NUR2063 Exam 2: Essentials of Pathophysiology Questions and
Correct Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is admitted with deep, rapid
respirations and a fruity breath odor. What is the underlying cause of these
respirations?
A. Compensatory response to metabolic acidosis
B. Compensatory response to metabolic alkalosis
C. Inability of the lungs to exchange oxygen
D. Hypoventilation due to central nervous system depression
Answer: A
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism where the body
attempts to blow off carbon dioxide to correct the metabolic acidosis found in Diabetic
Ketoacidosis (DKA).
2. Which condition is characterized by an overproduction of growth hormone in
an adult, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features?
A. Gigantism
B. Acromegaly
C. Cushing Syndrome
D. Myxedema
,Answer: B
Explanation: Acromegaly occurs in adults after the epiphyseal plates have closed.
Gigantism occurs in children before the plates close.
3. A patient presents with a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and purple striae on
the abdomen. Which hormonal imbalance does the nurse suspect?
A. Antidiuretic hormone excess
B. Cortisol deficiency
C. Cortisol excess
D. Thyroxine excess
Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution (moon face/buffalo hump) and skin changes.
4. Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency in which hormone?
A. Insulin
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Glucagon
Answer: B
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus results from either a lack of ADH production or the
kidneys’ inability to respond to it, leading to polyuria and polydipsia.
,5. Which of the following is a symptom of hypothyroidism?
A. Heat intolerance
B. Tachycardia
C. Cold intolerance
D. Weight loss
Answer: C
Explanation: Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, leading to cold intolerance, weight
gain, and bradycardia.
6. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in:
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Adrenal insufficiency
D. Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease involves antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor, leading
to excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
7. Which laboratory value is most indicative of SIADH (Syndrome of
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)?
A. Serum sodium of 155 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
, C. Blood glucose of 300 mg/dL
D. High serum osmolality
Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, which dilutes the blood, resulting in
hyponatremia (low sodium).
8. Addison’s disease is characterized by a deficiency of which hormones?
A. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
B. T3 and T4
C. Adrenocorticoids (Cortisol and Aldosterone)
D. Insulin and Glucagon
Answer: C
Explanation: Addison’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal cortex
does not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
9. A patient with hyperparathyroidism is at high risk for developing:
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Seizures
C. Pathological fractures
D. Laryngeal spasms
Answer: C
Correct Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is admitted with deep, rapid
respirations and a fruity breath odor. What is the underlying cause of these
respirations?
A. Compensatory response to metabolic acidosis
B. Compensatory response to metabolic alkalosis
C. Inability of the lungs to exchange oxygen
D. Hypoventilation due to central nervous system depression
Answer: A
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism where the body
attempts to blow off carbon dioxide to correct the metabolic acidosis found in Diabetic
Ketoacidosis (DKA).
2. Which condition is characterized by an overproduction of growth hormone in
an adult, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features?
A. Gigantism
B. Acromegaly
C. Cushing Syndrome
D. Myxedema
,Answer: B
Explanation: Acromegaly occurs in adults after the epiphyseal plates have closed.
Gigantism occurs in children before the plates close.
3. A patient presents with a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and purple striae on
the abdomen. Which hormonal imbalance does the nurse suspect?
A. Antidiuretic hormone excess
B. Cortisol deficiency
C. Cortisol excess
D. Thyroxine excess
Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution (moon face/buffalo hump) and skin changes.
4. Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency in which hormone?
A. Insulin
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Glucagon
Answer: B
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus results from either a lack of ADH production or the
kidneys’ inability to respond to it, leading to polyuria and polydipsia.
,5. Which of the following is a symptom of hypothyroidism?
A. Heat intolerance
B. Tachycardia
C. Cold intolerance
D. Weight loss
Answer: C
Explanation: Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, leading to cold intolerance, weight
gain, and bradycardia.
6. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in:
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Adrenal insufficiency
D. Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease involves antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor, leading
to excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
7. Which laboratory value is most indicative of SIADH (Syndrome of
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)?
A. Serum sodium of 155 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
, C. Blood glucose of 300 mg/dL
D. High serum osmolality
Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, which dilutes the blood, resulting in
hyponatremia (low sodium).
8. Addison’s disease is characterized by a deficiency of which hormones?
A. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
B. T3 and T4
C. Adrenocorticoids (Cortisol and Aldosterone)
D. Insulin and Glucagon
Answer: C
Explanation: Addison’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal cortex
does not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
9. A patient with hyperparathyroidism is at high risk for developing:
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Seizures
C. Pathological fractures
D. Laryngeal spasms
Answer: C
