NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 1 V2 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient’s biopsy report indicates a change in cell size from normal to smaller. Which
cellular adaptation is the nurse likely to observe?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced blood
supply. This reduction in size allows the cell to survive under conditions of decreased
resources or stimulation. It is commonly seen in skeletal muscle after a limb is immobilized
in a cast.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of the alarm stage of the General Adaptation
Syndrome (GAS)?
A. Decrease in blood glucose levels
B. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
C. Muscle wasting and weight loss
,D. Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The alarm stage is the initial response to stress, characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. This results in the rapid
release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla to prepare the body for action. Other
physiological changes include increased heart rate and dilation of the pupils.
3. A patient presents with widespread swelling. Which mechanism contributes to the
development of edema?
A. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased capillary permeability
D. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased plasma oncotic pressure occurs when there is a deficiency in plasma
proteins like albumin. This loss of ‘pulling’ pressure allows fluid to leak out of the
capillaries and into the interstitial space. It is frequently seen in patients with liver failure
or severe malnutrition.
4. An ABG report shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, and HCO3 24. What is the correct interpretation?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
, B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, which indicates an acidotic state within the body. The
PaCO2 is elevated above 45, which correlates with the acidic pH and signifies a respiratory
cause. Since the bicarbonate level is normal, the condition is currently uncompensated.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause Trousseau and Chvostek signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary
muscle contractions. Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve, while
Trousseau’s sign is observed during blood pressure cuff inflation. These assessments are
vital for monitoring patients with thyroid or parathyroid issues.
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient’s biopsy report indicates a change in cell size from normal to smaller. Which
cellular adaptation is the nurse likely to observe?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced blood
supply. This reduction in size allows the cell to survive under conditions of decreased
resources or stimulation. It is commonly seen in skeletal muscle after a limb is immobilized
in a cast.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of the alarm stage of the General Adaptation
Syndrome (GAS)?
A. Decrease in blood glucose levels
B. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
C. Muscle wasting and weight loss
,D. Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The alarm stage is the initial response to stress, characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. This results in the rapid
release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla to prepare the body for action. Other
physiological changes include increased heart rate and dilation of the pupils.
3. A patient presents with widespread swelling. Which mechanism contributes to the
development of edema?
A. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased capillary permeability
D. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decreased plasma oncotic pressure occurs when there is a deficiency in plasma
proteins like albumin. This loss of ‘pulling’ pressure allows fluid to leak out of the
capillaries and into the interstitial space. It is frequently seen in patients with liver failure
or severe malnutrition.
4. An ABG report shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, and HCO3 24. What is the correct interpretation?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
, B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, which indicates an acidotic state within the body. The
PaCO2 is elevated above 45, which correlates with the acidic pH and signifies a respiratory
cause. Since the bicarbonate level is normal, the condition is currently uncompensated.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause Trousseau and Chvostek signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary
muscle contractions. Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve, while
Trousseau’s sign is observed during blood pressure cuff inflation. These assessments are
vital for monitoring patients with thyroid or parathyroid issues.
