NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 4 V3 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and a urine specific gravity of 1.002. Which
endocrine disorder should the nurse suspect?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of or a decreased response
to ADH, which leads to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. This results in the
excretion of large amounts of dilute urine with a very low specific gravity. The hallmark
symptoms are polyuria and excessive thirst known as polydipsia.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism is most likely responsible for the development of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
A. Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
B. Increased gastric emptying rate
C. Excessive production of intrinsic factor
,D. Decreased abdominal pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes
inappropriately, allowing gastric contents to flow back into the esophagus. This acid reflux
causes irritation and damage to the esophageal mucosa over time. Contributing factors can
include obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications that lower LES pressure.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is found to be severely anemic. What is the
primary cause of anemia in this population?
A. Vitamin B12 malabsorption
B. Chronic blood loss in the stool
C. Iron deficiency due to poor diet
D. Deficiency of Erythropoietin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The kidneys are responsible for producing erythropoietin, a hormone that
stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with CKD, the damaged
kidneys cannot produce sufficient erythropoietin, leading to reduced RBC production. This
condition is a common complication and is usually treated with synthetic erythropoiesis-
stimulating agents.
4. Which clinical manifestation is a classic sign of Graves’ disease?
A. Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
, B. Weight gain and bradycardia
C. Moon face and buffalo hump
D. Cold intolerance and dry skin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor. Exophthalmos is a distinctive feature caused by
inflammation and accumulation of deposits in the orbital tissues. Other common signs
include tachycardia, heat intolerance, and unintended weight loss.
5. A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory values would the nurse
expect to be significantly elevated?
A. Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
C. Serum Amylase and Lipase
D. Sodium and Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes are activated within the pancreas
rather than the duodenum, causing self-digestion of the organ. Serum amylase and lipase
levels rise rapidly and are the primary diagnostic markers for this condition. Lipase is
generally considered more specific to the pancreas than amylase.
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and a urine specific gravity of 1.002. Which
endocrine disorder should the nurse suspect?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of or a decreased response
to ADH, which leads to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. This results in the
excretion of large amounts of dilute urine with a very low specific gravity. The hallmark
symptoms are polyuria and excessive thirst known as polydipsia.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism is most likely responsible for the development of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
A. Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
B. Increased gastric emptying rate
C. Excessive production of intrinsic factor
,D. Decreased abdominal pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes
inappropriately, allowing gastric contents to flow back into the esophagus. This acid reflux
causes irritation and damage to the esophageal mucosa over time. Contributing factors can
include obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications that lower LES pressure.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is found to be severely anemic. What is the
primary cause of anemia in this population?
A. Vitamin B12 malabsorption
B. Chronic blood loss in the stool
C. Iron deficiency due to poor diet
D. Deficiency of Erythropoietin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The kidneys are responsible for producing erythropoietin, a hormone that
stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with CKD, the damaged
kidneys cannot produce sufficient erythropoietin, leading to reduced RBC production. This
condition is a common complication and is usually treated with synthetic erythropoiesis-
stimulating agents.
4. Which clinical manifestation is a classic sign of Graves’ disease?
A. Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
, B. Weight gain and bradycardia
C. Moon face and buffalo hump
D. Cold intolerance and dry skin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
antibodies that stimulate the TSH receptor. Exophthalmos is a distinctive feature caused by
inflammation and accumulation of deposits in the orbital tissues. Other common signs
include tachycardia, heat intolerance, and unintended weight loss.
5. A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory values would the nurse
expect to be significantly elevated?
A. Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
C. Serum Amylase and Lipase
D. Sodium and Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes are activated within the pancreas
rather than the duodenum, causing self-digestion of the organ. Serum amylase and lipase
levels rise rapidly and are the primary diagnostic markers for this condition. Lipase is
generally considered more specific to the pancreas than amylase.
