Endocrine, Renal, GI, Cardiac, Respiratory Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers)
COMPREHENSIVE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pathophysiology / Inflammation / NR 283 Final Exam 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
Endocrine / Renal / GI / Cardiac /
Respiratory
Q1
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
CORRECT ANSWER Type III
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Type III hypersensitivity involves immune complex deposition (antigen-antibody complexes) in tissues, causing
inflammation and tissue damage.
● Rheumatoid arthritis is mediated by immune complexes in joint synovium.
Q2
What is the primary function of histamine during inflammation?
CORRECT ANSWER Increase capillary permeability
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Histamine causes vasodilation and increased capillary permeability → allows fluid, proteins, and immune cells to
enter tissues.
● This leads to redness, swelling, and warmth (cardinal signs of inflammation).
Q3
Which stage of disease progression is characterized by vague, early symptoms like fatigue or low-
grade fever?
CORRECT ANSWER Prodromal
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● The prodromal period is the early stage of disease with nonspecific symptoms (malaise, fatigue, low-grade fever).
● This precedes the acute phase where specific symptoms appear.
,Q4
An example of the prodromal stage of illness is:
CORRECT ANSWER Fatigue before developing a viral rash
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Fatigue, malaise, and low-grade fever precede specific rash in many viral illnesses (prodrome).
● The prodrome lasts from hours to days before overt symptoms appear.
Q5
What does metaplasia refer to?
CORRECT ANSWER Change from one type of mature cell to another
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Metaplasia is reversible replacement of one differentiated cell type with another in response to chronic irritation.
● Example: squamous metaplasia in the respiratory tract of smokers.
Q6
Which condition is most associated with chronic inflammation and autoimmune joint
destruction?
CORRECT ANSWER Rheumatoid arthritis
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing symmetric joint inflammation, pannus formation,
and joint destruction.
● Unlike osteoarthritis (degenerative), RA is inflammatory.
Q7
Which lab finding is most indicative of systemic inflammation?
CORRECT ANSWER Elevated CRP
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
● Normal CRP <10 mg/L; elevated levels indicate systemic inflammation.
Q8
What cellular adaptation involves replacement of one mature cell type with another due to stress
or irritation?
CORRECT ANSWER Metaplasia
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Metaplasia is an adaptive substitution of one cell type for another to better withstand chronic irritation.
● May progress to dysplasia if irritation continues.
, Q9
Which of the following best describes histamine?
CORRECT ANSWER A chemical released during injury that causes vasodilation
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Histamine is released from mast cells and basophils in response to injury or allergen exposure.
● Causes arteriolar vasodilation and increased capillary permeability.
Q10
A nurse is reviewing lab results for a patient with suspected hypothyroidism. Which result
supports this diagnosis?
CORRECT ANSWER ↑TSH, ↓T3, ↓T4
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Primary hypothyroidism: high TSH with low thyroid hormones due to negative feedback failure.
● Secondary hypothyroidism: low or normal TSH with low T3/T4 (pituitary/hypothalamus problem).
Q11
A patient with hypothyroidism is admitted with hypothermia, bradycardia, and decreased level of
consciousness. What life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
CORRECT ANSWER Myxedema coma
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Myxedema coma is a medical emergency (30-50% mortality).
● Hypothermia, bradycardia, hyponatremia, hypoventilation, and altered mental status.
● Requires IV thyroid hormone replacement and supportive care.
Q12
Which clinical findings are expected in a patient with hyperthyroidism? (Select all that apply)
CORRECT ANSWER Weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic rate → weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, tachycardia, anxiety, diarrhea.
● May also have exophthalmos and goiter in Graves disease.
Q13
Which of the following is a key manifestation of SIADH?
CORRECT ANSWER Oliguria and concentrated urine
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● SIADH causes excessive ADH → water retention → oliguria, concentrated urine, hyponatremia.
● Fluid restriction is first-line treatment.