American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What condition is characterized by temporal artery granulomatous vasculitis?

1. Horner's syndrome

2. Giant cell arteritis

3. Multiple sclerosis

4. Polycythemia vera

The correct answer is: Giant cell arteritis

The condition characterized by temporal artery granulomatous vasculitis is Giant Cell Arteritis, also known as Temporal Arteritis. This condition involves inflammation of the walls of the temporal arteries, which can lead to a range of symptoms including headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and potential vision loss if not treated promptly. Giant Cell Arteritis is part of a group of disorders referred to as vasculitides, where the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessel walls, leading to granuloma formation in the arteries. The presence of such granulation can obstruct blood flow and lead to serious complications. Other options do not share these characteristics. Horner's syndrome is a neurological condition affecting the eye, multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disorder characterized by demyelination, and polycythemia vera is a blood disorder leading to increased red blood cell production. None of these conditions involve the granulomatous inflammation of arteries that is seen in Giant Cell Arteritis. Therefore, recognizing the distinct pathological features of this condition is crucial in differentiating it from other medical disorders.