NURS 231/NURS231 Module 4 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. Which of the following describes the role of foam cells in the development of
atherosclerosis?
A. They are smooth muscle cells that have migrated to the tunica intima.
B. They are macrophages that have engulfed oxidized LDL cholesterol.
C. They are platelets that aggregate at the site of endothelial injury.
D. They are fibrin deposits that stabilize the fibrous plaque.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Foam cells are a primary component of the early atherosclerotic lesion
known as a fatty streak. They form when macrophages infiltrate the arterial wall and ingest
large amounts of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This process triggers an
inflammatory response that further damages the vessel lining and promotes plaque
progression.
2. A patient presents with sudden, sharp chest pain that radiates to the back and is described
as a ‘tearing’ sensation. Which condition should be suspected?
A. Aortic Dissection
B. Stable Angina Pectoris
,C. Acute Myocardial Infarction
D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aortic dissection involves a longitudinal tear in the tunica media of the aorta,
allowing blood to enter the vessel wall. The classic clinical presentation is sudden,
excruciating pain often described as tearing or ripping in the chest or back. This is a life-
threatening emergency that requires immediate surgical or medical intervention to
prevent rupture.
3. Which compensatory mechanism is activated in response to a decrease in cardiac output to
maintain blood pressure?
A. Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
B. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
D. Decreased secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When cardiac output drops, the kidneys sense reduced perfusion and release
renin, which initiates the RAAS cascade. This leads to the production of Angiotensin II, a
potent vasoconstrictor, and the release of aldosterone, which causes sodium and water
retention. These actions aim to increase blood volume and systemic vascular resistance to
support blood pressure.
, 4. What is the primary underlying cause of ‘intermittent claudication’ in patients with
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
A. Venous congestion in the lower extremities
B. Excessive accumulation of lactic acid due to overactive aerobic metabolism
C. Nerve compression due to localized edema
D. Inadequate oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Intermittent claudication is muscle pain or cramping that occurs during
physical activity and is relieved by rest. It results from arterial narrowing that limits blood
flow to the lower limbs, creating an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. As the
muscles work harder, the ischemia triggers pain signals due to the buildup of metabolic
byproducts.
5. In Right-Sided Heart Failure, where does fluid primarily accumulate?
A. Pulmonary interstitium and alveoli
B. Systemic venous circulation and peripheral tissues
C. Left atrium and pulmonary veins
D. Cerebral ventricles
Correct Answer: B
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. Which of the following describes the role of foam cells in the development of
atherosclerosis?
A. They are smooth muscle cells that have migrated to the tunica intima.
B. They are macrophages that have engulfed oxidized LDL cholesterol.
C. They are platelets that aggregate at the site of endothelial injury.
D. They are fibrin deposits that stabilize the fibrous plaque.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Foam cells are a primary component of the early atherosclerotic lesion
known as a fatty streak. They form when macrophages infiltrate the arterial wall and ingest
large amounts of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This process triggers an
inflammatory response that further damages the vessel lining and promotes plaque
progression.
2. A patient presents with sudden, sharp chest pain that radiates to the back and is described
as a ‘tearing’ sensation. Which condition should be suspected?
A. Aortic Dissection
B. Stable Angina Pectoris
,C. Acute Myocardial Infarction
D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aortic dissection involves a longitudinal tear in the tunica media of the aorta,
allowing blood to enter the vessel wall. The classic clinical presentation is sudden,
excruciating pain often described as tearing or ripping in the chest or back. This is a life-
threatening emergency that requires immediate surgical or medical intervention to
prevent rupture.
3. Which compensatory mechanism is activated in response to a decrease in cardiac output to
maintain blood pressure?
A. Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
B. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
D. Decreased secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When cardiac output drops, the kidneys sense reduced perfusion and release
renin, which initiates the RAAS cascade. This leads to the production of Angiotensin II, a
potent vasoconstrictor, and the release of aldosterone, which causes sodium and water
retention. These actions aim to increase blood volume and systemic vascular resistance to
support blood pressure.
, 4. What is the primary underlying cause of ‘intermittent claudication’ in patients with
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
A. Venous congestion in the lower extremities
B. Excessive accumulation of lactic acid due to overactive aerobic metabolism
C. Nerve compression due to localized edema
D. Inadequate oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Intermittent claudication is muscle pain or cramping that occurs during
physical activity and is relieved by rest. It results from arterial narrowing that limits blood
flow to the lower limbs, creating an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. As the
muscles work harder, the ischemia triggers pain signals due to the buildup of metabolic
byproducts.
5. In Right-Sided Heart Failure, where does fluid primarily accumulate?
A. Pulmonary interstitium and alveoli
B. Systemic venous circulation and peripheral tissues
C. Left atrium and pulmonary veins
D. Cerebral ventricles
Correct Answer: B
