NURS 5315 Exam 3 V1 | NURS 5315
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 3) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. Which pathophysiological process characterizes Parkinson’s disease?
A. Demyelination of the peripheral nerves.
B. Excessive production of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
C. Formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
D. Degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia.
Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is primarily associated with the loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. This depletion leads to an imbalance between dopamine
and acetylcholine, resulting in the classic motor symptoms of tremors and rigidity. Clinical
management often focuses on replacing dopamine or inhibiting its breakdown to restore
motor control.
2. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a very low urine specific gravity.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Diabetes Insipidus (DI).
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
,C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.
D. Cushing’s Disease.
Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by an insufficiency of ADH, leading to the
inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. This results in the excretion of large volumes
of dilute urine and significant dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient. Diagnostic testing
typically reveals high serum osmolality alongside very low urine osmolality.
3. Which of the following is a hallmark of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension.
B. Reduced glomerular filtration rate with oliguria.
C. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day.
D. Formation of calcium oxalate stones in the ureters.
Answer: C
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome involves significant glomerular damage that allows large
amounts of protein to leak into the urine. This massive protein loss leads to
hypoalbuminemia, which in turn causes systemic edema due to decreased oncotic pressure.
Clinical diagnosis requires the presence of heavy proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and lipiduria.
4. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. A deficiency of thiamine leading to cerebral atrophy.
, B. A progressive loss of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
C. The autoimmune destruction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
D. An immune-mediated inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system.
Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where T-cells and B-cells attack
the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts
nerve impulse conduction, leading to varying neurological deficits such as vision loss and
weakness. Over time, the inflammation can lead to permanent scarring or plaques within
the white matter.
5. In the context of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), what defines the ‘prerenal’ category?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract by a tumor.
B. Damage to the basement membrane of the glomerulus.
C. Reduced renal perfusion and blood flow.
D. Inflammation of the renal pelvis due to infection.
Answer: C
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that impair blood flow to the kidneys, such as
hemorrhage, dehydration, or heart failure. Because the kidney tissue itself is initially
healthy, the condition is often reversible if perfusion is restored quickly. However,
prolonged hypoperfusion can eventually lead to intrarenal damage such as acute tubular
necrosis.
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 3) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. Which pathophysiological process characterizes Parkinson’s disease?
A. Demyelination of the peripheral nerves.
B. Excessive production of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
C. Formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
D. Degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia.
Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease is primarily associated with the loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra. This depletion leads to an imbalance between dopamine
and acetylcholine, resulting in the classic motor symptoms of tremors and rigidity. Clinical
management often focuses on replacing dopamine or inhibiting its breakdown to restore
motor control.
2. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a very low urine specific gravity.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Diabetes Insipidus (DI).
B. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
,C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.
D. Cushing’s Disease.
Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by an insufficiency of ADH, leading to the
inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. This results in the excretion of large volumes
of dilute urine and significant dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient. Diagnostic testing
typically reveals high serum osmolality alongside very low urine osmolality.
3. Which of the following is a hallmark of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension.
B. Reduced glomerular filtration rate with oliguria.
C. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day.
D. Formation of calcium oxalate stones in the ureters.
Answer: C
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome involves significant glomerular damage that allows large
amounts of protein to leak into the urine. This massive protein loss leads to
hypoalbuminemia, which in turn causes systemic edema due to decreased oncotic pressure.
Clinical diagnosis requires the presence of heavy proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and lipiduria.
4. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. A deficiency of thiamine leading to cerebral atrophy.
, B. A progressive loss of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord.
C. The autoimmune destruction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
D. An immune-mediated inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system.
Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where T-cells and B-cells attack
the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts
nerve impulse conduction, leading to varying neurological deficits such as vision loss and
weakness. Over time, the inflammation can lead to permanent scarring or plaques within
the white matter.
5. In the context of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), what defines the ‘prerenal’ category?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract by a tumor.
B. Damage to the basement membrane of the glomerulus.
C. Reduced renal perfusion and blood flow.
D. Inflammation of the renal pelvis due to infection.
Answer: C
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that impair blood flow to the kidneys, such as
hemorrhage, dehydration, or heart failure. Because the kidney tissue itself is initially
healthy, the condition is often reversible if perfusion is restored quickly. However,
prolonged hypoperfusion can eventually lead to intrarenal damage such as acute tubular
necrosis.
