NSG 3850 Exam 1: Pathophysiology for Nurses II
— Comprehensive Practice Questions & Study
Guide
Exam Overview
NSG 3850 Pathophysiology for Nurses II is the second of two pathophysiology courses at
Galen College of Nursing. It emphasizes the integration and application of
pathophysiological concepts using a holistic, patient-centered approach, with Exam 1
focusing primarily on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and acid-base balance .
Course Details at a Glance :
Prerequisites: NSG 3250, NSG 3280
Co-requisite: NSG 3800
Required Textbook: Banasik, J. L. (2022). Pathophysiology (7th ed.). Elsevier
Exam Weight: 25% of final course grade
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions, including NCLEX-style and SATA (Select
All That Apply) formats
Core Content Areas for Exam 1
1. Fluid Compartments and Homeostasis
2. Fluid Volume Imbalances (Hypovolemia & Hypervolemia)
3. Electrolyte Imbalances (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium,
Phosphorus)
4. Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
5. Fluid and Electrolyte Considerations in Special Populations (e.g., older adults)
6. Endocrine and Renal Regulation of Fluids and Electrolytes
Questions
Section 1: Fluid Compartments & Homeostasis (Questions 1–20)
, 1. A nursing student is reviewing the distribution of body fluids. Which statement
accurately describes the composition of the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment?
A) High in sodium and chloride; low in potassium
B) High in potassium, magnesium, and phosphate; low in sodium and chloride
C) Equal concentrations of sodium and potassium
D) High in sodium and bicarbonate; low in protein
Rationale: The ICF is rich in potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and phosphate, and low in
sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻). The ECF is high in Na⁺ and Cl⁻ .
2. The nurse is teaching a patient about fluid balance. Which hormone is primarily
responsible for sodium and water retention by the kidneys?
A) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
B) Aldosterone
C) Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
D) Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Rationale: Aldosterone, released from the adrenal cortex, promotes sodium and water
reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased blood volume. ADH primarily regulates
water reabsorption, while ANP and BNP promote fluid excretion .
3. An older adult patient is at higher risk for dehydration due to age-related changes.
Which physiological change contributes to this increased risk?
A) Increased total body water percentage
B) Decreased thirst sensation and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D) Enhanced renal concentrating ability
Rationale: Older adults have a decreased total body water, blunted thirst response, and
decreased GFR, which all increase the risk of fluid volume deficits .
— Comprehensive Practice Questions & Study
Guide
Exam Overview
NSG 3850 Pathophysiology for Nurses II is the second of two pathophysiology courses at
Galen College of Nursing. It emphasizes the integration and application of
pathophysiological concepts using a holistic, patient-centered approach, with Exam 1
focusing primarily on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and acid-base balance .
Course Details at a Glance :
Prerequisites: NSG 3250, NSG 3280
Co-requisite: NSG 3800
Required Textbook: Banasik, J. L. (2022). Pathophysiology (7th ed.). Elsevier
Exam Weight: 25% of final course grade
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions, including NCLEX-style and SATA (Select
All That Apply) formats
Core Content Areas for Exam 1
1. Fluid Compartments and Homeostasis
2. Fluid Volume Imbalances (Hypovolemia & Hypervolemia)
3. Electrolyte Imbalances (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium,
Phosphorus)
4. Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
5. Fluid and Electrolyte Considerations in Special Populations (e.g., older adults)
6. Endocrine and Renal Regulation of Fluids and Electrolytes
Questions
Section 1: Fluid Compartments & Homeostasis (Questions 1–20)
, 1. A nursing student is reviewing the distribution of body fluids. Which statement
accurately describes the composition of the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment?
A) High in sodium and chloride; low in potassium
B) High in potassium, magnesium, and phosphate; low in sodium and chloride
C) Equal concentrations of sodium and potassium
D) High in sodium and bicarbonate; low in protein
Rationale: The ICF is rich in potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and phosphate, and low in
sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻). The ECF is high in Na⁺ and Cl⁻ .
2. The nurse is teaching a patient about fluid balance. Which hormone is primarily
responsible for sodium and water retention by the kidneys?
A) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
B) Aldosterone
C) Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
D) Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Rationale: Aldosterone, released from the adrenal cortex, promotes sodium and water
reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased blood volume. ADH primarily regulates
water reabsorption, while ANP and BNP promote fluid excretion .
3. An older adult patient is at higher risk for dehydration due to age-related changes.
Which physiological change contributes to this increased risk?
A) Increased total body water percentage
B) Decreased thirst sensation and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
C) Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
D) Enhanced renal concentrating ability
Rationale: Older adults have a decreased total body water, blunted thirst response, and
decreased GFR, which all increase the risk of fluid volume deficits .
