NUR2063 Exam 2: Essentials of Pathophysiology Comprehensive
Questions and Correct Answers with Explanation | Latest Update |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with bilateral peripheral edema, jugular venous distention,
and hepatomegaly. Which condition is most likely?
A. Left-sided heart failure
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Right-sided heart failure
D. Acute myocardial infarction
Answer: C
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic
circulation, leading to peripheral edema, JVD, and organ congestion like hepatomegaly.
2. Which laboratory value is the most specific indicator of acute myocardial
damage?
A. Creatine Kinase (CK-MB)
B. Myoglobin
C. Troponin I or T
D. C-reactive protein
Answer: C
,Explanation: Troponin is highly specific to cardiac muscle and remains elevated longer
than other markers, making it the gold standard for diagnosing MI.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of
atherosclerotic plaques?
A. Dilation of the arterial wall
B. Vasospasm of the coronary arteries
C. Decreased levels of LDL cholesterol
D. Endothelial injury and lipid accumulation
Answer: D
Explanation: Atherosclerosis begins with injury to the endothelial lining, followed by
inflammation and the accumulation of lipids (LDL) forming foam cells.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. This condition is caused by a
deficiency in which of the following?
A. Intrinsic factor
B. Folic acid
C. Erythropoietin
D. Iron intake
Answer: A
Explanation: Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a lack of
intrinsic factor, which is necessary for B12 absorption in the ileum.
, 5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient with chronic renal failure most at
risk for developing?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: C
Explanation: The kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium; in renal failure,
potassium is retained, leading to life-threatening hyperkalemia.
6. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: A
Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45) indicates a
respiratory cause. The normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
Questions and Correct Answers with Explanation | Latest Update |
Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with bilateral peripheral edema, jugular venous distention,
and hepatomegaly. Which condition is most likely?
A. Left-sided heart failure
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Right-sided heart failure
D. Acute myocardial infarction
Answer: C
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic
circulation, leading to peripheral edema, JVD, and organ congestion like hepatomegaly.
2. Which laboratory value is the most specific indicator of acute myocardial
damage?
A. Creatine Kinase (CK-MB)
B. Myoglobin
C. Troponin I or T
D. C-reactive protein
Answer: C
,Explanation: Troponin is highly specific to cardiac muscle and remains elevated longer
than other markers, making it the gold standard for diagnosing MI.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of
atherosclerotic plaques?
A. Dilation of the arterial wall
B. Vasospasm of the coronary arteries
C. Decreased levels of LDL cholesterol
D. Endothelial injury and lipid accumulation
Answer: D
Explanation: Atherosclerosis begins with injury to the endothelial lining, followed by
inflammation and the accumulation of lipids (LDL) forming foam cells.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. This condition is caused by a
deficiency in which of the following?
A. Intrinsic factor
B. Folic acid
C. Erythropoietin
D. Iron intake
Answer: A
Explanation: Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a lack of
intrinsic factor, which is necessary for B12 absorption in the ileum.
, 5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient with chronic renal failure most at
risk for developing?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: C
Explanation: The kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium; in renal failure,
potassium is retained, leading to life-threatening hyperkalemia.
6. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: A
Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45) indicates a
respiratory cause. The normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
