NSG530 Exam 3 V3 | NSG 530 Advanced
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most closely associated with the motor symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in
the substantia nigra. This deficiency leads to an imbalance in the basal ganglia circuit.
Consequently, patients experience characteristic tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
2. In Alzheimer’s disease, the accumulation of which protein is associated with the formation
of extracellular plaques?
A. Alpha-synuclein
B. Tau protein
C. Huntingtin
D. Amyloid-beta
,Answer: D
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta
peptides that form extracellular plaques. These plaques are thought to disrupt cell-to-cell
signaling at synapses. The resulting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress lead to
neuronal death and cognitive decline.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Demyelination of central nerves
B. Destruction of upper motor neurons
C. Depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia
D. Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies block or
destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This prevents
muscle contraction despite the release of neurotransmitters. Clinical features include
fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue, often starting with ocular symptoms.
4. Which of the following is a hallmark clinical manifestation of Graves’ disease?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Exophthalmos
, D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by TSH
receptor antibodies. Exophthalmos occurs due to inflammation and accumulation of
glycosaminoglycans in the extraocular tissues. This condition also presents with weight
loss, tachycardia, and heat intolerance.
5. What is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas?
A. Pituitary adenoma
B. Graves’ disease
C. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
D. Iodine deficiency
Answer: C
Rationale: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the
production of antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies. These antibodies
lead to chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of the thyroid gland. It is the
leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed nations.
6. A patient with a spinal cord injury at T4 presents with severe hypertension, a pounding
headache, and bradycardia. What is the most likely condition?
A. Autonomic dysreflexia
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most closely associated with the motor symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in
the substantia nigra. This deficiency leads to an imbalance in the basal ganglia circuit.
Consequently, patients experience characteristic tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
2. In Alzheimer’s disease, the accumulation of which protein is associated with the formation
of extracellular plaques?
A. Alpha-synuclein
B. Tau protein
C. Huntingtin
D. Amyloid-beta
,Answer: D
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta
peptides that form extracellular plaques. These plaques are thought to disrupt cell-to-cell
signaling at synapses. The resulting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress lead to
neuronal death and cognitive decline.
3. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Demyelination of central nerves
B. Destruction of upper motor neurons
C. Depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia
D. Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies block or
destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This prevents
muscle contraction despite the release of neurotransmitters. Clinical features include
fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue, often starting with ocular symptoms.
4. Which of the following is a hallmark clinical manifestation of Graves’ disease?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Exophthalmos
, D. Cold intolerance
Answer: C
Rationale: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by TSH
receptor antibodies. Exophthalmos occurs due to inflammation and accumulation of
glycosaminoglycans in the extraocular tissues. This condition also presents with weight
loss, tachycardia, and heat intolerance.
5. What is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas?
A. Pituitary adenoma
B. Graves’ disease
C. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
D. Iodine deficiency
Answer: C
Rationale: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the
production of antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies. These antibodies
lead to chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of the thyroid gland. It is the
leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed nations.
6. A patient with a spinal cord injury at T4 presents with severe hypertension, a pounding
headache, and bradycardia. What is the most likely condition?
A. Autonomic dysreflexia
