NURS 231/NURS231 Module 5 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. What is the primary underlying pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the small intestine
C. Excessive secretion of glucagon from alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency due
to the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This
process is often triggered by genetic predisposition and environmental factors, leading to a
loss of self-tolerance. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells for energy, resulting in
severe hyperglycemia and the breakdown of fats for fuel.
2. A patient presents with fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul respirations, and a blood glucose
of 550 mg/dL. Which condition is most likely?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemic Shock
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
,D. Lactic Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of Type 1 DM involving
extreme hyperglycemia and ketone production. The fruity breath is caused by the
exhalation of acetone, a byproduct of ketone metabolism. Kussmaul respirations represent
the body’s compensatory mechanism to expel carbon dioxide and correct the underlying
metabolic acidosis.
3. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Graves’ Disease?
A. Bradycardia and weight gain
B. Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
C. Cold intolerance and brittle hair
D. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism where thyroid-
stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) bind to TSH receptors. Exophthalmos occurs due to
inflammation and accumulation of edema in the extraocular muscles and retro-orbital fat.
Other symptoms include heat intolerance, tachycardia, and weight loss despite an
increased appetite.
4. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone
, B. Excessive production of growth hormone
C. Hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D. Excessive levels of circulating cortisol
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, whether from endogenous overproduction or exogenous administration. This
leads to characteristic signs such as central obesity, a ‘buffalo hump,’ and a ‘moon face.’ The
excess cortisol also suppresses the immune system and promotes gluconeogenesis, often
leading to secondary diabetes.
5. In Addison’s Disease, the primary deficiency of which hormone leads to hyponatremia and
hyperkalemia?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Thyroxine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Addison’s Disease involves the destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to a
lack of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Aldosterone is responsible for sodium
reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. Therefore, its deficiency results in
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. What is the primary underlying pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose absorption in the small intestine
C. Excessive secretion of glucagon from alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency due
to the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This
process is often triggered by genetic predisposition and environmental factors, leading to a
loss of self-tolerance. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells for energy, resulting in
severe hyperglycemia and the breakdown of fats for fuel.
2. A patient presents with fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul respirations, and a blood glucose
of 550 mg/dL. Which condition is most likely?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemic Shock
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
,D. Lactic Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication of Type 1 DM involving
extreme hyperglycemia and ketone production. The fruity breath is caused by the
exhalation of acetone, a byproduct of ketone metabolism. Kussmaul respirations represent
the body’s compensatory mechanism to expel carbon dioxide and correct the underlying
metabolic acidosis.
3. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Graves’ Disease?
A. Bradycardia and weight gain
B. Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
C. Cold intolerance and brittle hair
D. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism where thyroid-
stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) bind to TSH receptors. Exophthalmos occurs due to
inflammation and accumulation of edema in the extraocular muscles and retro-orbital fat.
Other symptoms include heat intolerance, tachycardia, and weight loss despite an
increased appetite.
4. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone
, B. Excessive production of growth hormone
C. Hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D. Excessive levels of circulating cortisol
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, whether from endogenous overproduction or exogenous administration. This
leads to characteristic signs such as central obesity, a ‘buffalo hump,’ and a ‘moon face.’ The
excess cortisol also suppresses the immune system and promotes gluconeogenesis, often
leading to secondary diabetes.
5. In Addison’s Disease, the primary deficiency of which hormone leads to hyponatremia and
hyperkalemia?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Thyroxine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Addison’s Disease involves the destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to a
lack of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Aldosterone is responsible for sodium
reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. Therefore, its deficiency results in
