NUR2063/NUR 2063 Final Exam V3 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is experiencing ischemia in the lower extremities. Which cellular change is most
likely to occur first as a result of reduced oxygen delivery?
A. Increased production of ATP via aerobic metabolism
B. Shrinkage of the nucleus known as pyknosis
C. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump leading to cellular swelling
D. Rapid increase in cellular pH
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemia leads to a decrease in aerobic metabolism and ATP production.
Without sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, causing sodium and water to
enter the cell and result in swelling. This is a hallmark of early cellular injury and is
reversible if oxygen is restored quickly.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Hypokalemia?
A. Peaked T waves on an EKG
B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Trousseau sign
D. Muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia affects the resting membrane potential of muscle and nerve cells,
leading to decreased excitability. This manifests as muscle weakness, fatigue, and life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias like U-waves. Monitoring serum potassium levels is
critical in patients on diuretics or with gastrointestinal losses.
3. A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and a very low urine specific gravity. Which
condition is most likely indicated?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
D. Addison’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH. This results in the inability to concentrate urine, leading to massive
amounts of dilute urine and extreme thirst. It is the opposite of SIADH, where water is
excessively retained.
4. Which symptom is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary congestion and crackles
B. Jugular venous distention
, C. Peripheral edema in the ankles
D. Hepatomegaly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation.
This leads to increased hydrostatic pressure in the lung capillaries and fluid leakage into
the alveoli, causing crackles and dyspnea. Right-sided failure, conversely, results in
systemic congestion like peripheral edema and JVD.
5. In the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, what is the primary cause of
hyperglycemia?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
D. Excessive intake of dietary carbohydrates
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks
and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans. This leads to an
absolute deficiency of insulin, making the patient dependent on exogenous insulin for
survival. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells and accumulates in the blood.
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is experiencing ischemia in the lower extremities. Which cellular change is most
likely to occur first as a result of reduced oxygen delivery?
A. Increased production of ATP via aerobic metabolism
B. Shrinkage of the nucleus known as pyknosis
C. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump leading to cellular swelling
D. Rapid increase in cellular pH
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ischemia leads to a decrease in aerobic metabolism and ATP production.
Without sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, causing sodium and water to
enter the cell and result in swelling. This is a hallmark of early cellular injury and is
reversible if oxygen is restored quickly.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Hypokalemia?
A. Peaked T waves on an EKG
B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Trousseau sign
D. Muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia affects the resting membrane potential of muscle and nerve cells,
leading to decreased excitability. This manifests as muscle weakness, fatigue, and life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias like U-waves. Monitoring serum potassium levels is
critical in patients on diuretics or with gastrointestinal losses.
3. A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and a very low urine specific gravity. Which
condition is most likely indicated?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Insipidus
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
D. Addison’s Disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH. This results in the inability to concentrate urine, leading to massive
amounts of dilute urine and extreme thirst. It is the opposite of SIADH, where water is
excessively retained.
4. Which symptom is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary congestion and crackles
B. Jugular venous distention
, C. Peripheral edema in the ankles
D. Hepatomegaly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation.
This leads to increased hydrostatic pressure in the lung capillaries and fluid leakage into
the alveoli, causing crackles and dyspnea. Right-sided failure, conversely, results in
systemic congestion like peripheral edema and JVD.
5. In the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, what is the primary cause of
hyperglycemia?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
D. Excessive intake of dietary carbohydrates
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks
and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans. This leads to an
absolute deficiency of insulin, making the patient dependent on exogenous insulin for
survival. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells and accumulates in the blood.
