NUR 631/NUR631 Exam 3 V3 | Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the stimulation of red blood cell production in
the bone marrow?
A. Thrombopoietin
B. Cortisol
C. Aldosterone
D. Erythropoietin
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced mainly by the
peritubular fibroblasts in the renal cortex. It is secreted in response to hypoxia in the blood
and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate erythropoiesis. Without adequate erythropoietin
production, as seen in chronic kidney disease, individuals often develop significant anemia.
2. A patient presents with macrocytic-normochromic anemia and neurological symptoms.
Which deficiency is most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
C. Folate deficiency
,D. Vitamin C deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Vitamin B12 deficiency, often caused by a lack of intrinsic factor
(Pernicious anemia), leads to macrocytic-normochromic cells. Unlike folate deficiency,
Vitamin B12 deficiency specifically results in neurological complications such as
paresthesia and loss of vibratory sense. This is because Vitamin B12 is essential for the
maintenance of the myelin sheath in the nervous system.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of Osteoarthritis?
A. Systemic autoimmune inflammation of the synovial membrane
B. Uric acid crystal deposition in the joint space
C. Loss of articular cartilage and thickening of the subchondral bone
D. Infection within the joint capsule by Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive degeneration and
loss of articular cartilage within the joints. This process leads to the formation of bone
spurs (osteophytes) and the thickening of subchondral bone. It is considered a non-
inflammatory joint disease, although secondary inflammation can occur as the disease
progresses.
, 4. Which part of the nephron is the primary site for the reabsorption of the majority of
filtered water and sodium?
A. Distal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The proximal convoluted tubule is responsible for the reabsorption
of approximately 65% of filtered sodium and water. It contains a brush border of microvilli
that significantly increases the surface area for transport. This site also handles the
reabsorption of nearly all filtered glucose and amino acids under normal conditions.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect of
Angiotensin II?
A. Inhibition of ADH secretion
B. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles
C. Decreased thirst perception
D. Stimulation of aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex
Correct Answer: D
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the stimulation of red blood cell production in
the bone marrow?
A. Thrombopoietin
B. Cortisol
C. Aldosterone
D. Erythropoietin
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone produced mainly by the
peritubular fibroblasts in the renal cortex. It is secreted in response to hypoxia in the blood
and acts on the bone marrow to stimulate erythropoiesis. Without adequate erythropoietin
production, as seen in chronic kidney disease, individuals often develop significant anemia.
2. A patient presents with macrocytic-normochromic anemia and neurological symptoms.
Which deficiency is most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
C. Folate deficiency
,D. Vitamin C deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Vitamin B12 deficiency, often caused by a lack of intrinsic factor
(Pernicious anemia), leads to macrocytic-normochromic cells. Unlike folate deficiency,
Vitamin B12 deficiency specifically results in neurological complications such as
paresthesia and loss of vibratory sense. This is because Vitamin B12 is essential for the
maintenance of the myelin sheath in the nervous system.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of Osteoarthritis?
A. Systemic autoimmune inflammation of the synovial membrane
B. Uric acid crystal deposition in the joint space
C. Loss of articular cartilage and thickening of the subchondral bone
D. Infection within the joint capsule by Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive degeneration and
loss of articular cartilage within the joints. This process leads to the formation of bone
spurs (osteophytes) and the thickening of subchondral bone. It is considered a non-
inflammatory joint disease, although secondary inflammation can occur as the disease
progresses.
, 4. Which part of the nephron is the primary site for the reabsorption of the majority of
filtered water and sodium?
A. Distal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Proximal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The proximal convoluted tubule is responsible for the reabsorption
of approximately 65% of filtered sodium and water. It contains a brush border of microvilli
that significantly increases the surface area for transport. This site also handles the
reabsorption of nearly all filtered glucose and amino acids under normal conditions.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect of
Angiotensin II?
A. Inhibition of ADH secretion
B. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles
C. Decreased thirst perception
D. Stimulation of aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex
Correct Answer: D
