NURS 231/NURS231 Module 5 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Laboratory results reveal an
absolute deficiency of insulin. Which condition is most likely?
A. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
D. Metabolic Syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of
pancreatic beta cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency. The classic triad of
symptoms includes polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia due to hyperglycemia and osmotic
diuresis. Management requires lifelong exogenous insulin therapy to maintain glucose
homeostasis.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Excessive water retention leading to dilutional hyponatremia
B. Excessive excretion of water due to ADH deficiency
,C. Inability of the kidneys to respond to ADH
D. Hypernatremia caused by excessive aldosterone secretion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH involves the hypersecretion of ADH, which causes the kidneys to
reabsorb excessive amounts of water regardless of serum osmolality. This results in an
expansion of extracellular fluid volume and a significant drop in serum sodium levels,
known as dilutional hyponatremia. Patients often exhibit concentrated urine and
symptoms related to cerebral edema if the sodium drop is rapid.
3. A patient exhibits a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. These clinical
manifestations are characteristic of which endocrine disorder?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Pheochromocytoma
D. Hypoparathyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, whether endogenous or exogenous. The characteristic fat redistribution leads to a
rounded face and a cervicodorsal fat pad. Additionally, protein wasting and weakened
collagen result in thin skin and the appearance of purple striae on the abdomen.
, 4. What is the primary cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of the alpha cells
B. Absolute lack of insulin production from birth
C. Insulin resistance combined with a relative insulin deficiency
D. Excessive production of glucagon by the liver
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a progressive condition where body tissues become
resistant to the effects of insulin. Over time, the pancreas is unable to secrete enough
insulin to overcome this resistance, leading to hyperglycemia. Risk factors include obesity,
genetics, and sedentary lifestyle, which exacerbate the cellular resistance.
5. In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), why do Kussmaul respirations occur?
A. To compensate for metabolic alkalosis
B. To increase the oxygen saturation in the blood
C. To compensate for metabolic acidosis by blowing off CO2
D. To reduce the intracranial pressure caused by ketones
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that represent a respiratory
compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. In DKA, the accumulation of ketones
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Laboratory results reveal an
absolute deficiency of insulin. Which condition is most likely?
A. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
D. Metabolic Syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of
pancreatic beta cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency. The classic triad of
symptoms includes polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia due to hyperglycemia and osmotic
diuresis. Management requires lifelong exogenous insulin therapy to maintain glucose
homeostasis.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Excessive water retention leading to dilutional hyponatremia
B. Excessive excretion of water due to ADH deficiency
,C. Inability of the kidneys to respond to ADH
D. Hypernatremia caused by excessive aldosterone secretion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH involves the hypersecretion of ADH, which causes the kidneys to
reabsorb excessive amounts of water regardless of serum osmolality. This results in an
expansion of extracellular fluid volume and a significant drop in serum sodium levels,
known as dilutional hyponatremia. Patients often exhibit concentrated urine and
symptoms related to cerebral edema if the sodium drop is rapid.
3. A patient exhibits a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. These clinical
manifestations are characteristic of which endocrine disorder?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Pheochromocytoma
D. Hypoparathyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, whether endogenous or exogenous. The characteristic fat redistribution leads to a
rounded face and a cervicodorsal fat pad. Additionally, protein wasting and weakened
collagen result in thin skin and the appearance of purple striae on the abdomen.
, 4. What is the primary cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of the alpha cells
B. Absolute lack of insulin production from birth
C. Insulin resistance combined with a relative insulin deficiency
D. Excessive production of glucagon by the liver
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a progressive condition where body tissues become
resistant to the effects of insulin. Over time, the pancreas is unable to secrete enough
insulin to overcome this resistance, leading to hyperglycemia. Risk factors include obesity,
genetics, and sedentary lifestyle, which exacerbate the cellular resistance.
5. In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), why do Kussmaul respirations occur?
A. To compensate for metabolic alkalosis
B. To increase the oxygen saturation in the blood
C. To compensate for metabolic acidosis by blowing off CO2
D. To reduce the intracranial pressure caused by ketones
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that represent a respiratory
compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. In DKA, the accumulation of ketones
