NUR 2060
Pathophysiology
Exam | 2025/2026
Verified A+ Answers
Cardiovascular System (Questions 1–10)
1. In heart failure, the compensatory mechanism of ventricular remodeling
leads to: A. Decreased contractility B. Dilated chambers and eccentric
hypertrophy C. Concentric hypertrophy only D. Reduced afterload
Rationale: Ventricular remodeling in HF involves myocyte hypertrophy and
fibrosis, causing dilation (eccentric) in systolic dysfunction to maintain stroke
volume via Frank-Starling, but it worsens over time. Nursing interventions include
daily weights, low-sodium diet education (<2 g/day), and monitoring for edema to
promote fluid balance.
2. Atherosclerosis pathogenesis involves: A. Platelet aggregation only B.
Endothelial injury and lipid plaque formation C. Vasodilation D. Smooth muscle
relaxation
Rationale: Endothelial dysfunction from hyperlipidemia/hypertension initiates
monocyte adhesion, foam cell formation, and fibrous cap development, narrowing
lumens. Nursing interventions include statin therapy adherence (e.g., atorvastatin
40–80 mg), smoking cessation counseling, and BP monitoring to reduce plaque
progression.
, 3. In myocardial infarction, the zone of injury is characterized by: A.
Irreversible necrosis B. Inflammation and reversible ischemia C. Normal perfusion
D. Fibrosis
Rationale: The zone of injury (penumbra) has reduced perfusion but viable tissue,
allowing reperfusion via PCI to limit infarct size. Nursing interventions include
aspirin 162–325 mg chewed immediately, oxygen if SpO2 <94%, and 12-lead
ECG within 10 minutes for STEMI diagnosis.
4. Raynaud's phenomenon pathophysiology is: A. Vasodilation triggered by
cold B. Episodic vasospasm in digital arteries C. Chronic inflammation D.
Atherosclerotic plaque
Rationale: Sympathetic overactivity causes triphasic color changes (white-blue-
red) due to vasoconstriction, ischemia, and reperfusion. Nursing interventions
include calcium channel blockers (nifedipine 10–30 mg TID), stress reduction, and
hand warming to prevent tissue damage.
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Virchow's triad includes: A.
Hypercoagulability only B. Stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability C.
Increased fibrinolysis D. Vasodilation
Rationale: Triad promotes thrombus formation in veins, risking PE. Nursing
interventions include LMWH (enoxaparin 1 mg/kg SQ BID), compression
stockings (20–30 mmHg), and early ambulation to enhance venous return.
6. In septic shock, the pathophysiology involves: A. Vasoconstriction B.
Systemic vasodilation and capillary leak C. Decreased SVR D. All
Rationale: Cytokine storm from infection causes endothelial dysfunction, leading
to distributive shock with low SVR and hypoperfusion. Nursing interventions
include fluid bolus 30 mL/kg crystalloid, vasopressors (norepinephrine 0.01 –0.5
mcg/kg/min), and lactate monitoring (<2 mmol/L goal).
7. Anemia of chronic disease results from: A. Iron deficiency B. Inflammatory
cytokine suppression of erythropoiesis C. B12 malabsorption D. Hemolysis
Rationale: IL-6/hepcidin blocks iron release from macrophages, impairing RBC
production. Nursing interventions include treating underlying disease (e.g., ESA if
epo <500 mU/mL), iron studies, and monitoring Hb <10 g/dL for transfusion.
Pathophysiology
Exam | 2025/2026
Verified A+ Answers
Cardiovascular System (Questions 1–10)
1. In heart failure, the compensatory mechanism of ventricular remodeling
leads to: A. Decreased contractility B. Dilated chambers and eccentric
hypertrophy C. Concentric hypertrophy only D. Reduced afterload
Rationale: Ventricular remodeling in HF involves myocyte hypertrophy and
fibrosis, causing dilation (eccentric) in systolic dysfunction to maintain stroke
volume via Frank-Starling, but it worsens over time. Nursing interventions include
daily weights, low-sodium diet education (<2 g/day), and monitoring for edema to
promote fluid balance.
2. Atherosclerosis pathogenesis involves: A. Platelet aggregation only B.
Endothelial injury and lipid plaque formation C. Vasodilation D. Smooth muscle
relaxation
Rationale: Endothelial dysfunction from hyperlipidemia/hypertension initiates
monocyte adhesion, foam cell formation, and fibrous cap development, narrowing
lumens. Nursing interventions include statin therapy adherence (e.g., atorvastatin
40–80 mg), smoking cessation counseling, and BP monitoring to reduce plaque
progression.
, 3. In myocardial infarction, the zone of injury is characterized by: A.
Irreversible necrosis B. Inflammation and reversible ischemia C. Normal perfusion
D. Fibrosis
Rationale: The zone of injury (penumbra) has reduced perfusion but viable tissue,
allowing reperfusion via PCI to limit infarct size. Nursing interventions include
aspirin 162–325 mg chewed immediately, oxygen if SpO2 <94%, and 12-lead
ECG within 10 minutes for STEMI diagnosis.
4. Raynaud's phenomenon pathophysiology is: A. Vasodilation triggered by
cold B. Episodic vasospasm in digital arteries C. Chronic inflammation D.
Atherosclerotic plaque
Rationale: Sympathetic overactivity causes triphasic color changes (white-blue-
red) due to vasoconstriction, ischemia, and reperfusion. Nursing interventions
include calcium channel blockers (nifedipine 10–30 mg TID), stress reduction, and
hand warming to prevent tissue damage.
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Virchow's triad includes: A.
Hypercoagulability only B. Stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability C.
Increased fibrinolysis D. Vasodilation
Rationale: Triad promotes thrombus formation in veins, risking PE. Nursing
interventions include LMWH (enoxaparin 1 mg/kg SQ BID), compression
stockings (20–30 mmHg), and early ambulation to enhance venous return.
6. In septic shock, the pathophysiology involves: A. Vasoconstriction B.
Systemic vasodilation and capillary leak C. Decreased SVR D. All
Rationale: Cytokine storm from infection causes endothelial dysfunction, leading
to distributive shock with low SVR and hypoperfusion. Nursing interventions
include fluid bolus 30 mL/kg crystalloid, vasopressors (norepinephrine 0.01 –0.5
mcg/kg/min), and lactate monitoring (<2 mmol/L goal).
7. Anemia of chronic disease results from: A. Iron deficiency B. Inflammatory
cytokine suppression of erythropoiesis C. B12 malabsorption D. Hemolysis
Rationale: IL-6/hepcidin blocks iron release from macrophages, impairing RBC
production. Nursing interventions include treating underlying disease (e.g., ESA if
epo <500 mU/mL), iron studies, and monitoring Hb <10 g/dL for transfusion.
