NURS 6501N Exam 4 V2 | NURS 6501N
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Exam 4) |
Walden University
1. A patient is diagnosed with primary hypomorphism of the thyroid gland. Which laboratory
finding most strongly supports this diagnosis?
A. Low levels of TSH
B. High levels of TRH
C. Elevated TSH and low T4 levels
D. Normal TSH and high T3 levels
Answer: C
Rationale: In primary hypothyroidism, the defect is within the thyroid gland itself, leading
to low production of T4. Because the pituitary gland is functioning correctly, it attempts to
compensate by secreting high levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This inverse
relationship between TSH and T4 is the hallmark of primary thyroid failure.
2. A nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology of Graves disease. What is the underlying cause
of this condition?
A. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs)
B. Viral infection of the thyroid
,C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
D. Pituitary adenoma secreting excess TSH
Answer: A
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that bind to TSH receptors. These antibodies mimic
the action of TSH, causing the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. This leads
to the characteristic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including exophthalmos and goiter.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a classic clinical manifestation of the Syndrome of
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which
leads to significant water retention in the kidneys. This excess water dilutes the
extracellular fluid, resulting in dilutional hyponatremia. Patients often present with
neurological symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures due to cellular swelling in the
brain.
, 4. A patient presents with ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and purple striae on the abdomen.
Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Cushing syndrome
B. Hashimoto disease
C. Pheochromocytoma
D. Addison disease
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of cortisol,
whether endogenous or exogenous. The physical manifestations like truncal obesity,
buffalo hump, and moon face are due to the redistribution of adipose tissue. Additionally,
the breakdown of protein leads to thin skin and the appearance of purple striae on the
trunk.
5. A 25-year-old female presents with irregular menses, hirsutism, and polycystic ovaries on
ultrasound. Which hormonal imbalance is central to this condition?
A. Estrogen deficiency
B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Low levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
D. Hyperandrogenism
Answer: D
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Exam 4) |
Walden University
1. A patient is diagnosed with primary hypomorphism of the thyroid gland. Which laboratory
finding most strongly supports this diagnosis?
A. Low levels of TSH
B. High levels of TRH
C. Elevated TSH and low T4 levels
D. Normal TSH and high T3 levels
Answer: C
Rationale: In primary hypothyroidism, the defect is within the thyroid gland itself, leading
to low production of T4. Because the pituitary gland is functioning correctly, it attempts to
compensate by secreting high levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This inverse
relationship between TSH and T4 is the hallmark of primary thyroid failure.
2. A nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology of Graves disease. What is the underlying cause
of this condition?
A. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs)
B. Viral infection of the thyroid
,C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
D. Pituitary adenoma secreting excess TSH
Answer: A
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that bind to TSH receptors. These antibodies mimic
the action of TSH, causing the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. This leads
to the characteristic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including exophthalmos and goiter.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a classic clinical manifestation of the Syndrome of
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which
leads to significant water retention in the kidneys. This excess water dilutes the
extracellular fluid, resulting in dilutional hyponatremia. Patients often present with
neurological symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures due to cellular swelling in the
brain.
, 4. A patient presents with ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and purple striae on the abdomen.
Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Cushing syndrome
B. Hashimoto disease
C. Pheochromocytoma
D. Addison disease
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of cortisol,
whether endogenous or exogenous. The physical manifestations like truncal obesity,
buffalo hump, and moon face are due to the redistribution of adipose tissue. Additionally,
the breakdown of protein leads to thin skin and the appearance of purple striae on the
trunk.
5. A 25-year-old female presents with irregular menses, hirsutism, and polycystic ovaries on
ultrasound. Which hormonal imbalance is central to this condition?
A. Estrogen deficiency
B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Low levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
D. Hyperandrogenism
Answer: D
