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PATHO 313 – Pathophysiology Exam 4
Review Questions, Answers, and Complete
Solutions (2026/2027)
1. Vomiting resulting from a CNS injury is most likely caused by
involvement of which structure?
A. Impingement directly on the floor of the third ventricle
B. Decrease in intracranial pressure (ICP)
C. Involvement of the vestibular nuclei
D. Decompression of the brainstem
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The vestibular nuclei in the brainstem are a primary input to the
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vomiting center. Motion sickness and CNS injuries affecting these nuclei (e.g.,
in the medulla) can directly trigger vomiting.
2. Which criterion is NOT used when determining brain death?
A. Unresponsive coma
B. Absence of spontaneous respiration (apnea)
C. Isoelectric electroencephalogram (EEG)
D. Ocular response to head turning (oculocephalic reflex)
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Brain death criteria include coma, apnea, and absence of
brainstem reflexes. The presence of an oculocephalic reflex (Doll's eyes)
indicates intact brainstem function and is incompatible with a diagnosis of
brain death.
3. A patient with a traumatic brain injury can follow simple commands and
manipulate objects. This state is best described as:
A. Coma
B. Vegetative state
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C. Minimally conscious state
D. Locked-in syndrome
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The minimally conscious state (MCS) is characterized by
inconsistent but reproducible evidence of conscious awareness, such as
following simple commands or purposeful manipulation of objects, which
distinguishes it from a vegetative state.
4. A person experiences a seizure that begins focally in one brain region
without impairment of consciousness. This is classified as a:
A. Generalized seizure
B. Focal (partial) seizure
C. Secondarily generalized seizure
D. Status epilepticus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A focal (or partial) seizure originates in one hemisphere. When
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awareness/responsiveness is not impaired, it is specifically called a "focal
aware seizure" (formerly simple partial seizure).
5. A patient cannot recognize the form and nature of objects despite intact
sensory pathways. This condition is called:
A. Agnosia
B. Aphasia
C. Dysphasia
D. Apraxia
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Agnosia is the inability to process sensory information and
recognize objects, people, sounds, or smells, despite intact primary sensory
organs. It is often due to damage in the parietal or temporal lobes.
6. A patient develops restlessness, irritability, confusion, and difficulty
concentrating over 2-3 days. This acute change is most consistent with:
A. Alzheimer's disease
B. Dementia
PATHO 313 – Pathophysiology Exam 4
Review Questions, Answers, and Complete
Solutions (2026/2027)
1. Vomiting resulting from a CNS injury is most likely caused by
involvement of which structure?
A. Impingement directly on the floor of the third ventricle
B. Decrease in intracranial pressure (ICP)
C. Involvement of the vestibular nuclei
D. Decompression of the brainstem
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The vestibular nuclei in the brainstem are a primary input to the
,2|Page
vomiting center. Motion sickness and CNS injuries affecting these nuclei (e.g.,
in the medulla) can directly trigger vomiting.
2. Which criterion is NOT used when determining brain death?
A. Unresponsive coma
B. Absence of spontaneous respiration (apnea)
C. Isoelectric electroencephalogram (EEG)
D. Ocular response to head turning (oculocephalic reflex)
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Brain death criteria include coma, apnea, and absence of
brainstem reflexes. The presence of an oculocephalic reflex (Doll's eyes)
indicates intact brainstem function and is incompatible with a diagnosis of
brain death.
3. A patient with a traumatic brain injury can follow simple commands and
manipulate objects. This state is best described as:
A. Coma
B. Vegetative state
,3|Page
C. Minimally conscious state
D. Locked-in syndrome
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The minimally conscious state (MCS) is characterized by
inconsistent but reproducible evidence of conscious awareness, such as
following simple commands or purposeful manipulation of objects, which
distinguishes it from a vegetative state.
4. A person experiences a seizure that begins focally in one brain region
without impairment of consciousness. This is classified as a:
A. Generalized seizure
B. Focal (partial) seizure
C. Secondarily generalized seizure
D. Status epilepticus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: A focal (or partial) seizure originates in one hemisphere. When
, 4|Page
awareness/responsiveness is not impaired, it is specifically called a "focal
aware seizure" (formerly simple partial seizure).
5. A patient cannot recognize the form and nature of objects despite intact
sensory pathways. This condition is called:
A. Agnosia
B. Aphasia
C. Dysphasia
D. Apraxia
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Agnosia is the inability to process sensory information and
recognize objects, people, sounds, or smells, despite intact primary sensory
organs. It is often due to damage in the parietal or temporal lobes.
6. A patient develops restlessness, irritability, confusion, and difficulty
concentrating over 2-3 days. This acute change is most consistent with:
A. Alzheimer's disease
B. Dementia
