NUR 2063 / NUR2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology Exam
3 Complete Study Guide | Rasmussen University | Latest
2026/2027 | 100% Verified
EXAM OVERVIEW
Exam Component Details
Course NUR 2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology
Institution Rasmussen University
Format 100 questions in 150 minutes (1.5 minutes per question)
Testing Respondus Lockdown Browser required
Latest Update 2026/2027
SECTION 1: FLUID, ELECTROLYTE, AND ACID-BASE BALANCE
1. What is the definition of homeostasis?
A) The process of energy production within cells
B) The mechanism of blood clotting
C) The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment while adjusting
to changing external conditions
D) The body's response to infection
Answer: C
,Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain
stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.
2. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration INSIDE the cell
(intracellular fluid)?
A) Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
B) Calcium, sodium, chloride
C) Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
D) Magnesium, calcium, phosphate
Answer: C
The intracellular fluid (ICF) contains high concentrations of potassium (K+),
magnesium (Mg2+), and phosphate (PO4³⁻). The extracellular fluid (ECF) contains
high sodium and chloride.
3. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration OUTSIDE the cell
(extracellular fluid)?
A) Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
B) Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
C) Calcium, magnesium, phosphate
D) Potassium, calcium, phosphate
Answer: B
,Extracellular fluid (including plasma and interstitial fluid) contains high
concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-).
4. What is the normal range for serum sodium?
A) 125-135 mEq/L
B) 130-140 mEq/L
C) 135-145 mEq/L
D) 145-155 mEq/L
Answer: C
Normal serum sodium range is 135-145 mEq/L. Hyponatremia is defined as
sodium <135 mEq/L; hypernatremia is >145 mEq/L.
5. What is the possible lethal effect of severe hyponatremia?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Cerebral edema and rapid brain swelling
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Pulmonary embolism
Answer: B
Severe hyponatremia causes water to shift into cells, leading to cerebral edema
and brain swelling, which can result in seizures, coma, and death.
, 6. What is the normal pH range of blood?
A) 7.00-7.25
B) 7.35-7.45
C) 7.45-7.55
D) 7.25-7.35
Answer: B
Normal blood pH range is 7.35-7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis; values
above 7.45 indicate alkalosis.
7. What is the normal range for PaCO2?
A) 80-100 mmHg
B) 35-45 mmHg
C) 22-26 mEq/L
D) 135-145 mEq/L
Answer: B
Normal PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is 35-45 mmHg. This represents
the respiratory component of acid-base balance.
8. What is the normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3⁻)?
A) 35-45 mmHg
B) 80-100 mmHg
3 Complete Study Guide | Rasmussen University | Latest
2026/2027 | 100% Verified
EXAM OVERVIEW
Exam Component Details
Course NUR 2063: Essentials of Pathophysiology
Institution Rasmussen University
Format 100 questions in 150 minutes (1.5 minutes per question)
Testing Respondus Lockdown Browser required
Latest Update 2026/2027
SECTION 1: FLUID, ELECTROLYTE, AND ACID-BASE BALANCE
1. What is the definition of homeostasis?
A) The process of energy production within cells
B) The mechanism of blood clotting
C) The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment while adjusting
to changing external conditions
D) The body's response to infection
Answer: C
,Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain
stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.
2. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration INSIDE the cell
(intracellular fluid)?
A) Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
B) Calcium, sodium, chloride
C) Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
D) Magnesium, calcium, phosphate
Answer: C
The intracellular fluid (ICF) contains high concentrations of potassium (K+),
magnesium (Mg2+), and phosphate (PO4³⁻). The extracellular fluid (ECF) contains
high sodium and chloride.
3. Which electrolytes are found in higher concentration OUTSIDE the cell
(extracellular fluid)?
A) Potassium, magnesium, phosphate
B) Sodium, chloride, bicarbonate
C) Calcium, magnesium, phosphate
D) Potassium, calcium, phosphate
Answer: B
,Extracellular fluid (including plasma and interstitial fluid) contains high
concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-).
4. What is the normal range for serum sodium?
A) 125-135 mEq/L
B) 130-140 mEq/L
C) 135-145 mEq/L
D) 145-155 mEq/L
Answer: C
Normal serum sodium range is 135-145 mEq/L. Hyponatremia is defined as
sodium <135 mEq/L; hypernatremia is >145 mEq/L.
5. What is the possible lethal effect of severe hyponatremia?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Cerebral edema and rapid brain swelling
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Pulmonary embolism
Answer: B
Severe hyponatremia causes water to shift into cells, leading to cerebral edema
and brain swelling, which can result in seizures, coma, and death.
, 6. What is the normal pH range of blood?
A) 7.00-7.25
B) 7.35-7.45
C) 7.45-7.55
D) 7.25-7.35
Answer: B
Normal blood pH range is 7.35-7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis; values
above 7.45 indicate alkalosis.
7. What is the normal range for PaCO2?
A) 80-100 mmHg
B) 35-45 mmHg
C) 22-26 mEq/L
D) 135-145 mEq/L
Answer: B
Normal PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is 35-45 mmHg. This represents
the respiratory component of acid-base balance.
8. What is the normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3⁻)?
A) 35-45 mmHg
B) 80-100 mmHg
