NUR2063/NUR 2063 Final Exam V1 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient has experienced a decrease in the size of the leg muscles after being in a cast for
six weeks. Which cellular adaptation has occurred?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced blood
supply. In this scenario, the lack of muscle use while in a cast leads to a reduction in muscle
mass. This is a common clinical finding in patients with immobilized limbs.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Type I Hypersensitivity?
A. Immune complex deposition in tissues
B. Cytotoxic reaction involving IgG or IgM
C. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
D. Delayed T-cell mediated response
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity involves the production of IgE antibodies in response to
an allergen. These antibodies bind to mast cells, and subsequent exposure triggers the
release of histamine. This mechanism is responsible for conditions like asthma and
anaphylaxis.
3. What is the primary cause of edema in a patient with liver failure and low serum albumin?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased interstitial fluid osmotic pressure
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin is the major protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure in
the blood vessels. When liver failure occurs, albumin production drops, leading to a loss of
the ‘pull’ that keeps fluid in the vascular space. Consequently, fluid leaks into the
interstitium, causing generalized edema.
4. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24. What is the correct
interpretation?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
, C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, while the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg. This combination signifies that the primary cause of the acidic state is respiratory
in nature. The normal bicarbonate level indicates that compensation has not yet occurred.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Potassium plays a critical role in the resting membrane potential of cardiac
myocytes. Elevated levels, known as hyperkalemia, can lead to peaked T waves and
eventual cardiac arrest. Monitoring potassium levels is a priority in patients with renal
failure.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in a patient with Emphysema?
A. Hypersecretion of mucus in the bronchi
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient has experienced a decrease in the size of the leg muscles after being in a cast for
six weeks. Which cellular adaptation has occurred?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced blood
supply. In this scenario, the lack of muscle use while in a cast leads to a reduction in muscle
mass. This is a common clinical finding in patients with immobilized limbs.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Type I Hypersensitivity?
A. Immune complex deposition in tissues
B. Cytotoxic reaction involving IgG or IgM
C. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
D. Delayed T-cell mediated response
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity involves the production of IgE antibodies in response to
an allergen. These antibodies bind to mast cells, and subsequent exposure triggers the
release of histamine. This mechanism is responsible for conditions like asthma and
anaphylaxis.
3. What is the primary cause of edema in a patient with liver failure and low serum albumin?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased interstitial fluid osmotic pressure
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin is the major protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure in
the blood vessels. When liver failure occurs, albumin production drops, leading to a loss of
the ‘pull’ that keeps fluid in the vascular space. Consequently, fluid leaks into the
interstitium, causing generalized edema.
4. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24. What is the correct
interpretation?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
, C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, while the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg. This combination signifies that the primary cause of the acidic state is respiratory
in nature. The normal bicarbonate level indicates that compensation has not yet occurred.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Potassium plays a critical role in the resting membrane potential of cardiac
myocytes. Elevated levels, known as hyperkalemia, can lead to peaked T waves and
eventual cardiac arrest. Monitoring potassium levels is a priority in patients with renal
failure.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in a patient with Emphysema?
A. Hypersecretion of mucus in the bronchi
