BIO 322 Exam 2 V3 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A patient is admitted with an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following factors
are known triggers that can lead to an inflammatory response and bronchoconstriction?
(Select All That Apply)
A. Environmental allergens like pollen and pet dander
B. Exposure to cold air or changes in weather
C. Upper respiratory tract infections
D. Vigorous physical exercise
E. Emotional stress or strong odors
F. Aspirin or NSAID sensitivity in certain individuals
Correct Answer: ABCDEF
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by
hyper-responsiveness. Triggers include allergens, cold air, and infections which provoke
mast cell degranulation. Management requires identifying these diverse triggers to prevent
future exacerbations and minimize airway remodeling.
,2. Which pathophysiological mechanism best describes the development of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Increased glucose production by the liver and peripheral insulin resistance
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency
C. Acute inflammation of the pancreas causing temporary insulin cessation
D. Excessive secretion of glucagon from the alpha cells without insulin involvement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of insulin resistance and relative
insulin deficiency. The liver contributes by continuing to produce glucose despite high
blood sugar levels. This differs from Type 1, which is characterized by the complete
destruction of beta cells.
3. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Neurological changes such as confusion and seizures
B. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias like peaked T-waves
D. Orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Hyponatremia causes water to shift into the cells, leading to cerebral edema.
Neurological symptoms are the most critical signs as the brain is highly sensitive to osmotic
changes. Rapid correction or worsening can lead to permanent neurological damage or
death.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing acute
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L
C. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 level.
This occurs when the lungs cannot effectively remove carbon dioxide, often due to
hypoventilation. The bicarbonate level may be normal in the acute phase before renal
compensation begins.
5. A patient is suspected of having Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following clinical
features should the clinician expect to find? (Select All That Apply)
A. Truncal obesity and ‘moon’ face
B. Thin, easily bruised skin and striae
C. Hypertension and hyperglycemia
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A patient is admitted with an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following factors
are known triggers that can lead to an inflammatory response and bronchoconstriction?
(Select All That Apply)
A. Environmental allergens like pollen and pet dander
B. Exposure to cold air or changes in weather
C. Upper respiratory tract infections
D. Vigorous physical exercise
E. Emotional stress or strong odors
F. Aspirin or NSAID sensitivity in certain individuals
Correct Answer: ABCDEF
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by
hyper-responsiveness. Triggers include allergens, cold air, and infections which provoke
mast cell degranulation. Management requires identifying these diverse triggers to prevent
future exacerbations and minimize airway remodeling.
,2. Which pathophysiological mechanism best describes the development of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Increased glucose production by the liver and peripheral insulin resistance
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to absolute insulin deficiency
C. Acute inflammation of the pancreas causing temporary insulin cessation
D. Excessive secretion of glucagon from the alpha cells without insulin involvement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of insulin resistance and relative
insulin deficiency. The liver contributes by continuing to produce glucose despite high
blood sugar levels. This differs from Type 1, which is characterized by the complete
destruction of beta cells.
3. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Neurological changes such as confusion and seizures
B. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias like peaked T-waves
D. Orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Hyponatremia causes water to shift into the cells, leading to cerebral edema.
Neurological symptoms are the most critical signs as the brain is highly sensitive to osmotic
changes. Rapid correction or worsening can lead to permanent neurological damage or
death.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing acute
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L
C. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 level.
This occurs when the lungs cannot effectively remove carbon dioxide, often due to
hypoventilation. The bicarbonate level may be normal in the acute phase before renal
compensation begins.
5. A patient is suspected of having Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following clinical
features should the clinician expect to find? (Select All That Apply)
A. Truncal obesity and ‘moon’ face
B. Thin, easily bruised skin and striae
C. Hypertension and hyperglycemia
