NURS 231/NURS231 Module 6 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, frequent urination, and a urine specific gravity of
1.002. Which condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
D. Hyperaldosteronism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH, leading to the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine. The low specific
gravity (1.002) indicates that the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine effectively. This
condition results in polydipsia and polyuria, which are classic clinical manifestations.
2. Which of the following hormones is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B. Oxytocin
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. Growth Hormone (GH)
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic
hormone (ADH). These hormones are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to
the posterior pituitary via nerve axons. ACTH, TSH, and GH are all produced and secreted
by the anterior pituitary gland.
3. In Graves’ disease, what is the primary underlying mechanism of the hyperthyroid state?
A. A pituitary tumor secreting excess TSH
B. Destruction of thyroid tissue by T-cells
C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter formation
D. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimicking TSH
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where B lymphocytes produce
antibodies against the TSH receptor. These antibodies, known as thyroid-stimulating
immunoglobulins (TSI), bind to and activate the receptors, causing the thyroid gland to
grow and overproduce thyroid hormones. This bypasses the normal negative feedback
loop, leading to hyperthyroidism.
4. A patient exhibits ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. These clinical
features are most indicative of which disorder?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Pheochromocytoma
, C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids,
such as cortisol. The redistribution of fat leads to the characteristic ‘moon face’ and ‘buffalo
hump’ on the upper back. The breakdown of protein in the skin leads to the development of
purple striae on the abdomen.
5. Which lab finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of Primary Hypothyroidism?
A. High TSH and Low T4
B. Low TSH and Low T4
C. Low TSH and High T4
D. High TSH and High T4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland itself is failing to produce
sufficient T4. Due to the negative feedback mechanism, the anterior pituitary increases the
secretion of TSH to stimulate the thyroid. Therefore, the hallmark of this condition is a high
TSH level paired with a low serum T4 level.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, frequent urination, and a urine specific gravity of
1.002. Which condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
D. Hyperaldosteronism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH, leading to the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine. The low specific
gravity (1.002) indicates that the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine effectively. This
condition results in polydipsia and polyuria, which are classic clinical manifestations.
2. Which of the following hormones is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B. Oxytocin
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
D. Growth Hormone (GH)
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic
hormone (ADH). These hormones are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to
the posterior pituitary via nerve axons. ACTH, TSH, and GH are all produced and secreted
by the anterior pituitary gland.
3. In Graves’ disease, what is the primary underlying mechanism of the hyperthyroid state?
A. A pituitary tumor secreting excess TSH
B. Destruction of thyroid tissue by T-cells
C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter formation
D. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimicking TSH
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where B lymphocytes produce
antibodies against the TSH receptor. These antibodies, known as thyroid-stimulating
immunoglobulins (TSI), bind to and activate the receptors, causing the thyroid gland to
grow and overproduce thyroid hormones. This bypasses the normal negative feedback
loop, leading to hyperthyroidism.
4. A patient exhibits ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. These clinical
features are most indicative of which disorder?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Pheochromocytoma
, C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids,
such as cortisol. The redistribution of fat leads to the characteristic ‘moon face’ and ‘buffalo
hump’ on the upper back. The breakdown of protein in the skin leads to the development of
purple striae on the abdomen.
5. Which lab finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of Primary Hypothyroidism?
A. High TSH and Low T4
B. Low TSH and Low T4
C. Low TSH and High T4
D. High TSH and High T4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland itself is failing to produce
sufficient T4. Due to the negative feedback mechanism, the anterior pituitary increases the
secretion of TSH to stimulate the thyroid. Therefore, the hallmark of this condition is a high
TSH level paired with a low serum T4 level.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
