NUR 631/NUR631 Exam 4 V3 | Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with weight gain, moon face, and a buffalo hump. Which condition is
most likely?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol levels in the body,
which leads to fat redistribution. The classic physical signs include a moon face, truncal
obesity, and a buffalo hump. This condition can result from exogenous steroid use or
endogenous overproduction by the adrenal glands.
2. Which hormone is deficiency in Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Growth Hormone
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of Antidiuretic
Hormone (ADH) or a decreased renal response to it. This leads to the inability of the
kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in polyuria and polydipsia. Without sufficient ADH,
water is not reabsorbed in the collecting ducts, leading to large volumes of dilute urine.
3. A patient has high TSH and low T3/T4 levels. What is the diagnosis?
A. Primary Hyperthyroidism
B. Primary Hypothyroidism
C. Secondary Hyperthyroidism
D. Hashimoto’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough
thyroid hormones despite stimulation. The pituitary gland responds by increasing TSH
secretion in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid. This laboratory pattern of high TSH and
low T3/T4 is diagnostic for primary thyroid failure.
4. What is the hallmark sign of Graves’ Disease?
A. Weight gain
B. Exophthalmos
C. Bradycardia
, D. Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes
hyperthyroidism through thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Exophthalmos, or bulging
of the eyes, is a classic sign caused by inflammation of the extraocular muscles and fatty
tissue. Other symptoms include tachycardia, weight loss, and heat intolerance due to an
increased metabolic rate.
5. Which condition is characterized by a ‘starvation in the midst of plenty’ regarding glucose?
A. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
B. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C. Gestational Diabetes
D. Metabolic Syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus involves an absolute insulin deficiency due
to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Although blood glucose levels are
extremely high, the glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy without insulin.
This creates a state where the body’s cells are starving for energy despite high extracellular
glucose concentrations.
6. Which laboratory finding is most consistent with SIADH?
A. Serum hypoosmolality
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with weight gain, moon face, and a buffalo hump. Which condition is
most likely?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol levels in the body,
which leads to fat redistribution. The classic physical signs include a moon face, truncal
obesity, and a buffalo hump. This condition can result from exogenous steroid use or
endogenous overproduction by the adrenal glands.
2. Which hormone is deficiency in Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Growth Hormone
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of Antidiuretic
Hormone (ADH) or a decreased renal response to it. This leads to the inability of the
kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in polyuria and polydipsia. Without sufficient ADH,
water is not reabsorbed in the collecting ducts, leading to large volumes of dilute urine.
3. A patient has high TSH and low T3/T4 levels. What is the diagnosis?
A. Primary Hyperthyroidism
B. Primary Hypothyroidism
C. Secondary Hyperthyroidism
D. Hashimoto’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough
thyroid hormones despite stimulation. The pituitary gland responds by increasing TSH
secretion in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid. This laboratory pattern of high TSH and
low T3/T4 is diagnostic for primary thyroid failure.
4. What is the hallmark sign of Graves’ Disease?
A. Weight gain
B. Exophthalmos
C. Bradycardia
, D. Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes
hyperthyroidism through thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Exophthalmos, or bulging
of the eyes, is a classic sign caused by inflammation of the extraocular muscles and fatty
tissue. Other symptoms include tachycardia, weight loss, and heat intolerance due to an
increased metabolic rate.
5. Which condition is characterized by a ‘starvation in the midst of plenty’ regarding glucose?
A. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
B. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C. Gestational Diabetes
D. Metabolic Syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus involves an absolute insulin deficiency due
to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Although blood glucose levels are
extremely high, the glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy without insulin.
This creates a state where the body’s cells are starving for energy despite high extracellular
glucose concentrations.
6. Which laboratory finding is most consistent with SIADH?
A. Serum hypoosmolality
