NURSING 7450
Pathophysiology of
Altered Health States
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. Which of the following best describes the
pathophysiological mechanism of type 1 diabetes mellitus?
a. Insulin resistance
b. Antibodies destroying pancreatic beta cells
c. Increased production of glucagon
d. Kidney dysfunction impairing glucose reabsorption
Answer: b. Antibodies destroying pancreatic beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune
disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly
attacks and destroys pancreatic beta cells, resulting in little
to no insulin production.
2. Which of the following occurs as a result of an impaired
function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
a. Increased heart rate
b. Decreased cardiac contractility
c. Irregular heart rhythm
d. Vasoconstriction
Answer: c. Irregular heart rhythm
Rationale: The SA node is responsible for initiating the
electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm. If there
is an impairment in its function, it can lead to irregular
heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or bradycardia.
3. Which statement accurately describes the
pathophysiology of asthma?
, a. Airways become constricted due to excessive mucus
production
b. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways occur due to
an allergen-triggered immune response
c. Reduced surfactant production impairs gas exchange in
the alveoli
d. Excessive fluid accumulates within the pleural space,
causing lung collapse
Answer: b. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways
occur due to an allergen-triggered immune response
Rationale: Asthma is characterized by inflammation and
constriction of the airways as a result of an allergic
reaction. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing,
shortness of breath, and coughing.
4. Which of the following conditions is associated with
excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces,
leading to visible swelling?
a. Ascites
b. Edema
c. Lymphedema
d. Anasarca
Answer: b. Edema
Rationale: Edema refers to the abnormal accumulation of
fluid in the interstitial spaces, resulting in visible swelling.
This can occur due to various causes, such as fluid
Pathophysiology of
Altered Health States
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. Which of the following best describes the
pathophysiological mechanism of type 1 diabetes mellitus?
a. Insulin resistance
b. Antibodies destroying pancreatic beta cells
c. Increased production of glucagon
d. Kidney dysfunction impairing glucose reabsorption
Answer: b. Antibodies destroying pancreatic beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune
disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly
attacks and destroys pancreatic beta cells, resulting in little
to no insulin production.
2. Which of the following occurs as a result of an impaired
function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
a. Increased heart rate
b. Decreased cardiac contractility
c. Irregular heart rhythm
d. Vasoconstriction
Answer: c. Irregular heart rhythm
Rationale: The SA node is responsible for initiating the
electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm. If there
is an impairment in its function, it can lead to irregular
heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or bradycardia.
3. Which statement accurately describes the
pathophysiology of asthma?
, a. Airways become constricted due to excessive mucus
production
b. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways occur due to
an allergen-triggered immune response
c. Reduced surfactant production impairs gas exchange in
the alveoli
d. Excessive fluid accumulates within the pleural space,
causing lung collapse
Answer: b. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways
occur due to an allergen-triggered immune response
Rationale: Asthma is characterized by inflammation and
constriction of the airways as a result of an allergic
reaction. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing,
shortness of breath, and coughing.
4. Which of the following conditions is associated with
excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces,
leading to visible swelling?
a. Ascites
b. Edema
c. Lymphedema
d. Anasarca
Answer: b. Edema
Rationale: Edema refers to the abnormal accumulation of
fluid in the interstitial spaces, resulting in visible swelling.
This can occur due to various causes, such as fluid
