NUR 2063 / NUR2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology Exam 3 Complete Study Guide and Practice Exam | Latest 2026/2027 Update | Rasmussen University

NUR 2063 / NUR2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology Exam 3
Complete Study Guide and Practice Exam | Latest 2026/2027 Update |
Rasmussen University




Exam Overview
Exam Details
Component
Course NUR 2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology
Institution Rasmussen University
Topics Fluid/Electrolytes, Endocrine, Reproductive, Neurological,
Musculoskeletal, Renal, Respiratory

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Table of Contents
1. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
2. The Stress Response and Inflammation
3. Endocrine Disorders
4. Neurological Disorders
5. Musculoskeletal Disorders
6. Renal and Genitourinary Disorders
7. Respiratory Disorders
8. Hematological Disorders
9. Gastrointestinal Disorders

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Foundations of Fluid Balance
Q1. What is the definition of homeostasis?

 A. The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment while adjusting to
changing external conditions
 B. The process of energy production within cells
 C. The mechanism of blood clotting
 D. The body's response to infection

Rationale: Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which biological systems
maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions .

Q2. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration INSIDE the cell
(intracellular fluid)?

 A. Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
 B. Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
 C. Calcium, sodium, chloride
 D. Magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate

Rationale: The intracellular fluid (ICF) contains high concentrations of potassium (K+),
magnesium (Mg2+), and phosphate (PO4³-). The extracellular fluid (ECF) contains high
sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) .

Q3. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration OUTSIDE the cell
(extracellular fluid)?

 A. Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
 B. Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
 C. Calcium, magnesium, phosphate
 D. Potassium, calcium, phosphate

Rationale: Extracellular fluid (including plasma and interstitial fluid) contains high
concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) .

Q4. What is the normal range for serum sodium?

,  A. 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
 B. 135-145 mEq/L
 C. 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
 D. 22-26 mEq/L

Rationale: Normal serum sodium range is 135-145 mEq/L. Sodium is the primary
extracellular cation and plays a critical role in fluid balance .

Q5. What is the lethal possible effect of hyponatremia?

 A. Cardiac arrhythmias
 B. Cerebral edema and rapid brain swelling
 C. Muscle paralysis
 D. Respiratory failure

Rationale: Hyponatremia (low serum sodium) causes water to shift into brain cells,
leading to cerebral edema, which can progress to coma and death if severe .

Q6. What is the primary cause of edema related to protein imbalances?

 A. High serum sodium
 B. Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia)
 C. High potassium
 D. Low calcium

Rationale: Low albumin decreases plasma colloidal osmotic pressure, allowing fluid to
leak from blood vessels into interstitial spaces, causing edema .

Q7. Which organ stores electrolytes and acts as an "electrolyte pool" in the body?

 A. Liver
 B. Bones
 C. Spleen
 D. Adrenal glands

Rationale: Electrolytes are stored in the bones and can shift between the extracellular
fluid and this pool in response to bodily needs or excesses .

Q8. What is hypovolemia?

 A. Decreased volume of circulating blood in the body
 B. Excess fluid volume in the intravascular space