NURS 231 / BIOD 331 Pathophysiology Module 10 Exam (Portage Learning) Questions and Correct Answers with Rationales - Graded A+ Latest 2026

NURS 231 / BIOD 331 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY –
MODULE 10 EXAM (PORTAGE LEARNING)
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+
LATEST

Question 1
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to occur with prolonged vomiting?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric secretions contain potassium; prolonged vomiting results in
potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.


Question 2
A patient with metabolic acidosis is expected to demonstrate which compensatory
response?
A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Increased renal bicarbonate excretion
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Decreased hydrogen ion excretion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis triggers respiratory compensation through
hyperventilation to reduce carbon dioxide and raise pH.

,Question 3
Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating serum calcium levels?
A. Aldosterone
B. Antidiuretic hormone
C. Parathyroid hormone
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parathyroid hormone increases serum calcium by promoting bone
resorption, renal reabsorption, and intestinal absorption.


Question 4
In acute kidney injury, which laboratory finding is expected?
A. Decreased serum creatinine
B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen
C. Increased serum potassium
D. Decreased phosphorus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced renal excretion leads to potassium retention and
hyperkalemia.


Question 5
Which condition most commonly causes respiratory alkalosis?
A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
B. Prolonged diarrhea
C. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
D. Renal failure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperventilation causes excessive carbon dioxide loss, resulting in
respiratory alkalosis.

,Question 6
Edema formation is primarily caused by which pathophysiologic mechanism?
A. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary permeability
C. Increased hydrostatic pressure
D. Decreased interstitial fluid volume
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out of capillaries into the
interstitial space, leading to edema.


Question 7
Which acid–base imbalance is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Accumulation of ketoacids lowers blood pH, causing metabolic
acidosis.

, Question 8
Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk for cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated potassium interferes with cardiac electrical conduction and
can cause lethal dysrhythmias.


Question 9
The primary function of aldosterone is to:
A. Promote water excretion
B. Increase sodium reabsorption
C. Decrease potassium excretion
D. Decrease blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aldosterone promotes sodium and water reabsorption while increasing
potassium excretion.


Question 10
Which clinical manifestation is most consistent with hyponatremia?
A. Muscle rigidity
B. Confusion and seizures
C. Bradycardia
D. Dry mucous membranes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low sodium causes cerebral edema, leading to neurologic symptoms
such as confusion and seizures.