NSG530 Exam 3 V1 | NSG 530 Advanced
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. According to the Monro-Kellie hypothesis, what happens when there is an increase in the
volume of brain tissue?
A. The intracranial pressure remains constant regardless of other components.
B. The skull expands to accommodate the extra volume in adults.
C. There is a compensatory decrease in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid or blood.
D. The systemic blood pressure must decrease immediately to compensate.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the cranial vault is a rigid container
with a fixed volume. It is composed of brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). An
increase in one component must be offset by a decrease in another to maintain intracranial
pressure.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism is most characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
B. Demyelination of the peripheral nervous system axons.
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
D. Autoimmune destruction of the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease involves the extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta
plaques which disrupt cell-to-cell signaling. Additionally, intracellular neurofibrillary
tangles made of tau protein lead to the collapse of the neuron’s transport system. These
changes result in progressive neuronal death and brain atrophy.
3. In Parkinson’s disease, the depletion of which neurotransmitter leads to resting tremors
and bradykinesia?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This deficiency disrupts the motor circuit of
the basal ganglia, leading to difficulty in initiating movement. The lack of dopamine allows
for an overactive cholinergic system, contributing to tremors.
4. What is the primary pathology in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
B. Demyelination of central nervous system (CNS) axons.
, C. Inflammation of the meningeal layers around the brain.
D. Excessive production of glutamate in the synaptic cleft.
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that targets the
myelin sheath of axons within the central nervous system. This demyelination leads to the
formation of plaques or scars (sclerosis) that impair nerve impulse conduction. Symptoms
vary widely depending on the location of the lesions within the brain and spinal cord.
5. Which type of seizure is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness followed by
muscle rigidity and then rhythmic jerking?
A. Absence seizure
B. Myoclonic seizure
C. Simple partial seizure
D. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
Answer: D
Rationale: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal, involve both
hemispheres of the brain. The tonic phase consists of muscle stiffening, while the clonic
phase involves rhythmic muscle contractions. These seizures are typically followed by a
post-ictal state of confusion and fatigue.
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. According to the Monro-Kellie hypothesis, what happens when there is an increase in the
volume of brain tissue?
A. The intracranial pressure remains constant regardless of other components.
B. The skull expands to accommodate the extra volume in adults.
C. There is a compensatory decrease in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid or blood.
D. The systemic blood pressure must decrease immediately to compensate.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the cranial vault is a rigid container
with a fixed volume. It is composed of brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). An
increase in one component must be offset by a decrease in another to maintain intracranial
pressure.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism is most characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
B. Demyelination of the peripheral nervous system axons.
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
D. Autoimmune destruction of the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
,Answer: C
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease involves the extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta
plaques which disrupt cell-to-cell signaling. Additionally, intracellular neurofibrillary
tangles made of tau protein lead to the collapse of the neuron’s transport system. These
changes result in progressive neuronal death and brain atrophy.
3. In Parkinson’s disease, the depletion of which neurotransmitter leads to resting tremors
and bradykinesia?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This deficiency disrupts the motor circuit of
the basal ganglia, leading to difficulty in initiating movement. The lack of dopamine allows
for an overactive cholinergic system, contributing to tremors.
4. What is the primary pathology in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
B. Demyelination of central nervous system (CNS) axons.
, C. Inflammation of the meningeal layers around the brain.
D. Excessive production of glutamate in the synaptic cleft.
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that targets the
myelin sheath of axons within the central nervous system. This demyelination leads to the
formation of plaques or scars (sclerosis) that impair nerve impulse conduction. Symptoms
vary widely depending on the location of the lesions within the brain and spinal cord.
5. Which type of seizure is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness followed by
muscle rigidity and then rhythmic jerking?
A. Absence seizure
B. Myoclonic seizure
C. Simple partial seizure
D. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
Answer: D
Rationale: Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal, involve both
hemispheres of the brain. The tonic phase consists of muscle stiffening, while the clonic
phase involves rhythmic muscle contractions. These seizures are typically followed by a
post-ictal state of confusion and fatigue.
