NR 283 Exam 3 Review: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Pulmonary Embolism,
COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Thyroid, Electrolytes, SCI | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers)
COMPREHENSIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pathophysiology / Pulmonology / NR 283 Exam 3 Review 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
Cardiology / Endocrinology /
Neurology / Renal
Q1
What is a pulmonary embolus?
A blockage in the pulmonary artery by a blood clot; a blood clot that obstructs
CORRECT ANSWER
the pulmonary artery
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Most PEs originate from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities.
● Massive PE causes right heart failure, hypotension, and sudden death.
● Risk factors: prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, oral contraceptives.
Q2
What is a risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolus?
CORRECT ANSWER Prolonged sitting
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Virchow's triad: venous stasis, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability.
● Long travel, post-op immobility, and bed rest increase risk.
Q3
What manifestation(s) are expected when a person has a pulmonary embolus? Select all that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER Lightheadedness, low oxygen saturation, shortness of breath, excessive sweating,
hypoxia, dizziness, chest pain, tachypnea
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Classic triad: sudden dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis (less common).
● Signs of right heart strain: JVD, tachycardia, hypotension.
, Q4
What should a person do to prevent a pulmonary embolus from occurring?
CORRECT ANSWER Wear compression stockings; perform leg exercises during plane trips
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Compression stockings prevent venous stasis and DVT formation.
● Ambulation, hydration, and anticoagulation for high-risk patients.
Q5
When a person experiences impaired gas exchange, how does the body compensate to maintain
homeostasis?
CORRECT ANSWER The body increases the respiratory rate
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Increased RR (tachypnea) is an immediate compensatory mechanism.
● Chronic compensation includes increased RBC production (erythropoiesis).
Q6
Why does hypoxia occur when a person has pneumonia?
CORRECT ANSWER Alveoli fill with exudate → impaired diffusion → decreased O2
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Consolidation prevents oxygen from reaching capillaries.
● V/Q mismatch (ventilation without perfusion).
Q7
What is gas exchange?
CORRECT ANSWER The process by which oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide moves out
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Occurs in alveoli via diffusion down concentration gradients.
● Hemoglobin transports O2 and CO2.
Q8
Which condition may result in impaired gas exchange?
CORRECT ANSWER Anemia, too little oxygen in the environment
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Anemia reduces O2-carrying capacity (low hemoglobin).
● High altitude (low ambient O2) also impairs gas exchange.
COPD, Asthma, Diabetes, Thyroid, Electrolytes, SCI | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers)
COMPREHENSIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pathophysiology / Pulmonology / NR 283 Exam 3 Review 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
Cardiology / Endocrinology /
Neurology / Renal
Q1
What is a pulmonary embolus?
A blockage in the pulmonary artery by a blood clot; a blood clot that obstructs
CORRECT ANSWER
the pulmonary artery
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Most PEs originate from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities.
● Massive PE causes right heart failure, hypotension, and sudden death.
● Risk factors: prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, oral contraceptives.
Q2
What is a risk factor for developing a pulmonary embolus?
CORRECT ANSWER Prolonged sitting
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Virchow's triad: venous stasis, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability.
● Long travel, post-op immobility, and bed rest increase risk.
Q3
What manifestation(s) are expected when a person has a pulmonary embolus? Select all that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER Lightheadedness, low oxygen saturation, shortness of breath, excessive sweating,
hypoxia, dizziness, chest pain, tachypnea
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Classic triad: sudden dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis (less common).
● Signs of right heart strain: JVD, tachycardia, hypotension.
, Q4
What should a person do to prevent a pulmonary embolus from occurring?
CORRECT ANSWER Wear compression stockings; perform leg exercises during plane trips
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Compression stockings prevent venous stasis and DVT formation.
● Ambulation, hydration, and anticoagulation for high-risk patients.
Q5
When a person experiences impaired gas exchange, how does the body compensate to maintain
homeostasis?
CORRECT ANSWER The body increases the respiratory rate
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Increased RR (tachypnea) is an immediate compensatory mechanism.
● Chronic compensation includes increased RBC production (erythropoiesis).
Q6
Why does hypoxia occur when a person has pneumonia?
CORRECT ANSWER Alveoli fill with exudate → impaired diffusion → decreased O2
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Consolidation prevents oxygen from reaching capillaries.
● V/Q mismatch (ventilation without perfusion).
Q7
What is gas exchange?
CORRECT ANSWER The process by which oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide moves out
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Occurs in alveoli via diffusion down concentration gradients.
● Hemoglobin transports O2 and CO2.
Q8
Which condition may result in impaired gas exchange?
CORRECT ANSWER Anemia, too little oxygen in the environment
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Anemia reduces O2-carrying capacity (low hemoglobin).
● High altitude (low ambient O2) also impairs gas exchange.
