NURS 231/NURS231 Module 9 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Kidney stones obstructing the ureter
B. Aminoglycoside antibiotic toxicity
C. Decreased renal perfusion due to hypovolemia
D. Acute glomerulonephritis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is characterized by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Hypovolemia from dehydration or hemorrhage is
a leading cause because the kidneys do not receive enough pressure to maintain filtration.
If the underlying cause is corrected quickly, the kidney function often returns to normal
without permanent damage.
2. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25
mL/min. Which stage of CKD is this patient in?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3
,D. Stage 5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a severely decreased GFR ranging from 15 to 29
mL/min. At this stage, the patient is likely preparing for renal replacement therapy such as
dialysis or transplant. It is a critical period where metabolic complications like anemia and
bone disease become more prominent.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, or high serum potassium, significantly affects cardiac electrical
conduction. Peaked T-waves are often the earliest sign of this imbalance on an ECG.
Without intervention, this can progress to a widened QRS complex and potentially fatal
cardiac arrest.
4. What is the primary clinical manifestation of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Massive proteinuria (>3.5 g/day)
, B. Gross hematuria
C. Extremely high blood pressure
D. Pyuria
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the glomerular basement membrane,
leading to increased permeability to proteins. The hallmark sign is proteinuria exceeding
3.5 grams per day, which results in hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema. This
condition differs from nephritic syndrome, which is more focused on inflammation and
blood in the urine.
5. The activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) primarily results in
which of the following?
A. Excretion of sodium and water
B. Vasodilation and decreased blood pressure
C. Retention of sodium and water to increase blood volume
D. Increased excretion of potassium and calcium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: RAAS is a compensatory mechanism triggered by low blood pressure or low
renal blood flow. Renin triggers a cascade that results in the release of aldosterone, which
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Kidney stones obstructing the ureter
B. Aminoglycoside antibiotic toxicity
C. Decreased renal perfusion due to hypovolemia
D. Acute glomerulonephritis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is characterized by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Hypovolemia from dehydration or hemorrhage is
a leading cause because the kidneys do not receive enough pressure to maintain filtration.
If the underlying cause is corrected quickly, the kidney function often returns to normal
without permanent damage.
2. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25
mL/min. Which stage of CKD is this patient in?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3
,D. Stage 5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a severely decreased GFR ranging from 15 to 29
mL/min. At this stage, the patient is likely preparing for renal replacement therapy such as
dialysis or transplant. It is a critical period where metabolic complications like anemia and
bone disease become more prominent.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, or high serum potassium, significantly affects cardiac electrical
conduction. Peaked T-waves are often the earliest sign of this imbalance on an ECG.
Without intervention, this can progress to a widened QRS complex and potentially fatal
cardiac arrest.
4. What is the primary clinical manifestation of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Massive proteinuria (>3.5 g/day)
, B. Gross hematuria
C. Extremely high blood pressure
D. Pyuria
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the glomerular basement membrane,
leading to increased permeability to proteins. The hallmark sign is proteinuria exceeding
3.5 grams per day, which results in hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema. This
condition differs from nephritic syndrome, which is more focused on inflammation and
blood in the urine.
5. The activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) primarily results in
which of the following?
A. Excretion of sodium and water
B. Vasodilation and decreased blood pressure
C. Retention of sodium and water to increase blood volume
D. Increased excretion of potassium and calcium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: RAAS is a compensatory mechanism triggered by low blood pressure or low
renal blood flow. Renin triggers a cascade that results in the release of aldosterone, which
