NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 2 V3 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Which
underlying condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Right-sided heart failure
B. Left-sided heart failure
C. Peripheral artery disease
D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure involves the inability of the left ventricle to pump blood
efficiently into the systemic circulation. This failure causes blood to back up into the lungs,
increasing pulmonary hydrostatic pressure. The resulting pulmonary congestion leads to
the classic symptoms of shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
2. Which type of anemia is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to a deficiency in
vitamin B12 absorption?
A. Pernicious anemia
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Aplastic anemia
,D. Hemolytic anemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is a megaloblastic condition caused by an autoimmune-
mediated destruction of gastric parietal cells. These cells are responsible for producing
intrinsic factor, which is essential for B12 absorption in the ileum. Without sufficient B12,
DNA synthesis in red blood cells is impaired, resulting in large, immature erythrocytes.
3. A patient is diagnosed with emphysema. Which pathophysiological change is most
characteristic of this obstructive lung disease?
A. Hypertrophy of mucus-secreting glands
B. Reversible airway inflammation
C. Permanent dilation of the bronchi
D. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Emphysema is defined by the permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the
terminal bronchioles. This occurs due to the breakdown of elastin by enzymes like elastase,
often triggered by smoking. The loss of elastic recoil causes air trapping and the hallmark
clinical sign of a barrel chest.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of Disseminated
Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?
A. Systemic activation of the coagulation cascade
, B. An isolated deficiency of Factor VIII
C. Failure of the bone marrow to produce platelets
D. Increased production of erythropoietin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: DIC is a complex systemic disorder where excessive clotting occurs throughout
the microvasculature. This widespread clotting consumes available platelets and clotting
factors, eventually leading to severe hemorrhage. It is usually a secondary complication of
conditions like sepsis, trauma, or cancer.
5. A patient with chronic hypertension is at risk for target organ damage. Which of the
following is a common complication of long-term untreated hypertension?
A. Liver cirrhosis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Chronic kidney disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: High systemic blood pressure exerts constant stress on the delicate vasculature
of the kidneys. Over time, this leads to nephrosclerosis and a decrease in the glomerular
filtration rate. It is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease in the adult
population.
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Which
underlying condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Right-sided heart failure
B. Left-sided heart failure
C. Peripheral artery disease
D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure involves the inability of the left ventricle to pump blood
efficiently into the systemic circulation. This failure causes blood to back up into the lungs,
increasing pulmonary hydrostatic pressure. The resulting pulmonary congestion leads to
the classic symptoms of shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
2. Which type of anemia is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to a deficiency in
vitamin B12 absorption?
A. Pernicious anemia
B. Iron deficiency anemia
C. Aplastic anemia
,D. Hemolytic anemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is a megaloblastic condition caused by an autoimmune-
mediated destruction of gastric parietal cells. These cells are responsible for producing
intrinsic factor, which is essential for B12 absorption in the ileum. Without sufficient B12,
DNA synthesis in red blood cells is impaired, resulting in large, immature erythrocytes.
3. A patient is diagnosed with emphysema. Which pathophysiological change is most
characteristic of this obstructive lung disease?
A. Hypertrophy of mucus-secreting glands
B. Reversible airway inflammation
C. Permanent dilation of the bronchi
D. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Emphysema is defined by the permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the
terminal bronchioles. This occurs due to the breakdown of elastin by enzymes like elastase,
often triggered by smoking. The loss of elastic recoil causes air trapping and the hallmark
clinical sign of a barrel chest.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of Disseminated
Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?
A. Systemic activation of the coagulation cascade
, B. An isolated deficiency of Factor VIII
C. Failure of the bone marrow to produce platelets
D. Increased production of erythropoietin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: DIC is a complex systemic disorder where excessive clotting occurs throughout
the microvasculature. This widespread clotting consumes available platelets and clotting
factors, eventually leading to severe hemorrhage. It is usually a secondary complication of
conditions like sepsis, trauma, or cancer.
5. A patient with chronic hypertension is at risk for target organ damage. Which of the
following is a common complication of long-term untreated hypertension?
A. Liver cirrhosis
B. Osteoarthritis
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Chronic kidney disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: High systemic blood pressure exerts constant stress on the delicate vasculature
of the kidneys. Over time, this leads to nephrosclerosis and a decrease in the glomerular
filtration rate. It is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease in the adult
population.
