NSG530 Exam 3 V2 | NSG 530 Advanced
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. Which component of the Monro-Kellie doctrine is most easily displaced to compensate for
a small increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Brain tissue
B. Arterial blood volume
C. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
D. Intracellular fluid
Answer: C
Rationale: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the sum of volumes of brain, CSF, and
intracerebral blood is constant. CSF is the most mobile component and is typically
displaced into the spinal subarachnoid space or reabsorbed more rapidly to accommodate
pressure changes. If these compensatory mechanisms are exhausted, ICP rises rapidly,
leading to potential brain herniation.
2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease presents with bradykinesia and tremors. These
symptoms are primarily caused by a deficiency in which neurotransmitter?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
,D. Dopamine
Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This loss results in an imbalance between
dopamine and acetylcholine in the basal ganglia, which regulates motor control. The
clinical manifestations of resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are direct results of this
dopamine depletion.
3. Which pathological finding is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and is thought to
contribute to neuronal death?
A. Demyelination of peripheral nerves
B. Excessive accumulation of glutamate in the synapse
C. Loss of anterior horn cells
D. Extracellular amyloid-beta plaques
Answer: D
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically characterized by the accumulation of
extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of
tau protein. These deposits interfere with neuronal communication and trigger an
inflammatory response that leads to cell death. Over time, this results in significant
cerebral atrophy and progressive cognitive decline.
, 4. In a patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone), which
electrolyte abnormality is the most common finding?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which
causes the kidneys to reabsorb water regardless of serum osmolality. This excess water
intake dilutes the serum sodium level, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. The clinical
symptoms of SIADH are largely related to the severity of this electrolyte imbalance and the
speed of its onset.
5. Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of which hormone?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Epinephrine
D. Thyroxine
Answer: A
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. Which component of the Monro-Kellie doctrine is most easily displaced to compensate for
a small increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Brain tissue
B. Arterial blood volume
C. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
D. Intracellular fluid
Answer: C
Rationale: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the sum of volumes of brain, CSF, and
intracerebral blood is constant. CSF is the most mobile component and is typically
displaced into the spinal subarachnoid space or reabsorbed more rapidly to accommodate
pressure changes. If these compensatory mechanisms are exhausted, ICP rises rapidly,
leading to potential brain herniation.
2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease presents with bradykinesia and tremors. These
symptoms are primarily caused by a deficiency in which neurotransmitter?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
,D. Dopamine
Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease involves the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This loss results in an imbalance between
dopamine and acetylcholine in the basal ganglia, which regulates motor control. The
clinical manifestations of resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are direct results of this
dopamine depletion.
3. Which pathological finding is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and is thought to
contribute to neuronal death?
A. Demyelination of peripheral nerves
B. Excessive accumulation of glutamate in the synapse
C. Loss of anterior horn cells
D. Extracellular amyloid-beta plaques
Answer: D
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically characterized by the accumulation of
extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of
tau protein. These deposits interfere with neuronal communication and trigger an
inflammatory response that leads to cell death. Over time, this results in significant
cerebral atrophy and progressive cognitive decline.
, 4. In a patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone), which
electrolyte abnormality is the most common finding?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which
causes the kidneys to reabsorb water regardless of serum osmolality. This excess water
intake dilutes the serum sodium level, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. The clinical
symptoms of SIADH are largely related to the severity of this electrolyte imbalance and the
speed of its onset.
5. Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of which hormone?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Epinephrine
D. Thyroxine
Answer: A
