1
Rasmussen Pathophysiology Final Questions
and Answers (100% Correct Answers) Already
Graded A+
Define Pathophysiology Ans: The study of the changes of normal
mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions, either caused by
disease or resulting from an abnormal syndrome.
© 2026 Assignment Expert
What does the study of pathophysiology include? Ans: Contains
etiology, which is the reason for the phenomena, pathogenesis, which is
the development of a disease, clinical manifestations, which is the
manifestation of the disease in signs, symptoms, and treatment.
Guru01 - Stuvia
The difference between signs and symptoms/ objective versus subjective
data. Ans: Signs are objective data, it is physical data we can observe
with our senses. Symptoms are subjective data, which is the information
from the patient's POV.
Epidemology Ans: The branch of medicine which deals with the
incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors
relating to health
Review the different levels of disease prevention such as primary,
secondary, and tertiary. Ans: Primary prevention: prevention of disease
by altering susceptibility or reducing exposure for susceptible individuals.
Secondary prevention: early detection, screening, and management of
the disease. Tertiary prevention: rehabilitative and supportive care and
attempts to alleviate disability and restore effective functioning.
,For Expert help and assignment handling,
2
Review the difference between homeostasis and allostasis. Ans:
Homeostasis: body maintaining stable equilibrium between
interdependent elements.
Allostasis: innate complexity of biological organism requires that set-
points be readjusted for different circumstances; The difference is that
allostasis' goal is to maintain homeostasis when the body is experiencing
something abnormal.
Sympathetic nervous system Ans: In the sympathetic nervous system, the
© 2026 Assignment Expert
hypothalamus secretes the corticotrophin-releasing hormone, then the
SNS and adrenal medulla secrete catecholamines (epinephrine and
norepinephrine). The SNS stress receptors elevate cardiac output,
vasomotor changes, lipolysis, glycogenolysis, insulin suppression,
Guru01 - Stuvia
increased respiration, and enhanced blood coagulation.
Parasympathetic nervous system Ans: In the parasympathetic system,
the hypothalamus releases CRH, anterior pituitary secretes
adrenocorticotropic hormone, then the adrenal cortex secretes
corticosteroids (cortisol and aldosterone). In PNS stress responses,
gluconeogenesis, protein catabolism, inhibition of glucose uptake,
suppression of protein synthesis, stabilization of vascular activity, and
immune response suppression. The PNS normalizes the reaction from the
SNS.
Extracellular fluid Ans: The body fluid on the outside of the cell. Lies
between the cells (interstitial compartment), in the blood vessels
(vascular compartment) in defense connective tissue and bone, and in
several minor compartments that are collectively known as transcellular
fluids. Extracellular fluid in the vascular and interstitial compartments are
relatively rich in sodium, chloride and bicarbonate ions.
, For Expert help and assignment handling,
3
Intracellular fluids Ans: Fluids located on the inside of the cell. The
intracellular fluid is relatively rich in potassium and magnesium ions,
inorganic and organic phosphates, and proteins.
Intake (fluids enter the human body) Ans: Orally by drinking or eating,
intravenous intake, intake into the gastrointestinal tract, other body
cavities, subcutaneous tissue, bone marrow, rectal intake, and
sometimes lungs.
Output (fluid excreted) Ans: Urination, bowels, lungs, and skin is normal.
© 2026 Assignment Expert
Abnormal is through emesis, tubes in the gastrointestinal tract or other
body cavities, hemorrage, drainage of fistula, wounds, or open areas of
skin, and paransenthesis.
Guru01 - Stuvia
Dehydration ( ECF volume deficit) Ans: Caused by loss of fluid through
abnormal routes or excess. Clinical manifestations include sudden
weight loss, postural BP decrease with concurrent increased HR, flat neck
veins when a patient is supine, prolonged small-vein filling time,
prolonged capillary refill time, lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope and
oliguria.
Hypotonic hydration (ECF excess) Ans: Causes include excess
intravenous infusion of sodium-containing isotonic solutions, and renal
retention of sodium and water. Clinical manifestations include sudden
weight gain, edema, and circulatory overload.
Edema Ans: An excess of fluid in the interstitial compartment.
Hypernatremia Ans: high sodium, >145. Confusion, lethargy, seizures,
coma, thirst, oliguria, and possible death.