NUR 5461/NUR5461 Final Exam V3 |
Comprehensive Final Exam Covering All
Modules Q&A with Rationale | William
Paterson University
1. A patient exhibits programmed cell death that does not cause inflammation. Which
process is occurring?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Infarction
D. Autophagy
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a highly regulated and programmed cell death process
that allows cells to shrink and fragment without releasing toxic contents. This process is
essential for normal tissue development and the removal of damaged or unnecessary cells.
Because the cellular membrane remains intact until phagocytosis occurs, there is typically
no associated inflammatory response.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a patient showing tall,
peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hypocalcemia
,B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood
which significantly impacts cardiac electrical conduction. The hallmark EKG change for
mild to moderate hyperkalemia is the presence of tall, peaked T-waves. If potassium levels
continue to rise, it can lead to a widened QRS complex and potentially fatal arrhythmias.
3. A patient has a blood gas result of pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 26. How would the nurse
interpret this result?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis as it is below the normal range of
7.35 to 7.45. The PaCO2 is elevated at 55 mmHg, which suggests that the primary cause of
the acidosis is respiratory retention of carbon dioxide. Since the bicarbonate level is within
the normal range, the condition is identified as uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
, 4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the gut
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin
deficiency due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This
destruction is typically mediated by an autoimmune response involving T-cells and
autoantibodies. Without insulin, the body cannot transport glucose into cells, leading to
hyperglycemia and a reliance on fat for energy.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved in an acute asthma attack?
A. Type IV (Delayed-type)
B. Type II (Cytotoxic)
C. Type III (Immune complex)
D. Type I (IgE-mediated)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity reactions are immediate responses mediated
by IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells. In the case of asthma, exposure to an allergen
Comprehensive Final Exam Covering All
Modules Q&A with Rationale | William
Paterson University
1. A patient exhibits programmed cell death that does not cause inflammation. Which
process is occurring?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Infarction
D. Autophagy
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a highly regulated and programmed cell death process
that allows cells to shrink and fragment without releasing toxic contents. This process is
essential for normal tissue development and the removal of damaged or unnecessary cells.
Because the cellular membrane remains intact until phagocytosis occurs, there is typically
no associated inflammatory response.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a patient showing tall,
peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hypocalcemia
,B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood
which significantly impacts cardiac electrical conduction. The hallmark EKG change for
mild to moderate hyperkalemia is the presence of tall, peaked T-waves. If potassium levels
continue to rise, it can lead to a widened QRS complex and potentially fatal arrhythmias.
3. A patient has a blood gas result of pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 26. How would the nurse
interpret this result?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis as it is below the normal range of
7.35 to 7.45. The PaCO2 is elevated at 55 mmHg, which suggests that the primary cause of
the acidosis is respiratory retention of carbon dioxide. Since the bicarbonate level is within
the normal range, the condition is identified as uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
, 4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the gut
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin
deficiency due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This
destruction is typically mediated by an autoimmune response involving T-cells and
autoantibodies. Without insulin, the body cannot transport glucose into cells, leading to
hyperglycemia and a reliance on fat for energy.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved in an acute asthma attack?
A. Type IV (Delayed-type)
B. Type II (Cytotoxic)
C. Type III (Immune complex)
D. Type I (IgE-mediated)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity reactions are immediate responses mediated
by IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells. In the case of asthma, exposure to an allergen
