NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 4 V3 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which hormone deficiency is primarily responsible for the development of Central
Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Oxytocin
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Central Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency of ADH, which is
produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. Without ADH, the
kidneys are unable to reabsorb water, leading to the excretion of large volumes of dilute
urine. This condition results in significant polydipsia and polyuria in affected patients.
2. In a patient with SIADH, what is the expected clinical finding regarding serum sodium?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Normal sodium levels
D. Hyponatremia
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive secretion of ADH, which leads to water
retention and dilutional hyponatremia. The kidneys continue to excrete sodium in the urine
despite low serum levels, further complicating the electrolyte balance. This
pathophysiology is often associated with small cell lung cancer or CNS trauma.
3. Which physical assessment finding is most characteristic of Cushing Syndrome?
A. Exophthalmos
B. Pretibial Myxedema
C. Bronze skin pigmentation
D. Moon face and buffalo hump
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Cushing Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive
glucocorticoids, which leads to a distinct redistribution of adipose tissue. Patients typically
present with a rounded face (moon face) and a fat pad on the upper back (buffalo hump).
These changes are driven by the catabolic effects of cortisol on protein and fat metabolism.
4. What is the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism in Graves Disease?
A. TSH-secreting pituitary tumor
B. Chronic iodine deficiency
C. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI)
, D. Destruction of thyroid follicles
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces
antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to and
activate the TSH receptors on thyroid cells, causing autonomous production of thyroid
hormones. This leads to clinical hyperthyroidism and often goiter and eye changes.
5. In Hashimoto thyroiditis, which lab pattern is typically observed?
A. High TSH, Low T4
B. Low TSH, High T4
C. Low TSH, Low T4
D. High TSH, High T4
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune destruction of the thyroid
gland, leading to primary hypothyroidism. As the thyroid gland fails to produce T4, the
pituitary gland increases TSH production through a negative feedback mechanism. This
high TSH and low T4 pattern is the hallmark of primary thyroid failure.
6. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which hormone deficiency is primarily responsible for the development of Central
Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Oxytocin
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Central Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency of ADH, which is
produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. Without ADH, the
kidneys are unable to reabsorb water, leading to the excretion of large volumes of dilute
urine. This condition results in significant polydipsia and polyuria in affected patients.
2. In a patient with SIADH, what is the expected clinical finding regarding serum sodium?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Normal sodium levels
D. Hyponatremia
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive secretion of ADH, which leads to water
retention and dilutional hyponatremia. The kidneys continue to excrete sodium in the urine
despite low serum levels, further complicating the electrolyte balance. This
pathophysiology is often associated with small cell lung cancer or CNS trauma.
3. Which physical assessment finding is most characteristic of Cushing Syndrome?
A. Exophthalmos
B. Pretibial Myxedema
C. Bronze skin pigmentation
D. Moon face and buffalo hump
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Cushing Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive
glucocorticoids, which leads to a distinct redistribution of adipose tissue. Patients typically
present with a rounded face (moon face) and a fat pad on the upper back (buffalo hump).
These changes are driven by the catabolic effects of cortisol on protein and fat metabolism.
4. What is the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism in Graves Disease?
A. TSH-secreting pituitary tumor
B. Chronic iodine deficiency
C. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI)
, D. Destruction of thyroid follicles
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces
antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to and
activate the TSH receptors on thyroid cells, causing autonomous production of thyroid
hormones. This leads to clinical hyperthyroidism and often goiter and eye changes.
5. In Hashimoto thyroiditis, which lab pattern is typically observed?
A. High TSH, Low T4
B. Low TSH, High T4
C. Low TSH, Low T4
D. High TSH, High T4
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune destruction of the thyroid
gland, leading to primary hypothyroidism. As the thyroid gland fails to produce T4, the
pituitary gland increases TSH production through a negative feedback mechanism. This
high TSH and low T4 pattern is the hallmark of primary thyroid failure.
6. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
