P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NUR 2063 Pathophysiology Final Exam
Questions & Answers 2026-2027 |
Complete Final Review | Verified Study
Guide & Practice Test (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
101 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 101 verified exam questions with correct answers and detailed rationales,
specifically focused on pathophysiology. It is designed for comprehensive study and review, ensuring a
thorough understanding of key concepts and principles in the field. Ideal for NCLEX preparation and
certification review, this resource guarantees clarity and depth in mastering essential pathophysiological
knowledge.
CONTENTS
01 • Respiratory Disorders 02 • Renal Pathophysiology 03 • Diabetes Management
04 • Endocrine Disorders 05 • Gastrointestinal Disorders 06 • Neurological Conditions
07 • Musculoskeletal Disorders 08 • Skin Conditions
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 101
What is allergic asthma associated with?
CORRECT ANSWER
Type 1 Hypersensitivity; IgE mediated
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, RATIONALE
Allergic asthma results from an IgE-mediated Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, where allergen exposure leads to mast cell degranulation and subsequent airway
inflammation. This immune response causes bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness, characteristic of asthma pathology.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 101
What are the S&S of ARDS?
CORRECT ANSWER
SOB, Shallow Rapid Breathing, Atelectasis (aveoli close), Dyspnea, Inspiratory Crackles, Respiratory Alkalosis, Decreased Lung Compliance, Hypoxemia
RATIONALE
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) manifests through impaired gas exchange due to alveolar collapse, resulting in hypoxemia, dyspnea, and decreased
lung compliance, while rapid, shallow breathing and inspiratory crackles indicate the body's compensatory response to reduced oxygenation. The presence of
respiratory alkalosis reflects hyperventilation as a physiological attempt to maintain adequate oxygen levels amidst significant pulmonary compromise.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 101
What are the S&S of tension pneumothorax?
CORRECT ANSWER
Pressure that builds up and pushes the trachea towards the unaffected side; Absent breath sounds over affected lung
RATIONALE
In tension pneumothorax, escalating intrathoracic pressure displaces mediastinal structures, notably shifting the trachea away from the affected lung, while the
absence of breath sounds indicates significant lung collapse due to air accumulation in the pleural space. This clinical presentation underscores the urgency of
immediate intervention to restore thoracic pressure balance.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 101
What is cystic fibrosis?
CORRECT ANSWER
Excessive mucous coating in the lungs and pancreas; Genetic Disorder (Autosomal Recessive)
RATIONALE
Cystic fibrosis results from mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to dysfunctional chloride channels that cause thick, viscous secretions in the lungs and pancreas,
impairing respiratory function and digestive processes. This autosomal recessive disorder necessitates both parents to pass on the affected allele for the
condition to manifest in offspring.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 101
Changes with an asthma attack:
CORRECT ANSWER
Wheezing, SOB, Bronchoconstriction, Dyspnea, Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
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, RATIONALE
Wheezing and shortness of breath during an asthma attack result from bronchoconstriction, which narrows the airways and increases airflow resistance, leading
to dyspnea and tachypnea as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation. Recognizing these signs is critical for timely intervention in asthma
management.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 101
How do you interpret ABG's?
CORRECT ANSWER
1. Look at pH (acidosis - low or alkalosis - high)
2. Check the CO2 (resp. indicator) - less than 35 (alkalosis) more than 45 (acidosis)
3. Check the HCO3 (metabolic indicator) - less than 22 (acidosis) more than 26 (alkalosis)
4. Determine primary disorder (matches the pH)
5. Determine if its compensated (pH returns to normal or near normal)
RATIONALE
Interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) requires a systematic approach to assess acid-base balance, starting with the pH to determine acidosis or alkalosis,
followed by evaluating CO2 and HCO3 levels to identify respiratory or metabolic contributions, and finally assessing compensation status to understand the
body's adaptive responses. This process is foundational for diagnosing and managing respiratory and metabolic disorders effectively.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 101
Respiratory Acidosis: What happens to the pH/CO2?
CORRECT ANSWER
Elevation (increase) of pCO2 -- Decreased pH (acidosis)
RATIONALE
In respiratory acidosis, impaired ventilation leads to CO2 retention, causing increased arterial pCO2 levels and resulting in a shift of the bicarbonate buffer
equilibrium, which decreases blood pH and induces acidosis. This reflects the fundamental relationship between carbon dioxide levels and acid-base balance in
the body.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 101
Respiratory Alkalosis: What happens to the pH/CO2?
CORRECT ANSWER
Depression (decrease) of pCO2 -- Increased pH (alkalosis)
RATIONALE
Hyperventilation leads to excessive carbon dioxide elimination, resulting in decreased pCO2 levels. This reduction in carbonic acid shifts the pH upward, causing
respiratory alkalosis.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 101
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