NR-283 Exam 3: Pathophysiology V4 Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Graves’ disease?
A. Exophthalmos
B. Weight gain and lethargy
C. Bradycardia
D. Cold intolerance
Ans: A
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition leading to hyperthyroidism. It involves
antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptors constantly. Exophthalmos results from inflammation of the
extraocular muscles and fat. Patients often experience a high metabolic rate and heat intolerance.
Tachycardia is also a common cardiovascular finding in this disorder. Understanding these ocular
changes helps distinguish Graves’ from other thyroiditis types.
,2. A patient with Cushing’s syndrome is likely to demonstrate which of the following
findings?
A. Truncal obesity and moon face
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
C. Weight loss and dehydration
D. Hypoglycemia
Ans: A
Rationale: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol in the body. This
hypercortisolism leads to the redistribution of adipose tissue to the trunk. A moon face and buffalo hump
are classic physical indicators. Patients also commonly suffer from purple striae and thin skin.
Hyperglycemia is a frequent metabolic complication due to cortisol’s effects. Clinical assessment should
focus on these unique structural and metabolic shifts.
3. What is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. Excessive intake of dietary carbohydrates
C. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
D. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
Ans: A
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is primarily an autoimmune-mediated destruction process. The body
attacks its own pancreatic beta cells within the islets. This results in an absolute deficiency of insulin
,production. Patients must rely on exogenous insulin for survival and glucose control. It often presents
acutely with polyuria, polydipsia, and significant weight loss. Genetic and environmental factors both
play roles in the disease onset.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with SIADH?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Ans: C
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone from the pituitary. This causes
the kidneys to reabsorb too much water. The excess water leads to dilutional hyponatremia in the blood.
Patients may exhibit symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures. Fluid restriction is often the primary
treatment for this condition. Monitoring serum sodium levels is critical for patient safety during care.
5. Which condition is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to polyuria and dilute
urine?
A. Diabetes Mellitus
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. SIADH
D. Cushing’s Disease
Ans: B
, Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a lack of antidiuretic hormone. Without ADH, the kidneys
cannot concentrate urine effectively for the body. This results in the excretion of massive amounts of
dilute urine. Patients experience intense thirst and are at risk for dehydration. Hypernatremia is common
as the body loses free water rapidly. Treatment typically involves administering synthetic vasopressin to
replace the hormone.
6. A patient presents with hypotension, hyperkalemia, and skin hyperpigmentation. Which
disorder do you suspect?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Conn’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Ans: B
Rationale: Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal cortex fails to produce hormones. A deficiency in
cortisol and aldosterone leads to metabolic instability. High ACTH levels cause the characteristic bronze
hyperpigmentation of the skin. Hypotension and hyperkalemia result specifically from the lack of
aldosterone. This condition can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis if untreated. Lifelong hormone
replacement therapy is required for these patients.
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Graves’ disease?
A. Exophthalmos
B. Weight gain and lethargy
C. Bradycardia
D. Cold intolerance
Ans: A
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition leading to hyperthyroidism. It involves
antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptors constantly. Exophthalmos results from inflammation of the
extraocular muscles and fat. Patients often experience a high metabolic rate and heat intolerance.
Tachycardia is also a common cardiovascular finding in this disorder. Understanding these ocular
changes helps distinguish Graves’ from other thyroiditis types.
,2. A patient with Cushing’s syndrome is likely to demonstrate which of the following
findings?
A. Truncal obesity and moon face
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
C. Weight loss and dehydration
D. Hypoglycemia
Ans: A
Rationale: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excessive levels of cortisol in the body. This
hypercortisolism leads to the redistribution of adipose tissue to the trunk. A moon face and buffalo hump
are classic physical indicators. Patients also commonly suffer from purple striae and thin skin.
Hyperglycemia is a frequent metabolic complication due to cortisol’s effects. Clinical assessment should
focus on these unique structural and metabolic shifts.
3. What is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. Excessive intake of dietary carbohydrates
C. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
D. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
Ans: A
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is primarily an autoimmune-mediated destruction process. The body
attacks its own pancreatic beta cells within the islets. This results in an absolute deficiency of insulin
,production. Patients must rely on exogenous insulin for survival and glucose control. It often presents
acutely with polyuria, polydipsia, and significant weight loss. Genetic and environmental factors both
play roles in the disease onset.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with SIADH?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Ans: C
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone from the pituitary. This causes
the kidneys to reabsorb too much water. The excess water leads to dilutional hyponatremia in the blood.
Patients may exhibit symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures. Fluid restriction is often the primary
treatment for this condition. Monitoring serum sodium levels is critical for patient safety during care.
5. Which condition is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to polyuria and dilute
urine?
A. Diabetes Mellitus
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. SIADH
D. Cushing’s Disease
Ans: B
, Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a lack of antidiuretic hormone. Without ADH, the kidneys
cannot concentrate urine effectively for the body. This results in the excretion of massive amounts of
dilute urine. Patients experience intense thirst and are at risk for dehydration. Hypernatremia is common
as the body loses free water rapidly. Treatment typically involves administering synthetic vasopressin to
replace the hormone.
6. A patient presents with hypotension, hyperkalemia, and skin hyperpigmentation. Which
disorder do you suspect?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Conn’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Ans: B
Rationale: Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal cortex fails to produce hormones. A deficiency in
cortisol and aldosterone leads to metabolic instability. High ACTH levels cause the characteristic bronze
hyperpigmentation of the skin. Hypotension and hyperkalemia result specifically from the lack of
aldosterone. This condition can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis if untreated. Lifelong hormone
replacement therapy is required for these patients.
