NURS 231/NURS231 Module 5 V1 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient is diagnosed with atherosclerosis. Which of the following biological processes
initiates the development of this condition?
A. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells
B. Aggregation of platelets
C. Formation of a fibrous cap
D. Endothelial cell injury
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Endothelial injury is the critical first step in the response-to-injury
hypothesis of atherosclerosis. This injury allows for the accumulation of LDL in the vessel
wall and triggers an inflammatory response. Following this, monocytes migrate to the site
and differentiate into macrophages to engulf oxidized lipids.
2. Which lipoprotein is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the peripheral tissues
back to the liver for excretion?
A. Chylomicrons
B. VLDL
C. LDL
,D. HDL
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the ‘good cholesterol’ because it
participates in reverse cholesterol transport. It carries excess cholesterol from the arteries
and peripheral tissues back to the liver. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a reduced
risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. A 55-year-old male has a blood pressure of 152/94 mmHg on three separate occasions.
How would this be classified according to standard guidelines?
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Stage 1 Hypertension
D. Stage 2 Hypertension
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: According to the American Heart Association and ACC guidelines, Stage 2
Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of at least 140 mmHg or a diastolic pressure
of at least 90 mmHg. Since the patient’s readings are consistently above these thresholds,
he meets the criteria for Stage 2. Accurate diagnosis requires multiple readings over time
rather than a single measurement.
, 4. What is the primary mechanism of action of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
(RAAS) in response to hypotension?
A. Increased blood volume and vasoconstriction
B. Systemic vasodilation
C. Increased excretion of sodium and water
D. Decreased cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The RAAS is activated by decreased renal perfusion, leading to the release of
renin and the eventual formation of Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent
vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the release of aldosterone, which promotes sodium and
water retention. These combined actions serve to increase blood volume and systemic
blood pressure.
5. Which type of aneurysm involves a circumferential and uniform dilation of the entire
vessel wall?
A. Saccular aneurysm
B. Fusiform aneurysm
C. Dissecting aneurysm
D. False aneurysm
Correct Answer: B
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient is diagnosed with atherosclerosis. Which of the following biological processes
initiates the development of this condition?
A. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells
B. Aggregation of platelets
C. Formation of a fibrous cap
D. Endothelial cell injury
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Endothelial injury is the critical first step in the response-to-injury
hypothesis of atherosclerosis. This injury allows for the accumulation of LDL in the vessel
wall and triggers an inflammatory response. Following this, monocytes migrate to the site
and differentiate into macrophages to engulf oxidized lipids.
2. Which lipoprotein is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the peripheral tissues
back to the liver for excretion?
A. Chylomicrons
B. VLDL
C. LDL
,D. HDL
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the ‘good cholesterol’ because it
participates in reverse cholesterol transport. It carries excess cholesterol from the arteries
and peripheral tissues back to the liver. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a reduced
risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. A 55-year-old male has a blood pressure of 152/94 mmHg on three separate occasions.
How would this be classified according to standard guidelines?
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Stage 1 Hypertension
D. Stage 2 Hypertension
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: According to the American Heart Association and ACC guidelines, Stage 2
Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of at least 140 mmHg or a diastolic pressure
of at least 90 mmHg. Since the patient’s readings are consistently above these thresholds,
he meets the criteria for Stage 2. Accurate diagnosis requires multiple readings over time
rather than a single measurement.
, 4. What is the primary mechanism of action of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
(RAAS) in response to hypotension?
A. Increased blood volume and vasoconstriction
B. Systemic vasodilation
C. Increased excretion of sodium and water
D. Decreased cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The RAAS is activated by decreased renal perfusion, leading to the release of
renin and the eventual formation of Angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent
vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the release of aldosterone, which promotes sodium and
water retention. These combined actions serve to increase blood volume and systemic
blood pressure.
5. Which type of aneurysm involves a circumferential and uniform dilation of the entire
vessel wall?
A. Saccular aneurysm
B. Fusiform aneurysm
C. Dissecting aneurysm
D. False aneurysm
Correct Answer: B
