores in stomach or duodenum lining, leading to ulcers.

Hernia

Organ or tissue protrusion through weak abdominal wall spot.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of stomach and intestines caused by infections.

Celiac Disease

Autoimmune disorder reacting to gluten, damaging small intestine lining.

Large Intestine Functions

Absorption of water, fermentation of carbs, storage of feces.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Includes Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, with characteristic symptoms.