NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 2 V1 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a very low urine specific gravity.
Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
D. Cushing’s Syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH, leading to excessive dilute urine output. Patients often experience
significant polydipsia to compensate for the fluid loss. The urine specific gravity is typically
very low, often below 1.005, which distinguishes it from other forms of polyuria.
2. Which electrolyte abnormality is the primary concern in a patient diagnosed with SIADH?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SIADH leads to excessive water reabsorption by the kidneys, which results in
dilutional hyponatremia. This imbalance occurs because the water retention exceeds the
body’s ability to excrete it, diluting the sodium concentration in the blood. Clinical
management focuses on fluid restriction to prevent neurological complications related to
low sodium levels.
3. A patient exhibits a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and central obesity. These clinical
manifestations are classic signs of which condition?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from a chronic excess of glucocorticoids, most
notably cortisol. The redistribution of fat leads to the characteristic moon face and
supraclavicular fat pads, often called a buffalo hump. Other symptoms include thin skin,
easy bruising, and muscle wasting in the extremities.
4. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
, C. Excessive production of glucagon from alpha cells
D. Impaired glucose absorption in the small intestine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune
system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
This leads to an absolute insulin deficiency, requiring lifelong exogenous insulin therapy.
Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers are believed to play key roles in the
development of this condition.
5. Which condition is characterized by a deficiency in both glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids?
A. Graves’ Disease
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Conn’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Addison’s Disease, or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, involves the
destruction of the adrenal cortex. This results in the inadequate production of cortisol and
aldosterone, leading to symptoms like hypotension and hyperpigmentation. It is often
autoimmune in nature but can also be caused by infections like tuberculosis.
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a very low urine specific gravity.
Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
A. Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
D. Cushing’s Syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased renal
response to ADH, leading to excessive dilute urine output. Patients often experience
significant polydipsia to compensate for the fluid loss. The urine specific gravity is typically
very low, often below 1.005, which distinguishes it from other forms of polyuria.
2. Which electrolyte abnormality is the primary concern in a patient diagnosed with SIADH?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
,Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SIADH leads to excessive water reabsorption by the kidneys, which results in
dilutional hyponatremia. This imbalance occurs because the water retention exceeds the
body’s ability to excrete it, diluting the sodium concentration in the blood. Clinical
management focuses on fluid restriction to prevent neurological complications related to
low sodium levels.
3. A patient exhibits a ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and central obesity. These clinical
manifestations are classic signs of which condition?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from a chronic excess of glucocorticoids, most
notably cortisol. The redistribution of fat leads to the characteristic moon face and
supraclavicular fat pads, often called a buffalo hump. Other symptoms include thin skin,
easy bruising, and muscle wasting in the extremities.
4. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
, C. Excessive production of glucagon from alpha cells
D. Impaired glucose absorption in the small intestine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune
system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
This leads to an absolute insulin deficiency, requiring lifelong exogenous insulin therapy.
Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers are believed to play key roles in the
development of this condition.
5. Which condition is characterized by a deficiency in both glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids?
A. Graves’ Disease
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Conn’s Syndrome
D. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Addison’s Disease, or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, involves the
destruction of the adrenal cortex. This results in the inadequate production of cortisol and
aldosterone, leading to symptoms like hypotension and hyperpigmentation. It is often
autoimmune in nature but can also be caused by infections like tuberculosis.
