NR 507 Exam 2: Advanced Pathophysiology V1 -
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary congestion
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular venous distension
Ans: A
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the
body. This failure leads to a backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation. As pressure increases in the
lungs, fluid leaks into the alveoli causing congestion. Patients typically experience shortness of breath
and orthopnea as a result. Monitoring lung sounds is essential for assessing these patients.
2. What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism?
A. Air bubble in the vein
B. Fat globules from a fracture
C. Amniotic fluid
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Ans: D
Explanation: Deep vein thrombosis is the most frequent source of pulmonary emboli. Blood clots
typically form in the deep veins of the lower extremities. These clots can break loose and travel through
,the heart to the lungs. Once lodged, they obstruct blood flow and gas exchange. Preventive measures like
early ambulation are critical for at-risk patients.
3. In asthma, which process causes the narrowing of the airways?
A. Permanent destruction of alveoli
B. Excessive mucus production and bronchospasm
C. Thickening of the pleural membrane
D. Atrophy of the bronchial muscles
Ans: B
Explanation: Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation
triggers smooth muscle contraction known as bronchospasm. Additionally, goblet cells produce excessive
mucus that further blocks the air passage. These changes result in the characteristic wheezing and chest
tightness. Managing triggers is a key part of long-term asthma care.
4. Which type of anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor?
A. Pernicious anemia
B. Aplastic anemia
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Hemolytic anemia
Ans: A
Explanation: Pernicious anemia results from a deficiency in intrinsic factor produced by the stomach.
Intrinsic factor is required for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the ileum. Without B12, the body cannot
, produce healthy red blood cells. This leads to the formation of large, immature cells called macrocytes.
Patients often require B12 injections to bypass the digestive tract.
5. Which condition is characterized by the loss of the glomerular filtration barrier’s integrity, leading to
massive proteinuria?
A. Cystitis
B. Renal calculi
C. Nephrotic syndrome
D. Acute tubular necrosis
Ans: C
Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome involves significant damage to the glomerular basement membrane.
This damage allows large amounts of protein to escape into the urine. The loss of albumin leads to a
decrease in oncotic pressure within the blood. Consequently, fluid moves into the tissues causing
generalized edema. Treatment focuses on reducing protein loss and managing fluid balance.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in emphysema?
A. Destruction of alveolar walls
B. Reversible airway obstruction
C. Infection of the pleural space
D. Fluid accumulation in the bronchioles
Ans: A
Explanation: Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involving alveolar damage.
The destruction of these walls reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Elastic recoil is lost,
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary congestion
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular venous distension
Ans: A
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the
body. This failure leads to a backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation. As pressure increases in the
lungs, fluid leaks into the alveoli causing congestion. Patients typically experience shortness of breath
and orthopnea as a result. Monitoring lung sounds is essential for assessing these patients.
2. What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism?
A. Air bubble in the vein
B. Fat globules from a fracture
C. Amniotic fluid
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Ans: D
Explanation: Deep vein thrombosis is the most frequent source of pulmonary emboli. Blood clots
typically form in the deep veins of the lower extremities. These clots can break loose and travel through
,the heart to the lungs. Once lodged, they obstruct blood flow and gas exchange. Preventive measures like
early ambulation are critical for at-risk patients.
3. In asthma, which process causes the narrowing of the airways?
A. Permanent destruction of alveoli
B. Excessive mucus production and bronchospasm
C. Thickening of the pleural membrane
D. Atrophy of the bronchial muscles
Ans: B
Explanation: Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation
triggers smooth muscle contraction known as bronchospasm. Additionally, goblet cells produce excessive
mucus that further blocks the air passage. These changes result in the characteristic wheezing and chest
tightness. Managing triggers is a key part of long-term asthma care.
4. Which type of anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor?
A. Pernicious anemia
B. Aplastic anemia
C. Iron deficiency anemia
D. Hemolytic anemia
Ans: A
Explanation: Pernicious anemia results from a deficiency in intrinsic factor produced by the stomach.
Intrinsic factor is required for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the ileum. Without B12, the body cannot
, produce healthy red blood cells. This leads to the formation of large, immature cells called macrocytes.
Patients often require B12 injections to bypass the digestive tract.
5. Which condition is characterized by the loss of the glomerular filtration barrier’s integrity, leading to
massive proteinuria?
A. Cystitis
B. Renal calculi
C. Nephrotic syndrome
D. Acute tubular necrosis
Ans: C
Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome involves significant damage to the glomerular basement membrane.
This damage allows large amounts of protein to escape into the urine. The loss of albumin leads to a
decrease in oncotic pressure within the blood. Consequently, fluid moves into the tissues causing
generalized edema. Treatment focuses on reducing protein loss and managing fluid balance.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in emphysema?
A. Destruction of alveolar walls
B. Reversible airway obstruction
C. Infection of the pleural space
D. Fluid accumulation in the bronchioles
Ans: A
Explanation: Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involving alveolar damage.
The destruction of these walls reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Elastic recoil is lost,