NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 3 V1 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to beta-cell destruction
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract
C. Excessive secretion of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of insulin resistance in
peripheral tissues and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretion by the pancreas.
Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, which is autoimmune, Type 2 is strongly associated with obesity
and metabolic syndrome. Over time, the beta cells may fail, but the initial onset is
characterized by resistance rather than absolute loss.
2. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a hemoglobin of 8.2 g/dL. What
is the most likely cause?
A. Deficient production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
B. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis
C. Increased destruction of red blood cells in the spleen
,D. Iron deficiency due to poor dietary intake
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which is a hormone essential for
stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with advanced CKD,
the reduction in functional renal mass leads to decreased erythropoietin levels. This results
in a normochromic, normocytic anemia that is characteristic of renal failure.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark feature of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, which causes the
kidneys to reabsorb water back into the bloodstream. This leads to dilutional
hyponatremia, where the sodium concentration in the blood drops because of the
increased water volume. Patients often present with neurological symptoms due to cellular
swelling in the brain.
, 4. A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. What is the underlying mechanism of
this condition?
A. Iodine deficiency in the diet
B. Excessive stimulation of TSH receptors by antibodies
C. Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland
D. Pituitary adenoma secreting too much TSH
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the
immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy thyroid tissue. This leads to
chronic inflammation and a gradual decline in thyroid hormone production, resulting in
hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in areas where iodine
intake is sufficient.
5. Which of the following is the most common cause of Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Bladder outlet obstruction
B. Hypovolemia
C. Renal artery stenosis
D. Acute tubular necrosis
Correct Answer: B
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to beta-cell destruction
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract
C. Excessive secretion of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of insulin resistance in
peripheral tissues and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretion by the pancreas.
Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, which is autoimmune, Type 2 is strongly associated with obesity
and metabolic syndrome. Over time, the beta cells may fail, but the initial onset is
characterized by resistance rather than absolute loss.
2. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a hemoglobin of 8.2 g/dL. What
is the most likely cause?
A. Deficient production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
B. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis
C. Increased destruction of red blood cells in the spleen
,D. Iron deficiency due to poor dietary intake
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which is a hormone essential for
stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with advanced CKD,
the reduction in functional renal mass leads to decreased erythropoietin levels. This results
in a normochromic, normocytic anemia that is characteristic of renal failure.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark feature of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, which causes the
kidneys to reabsorb water back into the bloodstream. This leads to dilutional
hyponatremia, where the sodium concentration in the blood drops because of the
increased water volume. Patients often present with neurological symptoms due to cellular
swelling in the brain.
, 4. A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. What is the underlying mechanism of
this condition?
A. Iodine deficiency in the diet
B. Excessive stimulation of TSH receptors by antibodies
C. Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland
D. Pituitary adenoma secreting too much TSH
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the
immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy thyroid tissue. This leads to
chronic inflammation and a gradual decline in thyroid hormone production, resulting in
hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in areas where iodine
intake is sufficient.
5. Which of the following is the most common cause of Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Bladder outlet obstruction
B. Hypovolemia
C. Renal artery stenosis
D. Acute tubular necrosis
Correct Answer: B
