NURS 231/NURS231 Module 4 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A 65-year-old male presents with substernal chest pain that occurs during exercise and is
relieved by rest. Which condition is most likely?
A. Unstable Angina
B. Prinzmetal Angina
C. Stable Angina
D. Myocardial Infarction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain brought on by physical
exertion or stress. It is caused by chronic coronary obstruction and is typically relieved by
rest or nitrates. In contrast, unstable angina occurs at rest and signifies a more severe
progression of coronary artery disease.
2. In the development of atherosclerosis, which cell type is responsible for the ingestion of
oxidized LDL to form ‘foam cells’?
A. Macrophages
B. Lymphocytes
C. Neutrophils
,D. Eosinophils
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Macrophages migrate into the subendothelial space and engulf oxidized LDL,
becoming foam cells. This process is a hallmark of the early stages of atherosclerotic plaque
formation. Over time, these foam cells accumulate and form a fatty streak in the vessel wall.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Orthopnea
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Dyspnea on exertion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure leads to a backup of blood into the systemic
circulation, causing peripheral edema and jugular venous distention. Pulmonary symptoms
like orthopnea and pulmonary edema are typically associated with left-sided heart failure.
Systemic congestion occurs because the right ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood
into the pulmonary circulation.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of orthostatic hypotension?
A. Excessive release of antidiuretic hormone
B. Overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system
, C. Chronic elevation of blood glucose
D. Failure of the baroreceptor reflex response
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the body’s baroreceptors fail to respond
quickly to changes in position. This failure results in an inability to constrict blood vessels
and increase heart rate sufficiently to maintain blood pressure. Consequently, the systolic
blood pressure drops by at least 20 mmHg when moving from lying to standing.
5. A patient exhibits Beck’s Triad, including hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular
venous distention. What is the suspected diagnosis?
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Cardiac Tamponade
C. Mitral Regurgitation
D. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beck’s triad is a clinical diagnostic indicator for cardiac tamponade, which is an
emergency condition. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing
the heart and limiting its ability to fill. Rapid intervention is required to drain the fluid and
restore cardiac output.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A 65-year-old male presents with substernal chest pain that occurs during exercise and is
relieved by rest. Which condition is most likely?
A. Unstable Angina
B. Prinzmetal Angina
C. Stable Angina
D. Myocardial Infarction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain brought on by physical
exertion or stress. It is caused by chronic coronary obstruction and is typically relieved by
rest or nitrates. In contrast, unstable angina occurs at rest and signifies a more severe
progression of coronary artery disease.
2. In the development of atherosclerosis, which cell type is responsible for the ingestion of
oxidized LDL to form ‘foam cells’?
A. Macrophages
B. Lymphocytes
C. Neutrophils
,D. Eosinophils
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Macrophages migrate into the subendothelial space and engulf oxidized LDL,
becoming foam cells. This process is a hallmark of the early stages of atherosclerotic plaque
formation. Over time, these foam cells accumulate and form a fatty streak in the vessel wall.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Orthopnea
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Dyspnea on exertion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure leads to a backup of blood into the systemic
circulation, causing peripheral edema and jugular venous distention. Pulmonary symptoms
like orthopnea and pulmonary edema are typically associated with left-sided heart failure.
Systemic congestion occurs because the right ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood
into the pulmonary circulation.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of orthostatic hypotension?
A. Excessive release of antidiuretic hormone
B. Overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system
, C. Chronic elevation of blood glucose
D. Failure of the baroreceptor reflex response
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the body’s baroreceptors fail to respond
quickly to changes in position. This failure results in an inability to constrict blood vessels
and increase heart rate sufficiently to maintain blood pressure. Consequently, the systolic
blood pressure drops by at least 20 mmHg when moving from lying to standing.
5. A patient exhibits Beck’s Triad, including hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular
venous distention. What is the suspected diagnosis?
A. Aortic Stenosis
B. Cardiac Tamponade
C. Mitral Regurgitation
D. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beck’s triad is a clinical diagnostic indicator for cardiac tamponade, which is an
emergency condition. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing
the heart and limiting its ability to fill. Rapid intervention is required to drain the fluid and
restore cardiac output.
