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BIOS252 / BIOS 252 Exam 3 Anatomy and
Physiology II Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Complete
Exam-Style Questions | 100% Verified – Detailed
Rationales – Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 | Endocrine System | Q1 – Q15
Section 2 | Cardiovascular System: Heart and Vessels | Q16 – Q30
Section 3 | Cardiovascular System: Blood and Hemodynamics | Q31 – Q45
Section 4 | Lymphatic and Immune Systems | Q46 – Q60
Section 5 | Respiratory System | Q61 – Q75
SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Question 1 of 75
A 58-year-old patient with a history of head trauma presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and dilute
urine. Laboratory studies reveal normal blood glucose but decreased urine specific gravity. The
nurse recognizes these findings are most consistent with dysfunction of which posterior pituitary
hormone?
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
B. Growth hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone ✓ CORRECT
D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antidiuretic hormone, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the
posterior pituitary, promotes water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the nephron, and its
deficiency results in diabetes insipidus characterized by massive dilute urine output despite
normal glucose levels. Growth hormone primarily regulates longitudinal bone growth and
metabolic processes, so it would not explain the profound diuresis and thirst observed in this
patient. In clinical practice, nurses must distinguish diabetes insipidus from diabetes mellitus by
noting that the former presents with dilute urine and normal glucose, whereas the latter
demonstrates hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
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Question 2 of 75
During a routine wellness visit, a 42-year-old female patient reports unexplained weight gain,
cold intolerance, and bradycardia. Physical examination reveals periorbital edema and dry,
coarse skin. The nurse understands that these clinical manifestations most likely reflect decreased
secretion of which hormone?
A. Parathyroid hormone
B. Thyroxine ✓ CORRECT
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid follicular cells, increases basal metabolic rate,
thermogenesis, and cardiac contractility, so its deficiency produces the classic hypothyroid
presentation of cold intolerance, bradycardia, and decreased energy expenditure. Cortisol
deficiency from primary adrenal insufficiency would more likely present with hypotension,
hyperpigmentation, and salt craving rather than the metabolic slowing and myxedematous
changes seen here. Nurses caring for hypothyroid patients should monitor for signs of myxedema
coma, a life-threatening decompensation that can develop if the condition remains untreated.
Question 3 of 75
A 19-year-old college athlete is brought to the emergency department after collapsing during
practice. Blood work reveals severe hypercalcemia. The nurse recalls that excessive secretion
from which endocrine gland is the most probable cause of this electrolyte disturbance?
A. Parathyroid glands ✓ CORRECT
B. Thyroid gland
C. Adrenal medulla
D. Pineal gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium
levels by stimulating osteoclast activity, increasing intestinal calcium absorption, and enhancing
renal calcium reabsorption, making parathyroid hyperfunction a leading cause of hypercalcemia.
Thyroid hormone primarily regulates metabolic rate and does not directly control calcium
homeostasis, so thyroid dysfunction would not typically produce this degree of calcium
elevation. Nurses should prioritize cardiac monitoring in hypercalcemic patients because
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elevated calcium levels increase myocardial irritability and can precipitate dangerous
arrhythmias.
Question 4 of 75
A 35-year-old patient with Cushing syndrome is being assessed prior to surgery. The nurse
observes central obesity, moon facies, purple striae on the abdomen, and thin, fragile skin. The
nurse recognizes that these findings result from prolonged exposure to excessive levels of which
hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Insulin
C. Thyroid hormone
D. Cortisol ✓ CORRECT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cortisol, secreted by the adrenal cortex zona fasciculata, promotes gluconeogenesis,
protein catabolism, and redistribution of adipose tissue to the trunk and face, which produces the
characteristic central obesity, moon facies, and dermal thinning seen in Cushing syndrome.
Aldosterone excess from the zona glomerulosa would primarily manifest as hypertension and
hypokalemia through sodium and water retention without the distinctive body habitus changes.
Preoperative nursing care for Cushing patients requires vigilant glucose monitoring because
cortisol antagonizes insulin action and frequently causes steroid-induced hyperglycemia.
Question 5 of 75
A 26-year-old patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse why insulin injections
are necessary rather than oral medication. The nurse explains that insulin is administered
parenterally because it is structurally classified as which type of molecule?
A. A steroid hormone
B. A fatty acid derivative
C. A peptide hormone ✓ CORRECT
D. An amino acid derivative
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin is a peptide hormone composed of two polypeptide chains connected by
disulfide bonds, and peptide hormones are digested by gastrointestinal proteases if administered
orally, necessitating subcutaneous or intravenous delivery. Steroid hormones such as cortisol are
lipid-soluble and can be formulated for oral administration because they diffuse through plasma
, 4
membranes and resist enzymatic degradation in the gut. Patient education should emphasize
consistent rotation of injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy, which can alter insulin
absorption and lead to erratic glycemic control.
Question 6 of 75
During a prenatal visit, a 28-year-old pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation asks about the role
of oxytocin during labor. The nurse explains that oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary is
stimulated primarily by which physiological mechanism?
A. Increased blood glucose levels
B. Stretch receptors in the uterus and cervix ✓ CORRECT
C. Decreased blood volume
D. Elevated thyroid hormone levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxytocin secretion is regulated by a positive feedback loop in which uterine and
cervical stretch receptors activate hypothalamic neurons during labor, triggering oxytocin release
that intensifies uterine contractions and further distends the birth canal. Blood glucose
fluctuations do not directly stimulate oxytocin neurons and instead influence insulin and
glucagon secretion through pancreatic islet cell feedback. Maternity nurses should understand
this positive feedback mechanism when monitoring labor progression, as artificial oxytocin
augmentation mimics this natural pathway to enhance uterine contractility.
Question 7 of 75
A 62-year-old patient with Addison disease presents with hypotension, hyponatremia,
hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. The nurse understands that the
hyperpigmentation results from elevated levels of which precursor hormone?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ✓ CORRECT
B. Growth hormone-releasing hormone
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In primary adrenal insufficiency, cortisol deficiency removes negative feedback on the
hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, causing marked elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone,
which shares a common precursor molecule with melanocyte-stimulating hormone and thus
produces bronze hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas. Growth hormone-releasing hormone
BIOS252 / BIOS 252 Exam 3 Anatomy and
Physiology II Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Complete
Exam-Style Questions | 100% Verified – Detailed
Rationales – Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 | Endocrine System | Q1 – Q15
Section 2 | Cardiovascular System: Heart and Vessels | Q16 – Q30
Section 3 | Cardiovascular System: Blood and Hemodynamics | Q31 – Q45
Section 4 | Lymphatic and Immune Systems | Q46 – Q60
Section 5 | Respiratory System | Q61 – Q75
SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Question 1 of 75
A 58-year-old patient with a history of head trauma presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and dilute
urine. Laboratory studies reveal normal blood glucose but decreased urine specific gravity. The
nurse recognizes these findings are most consistent with dysfunction of which posterior pituitary
hormone?
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
B. Growth hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone ✓ CORRECT
D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antidiuretic hormone, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the
posterior pituitary, promotes water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the nephron, and its
deficiency results in diabetes insipidus characterized by massive dilute urine output despite
normal glucose levels. Growth hormone primarily regulates longitudinal bone growth and
metabolic processes, so it would not explain the profound diuresis and thirst observed in this
patient. In clinical practice, nurses must distinguish diabetes insipidus from diabetes mellitus by
noting that the former presents with dilute urine and normal glucose, whereas the latter
demonstrates hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
,2
Question 2 of 75
During a routine wellness visit, a 42-year-old female patient reports unexplained weight gain,
cold intolerance, and bradycardia. Physical examination reveals periorbital edema and dry,
coarse skin. The nurse understands that these clinical manifestations most likely reflect decreased
secretion of which hormone?
A. Parathyroid hormone
B. Thyroxine ✓ CORRECT
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid follicular cells, increases basal metabolic rate,
thermogenesis, and cardiac contractility, so its deficiency produces the classic hypothyroid
presentation of cold intolerance, bradycardia, and decreased energy expenditure. Cortisol
deficiency from primary adrenal insufficiency would more likely present with hypotension,
hyperpigmentation, and salt craving rather than the metabolic slowing and myxedematous
changes seen here. Nurses caring for hypothyroid patients should monitor for signs of myxedema
coma, a life-threatening decompensation that can develop if the condition remains untreated.
Question 3 of 75
A 19-year-old college athlete is brought to the emergency department after collapsing during
practice. Blood work reveals severe hypercalcemia. The nurse recalls that excessive secretion
from which endocrine gland is the most probable cause of this electrolyte disturbance?
A. Parathyroid glands ✓ CORRECT
B. Thyroid gland
C. Adrenal medulla
D. Pineal gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium
levels by stimulating osteoclast activity, increasing intestinal calcium absorption, and enhancing
renal calcium reabsorption, making parathyroid hyperfunction a leading cause of hypercalcemia.
Thyroid hormone primarily regulates metabolic rate and does not directly control calcium
homeostasis, so thyroid dysfunction would not typically produce this degree of calcium
elevation. Nurses should prioritize cardiac monitoring in hypercalcemic patients because
,3
elevated calcium levels increase myocardial irritability and can precipitate dangerous
arrhythmias.
Question 4 of 75
A 35-year-old patient with Cushing syndrome is being assessed prior to surgery. The nurse
observes central obesity, moon facies, purple striae on the abdomen, and thin, fragile skin. The
nurse recognizes that these findings result from prolonged exposure to excessive levels of which
hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Insulin
C. Thyroid hormone
D. Cortisol ✓ CORRECT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cortisol, secreted by the adrenal cortex zona fasciculata, promotes gluconeogenesis,
protein catabolism, and redistribution of adipose tissue to the trunk and face, which produces the
characteristic central obesity, moon facies, and dermal thinning seen in Cushing syndrome.
Aldosterone excess from the zona glomerulosa would primarily manifest as hypertension and
hypokalemia through sodium and water retention without the distinctive body habitus changes.
Preoperative nursing care for Cushing patients requires vigilant glucose monitoring because
cortisol antagonizes insulin action and frequently causes steroid-induced hyperglycemia.
Question 5 of 75
A 26-year-old patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse why insulin injections
are necessary rather than oral medication. The nurse explains that insulin is administered
parenterally because it is structurally classified as which type of molecule?
A. A steroid hormone
B. A fatty acid derivative
C. A peptide hormone ✓ CORRECT
D. An amino acid derivative
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin is a peptide hormone composed of two polypeptide chains connected by
disulfide bonds, and peptide hormones are digested by gastrointestinal proteases if administered
orally, necessitating subcutaneous or intravenous delivery. Steroid hormones such as cortisol are
lipid-soluble and can be formulated for oral administration because they diffuse through plasma
, 4
membranes and resist enzymatic degradation in the gut. Patient education should emphasize
consistent rotation of injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy, which can alter insulin
absorption and lead to erratic glycemic control.
Question 6 of 75
During a prenatal visit, a 28-year-old pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation asks about the role
of oxytocin during labor. The nurse explains that oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary is
stimulated primarily by which physiological mechanism?
A. Increased blood glucose levels
B. Stretch receptors in the uterus and cervix ✓ CORRECT
C. Decreased blood volume
D. Elevated thyroid hormone levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxytocin secretion is regulated by a positive feedback loop in which uterine and
cervical stretch receptors activate hypothalamic neurons during labor, triggering oxytocin release
that intensifies uterine contractions and further distends the birth canal. Blood glucose
fluctuations do not directly stimulate oxytocin neurons and instead influence insulin and
glucagon secretion through pancreatic islet cell feedback. Maternity nurses should understand
this positive feedback mechanism when monitoring labor progression, as artificial oxytocin
augmentation mimics this natural pathway to enhance uterine contractility.
Question 7 of 75
A 62-year-old patient with Addison disease presents with hypotension, hyponatremia,
hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. The nurse understands that the
hyperpigmentation results from elevated levels of which precursor hormone?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ✓ CORRECT
B. Growth hormone-releasing hormone
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In primary adrenal insufficiency, cortisol deficiency removes negative feedback on the
hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, causing marked elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone,
which shares a common precursor molecule with melanocyte-stimulating hormone and thus
produces bronze hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas. Growth hormone-releasing hormone
