NURS 6501N Final Exam V3 | NURS 6501N
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Final Exam) |
Walden University
1. A 55-year-old male presents with fatigue and dyspnea. Testing reveals a decrease in the
number of red blood cells and a macrocytic, normochromic morphology. Which deficiency is
most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Folic acid deficiency
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Chronic blood loss
Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia where red blood cells are
larger than normal (macrocytic) but have a normal color (normochromic). This occurs
because DNA synthesis is impaired, preventing the cell from dividing properly. In contrast,
iron deficiency typically results in microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
2. Which mechanism best describes the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Increased hepatic glucose production
,C. Glucagon deficiency
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes is primarily an autoimmune disease where T-cell mediated
destruction occurs in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. This results in an
absolute insulin deficiency requiring exogenous insulin replacement. Unlike Type 2, it is
not characterized by insulin resistance in its early stages.
3. A patient exhibits a high serum potassium level (6.2 mEq/L). Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is most characteristic of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia significantly affects cardiac conduction and typically presents
with tall, peaked T waves on an ECG. As potassium levels continue to rise, the PR interval
may lengthen and the QRS complex may widen. If left untreated, this can progress to
ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
, 4. Which of the following is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?
A. Hyperventilation
B. Hypoventilation
C. Diabetic ketoacidosis
D. Excessive vomiting
Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an accumulation of CO2 in the blood
due to inadequate alveolar ventilation (hypoventilation). When the body cannot exhale CO2
at the rate it is produced, carbonic acid levels increase, lowering the pH. This is often seen
in conditions like COPD, drug overdose, or neuromuscular disease.
5. In the development of atherosclerosis, which process follows the initial endothelial injury?
A. Increase in nitric oxide production
B. Regression of the fibrous plaque
C. Decrease in smooth muscle cell proliferation
D. Accumulation of LDL and foam cell formation
Answer: D
Rationale: Once the endothelium is injured, LDL cholesterol enters the tunica intima and
becomes oxidized. Macrophages ingest this oxidized LDL, transforming into foam cells,
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Final Exam) |
Walden University
1. A 55-year-old male presents with fatigue and dyspnea. Testing reveals a decrease in the
number of red blood cells and a macrocytic, normochromic morphology. Which deficiency is
most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Folic acid deficiency
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Chronic blood loss
Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia where red blood cells are
larger than normal (macrocytic) but have a normal color (normochromic). This occurs
because DNA synthesis is impaired, preventing the cell from dividing properly. In contrast,
iron deficiency typically results in microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
2. Which mechanism best describes the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Increased hepatic glucose production
,C. Glucagon deficiency
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes is primarily an autoimmune disease where T-cell mediated
destruction occurs in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. This results in an
absolute insulin deficiency requiring exogenous insulin replacement. Unlike Type 2, it is
not characterized by insulin resistance in its early stages.
3. A patient exhibits a high serum potassium level (6.2 mEq/L). Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is most characteristic of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia significantly affects cardiac conduction and typically presents
with tall, peaked T waves on an ECG. As potassium levels continue to rise, the PR interval
may lengthen and the QRS complex may widen. If left untreated, this can progress to
ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
, 4. Which of the following is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?
A. Hyperventilation
B. Hypoventilation
C. Diabetic ketoacidosis
D. Excessive vomiting
Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an accumulation of CO2 in the blood
due to inadequate alveolar ventilation (hypoventilation). When the body cannot exhale CO2
at the rate it is produced, carbonic acid levels increase, lowering the pH. This is often seen
in conditions like COPD, drug overdose, or neuromuscular disease.
5. In the development of atherosclerosis, which process follows the initial endothelial injury?
A. Increase in nitric oxide production
B. Regression of the fibrous plaque
C. Decrease in smooth muscle cell proliferation
D. Accumulation of LDL and foam cell formation
Answer: D
Rationale: Once the endothelium is injured, LDL cholesterol enters the tunica intima and
becomes oxidized. Macrophages ingest this oxidized LDL, transforming into foam cells,
