NURS 231/NURS231 Module 9 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the following
pathophysiological mechanisms is primarily responsible for this condition?
A. Peripheral insulin resistance in adipose tissue.
B. Autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
C. Hypersecretion of glucagon from alpha cells.
D. Excessive hepatic glucose production.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency.
This occurs because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the
insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans. Consequently, the patient requires
exogenous insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis and prevent ketoacidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?
A. Excessive thirst and large volumes of dilute urine.
B. Fluid retention and concentrated urine.
C. Hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
D. Elevated blood pressure and weight gain.
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus results from a deficiency of or resistance to Antidiuretic
Hormone (ADH). This leads to the inability of the kidneys to reabsorb water, resulting in
polyuria and compensatory polydipsia. The urine produced is typically very dilute with a
low specific gravity.
3. A patient presents with exophthalmos, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Graves’ Disease
B. Myxedema Coma
C. Hashimoto Thyroiditis
D. Addison’s Disease
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to TSH receptors, stimulating
the excessive release of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Common symptoms include a high
metabolic rate, bulging eyes (exophthalmos), and cardiovascular stimulation.
4. What is the primary hormonal imbalance found in Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Deficiency of aldosterone.
B. Underproduction of catecholamines.
, C. Excessive levels of circulating cortisol.
D. High levels of growth hormone.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. This can be caused by adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors
(Cushing’s disease), or exogenous steroid use. Clinical features include moon face, buffalo
hump, and truncal obesity.
5. Which laboratory finding is consistent with a diagnosis of Primary Hypothyroidism?
A. High TSH and Low T4
B. Low TSH and High T4
C. High TSH and High T4
D. Low TSH and Low T4
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland itself is dysfunctional and fails
to produce enough T4. Due to the negative feedback loop, the anterior pituitary gland
increases the secretion of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to compensate. Therefore,
the hallmark labs are an elevated TSH and a subnormal T4 level.
6. Which of the following describes the ‘Somogyi Effect’ in diabetic patients?
A. Early morning hyperglycemia due to GH release.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the following
pathophysiological mechanisms is primarily responsible for this condition?
A. Peripheral insulin resistance in adipose tissue.
B. Autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
C. Hypersecretion of glucagon from alpha cells.
D. Excessive hepatic glucose production.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency.
This occurs because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the
insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans. Consequently, the patient requires
exogenous insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis and prevent ketoacidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?
A. Excessive thirst and large volumes of dilute urine.
B. Fluid retention and concentrated urine.
C. Hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
D. Elevated blood pressure and weight gain.
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus results from a deficiency of or resistance to Antidiuretic
Hormone (ADH). This leads to the inability of the kidneys to reabsorb water, resulting in
polyuria and compensatory polydipsia. The urine produced is typically very dilute with a
low specific gravity.
3. A patient presents with exophthalmos, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Graves’ Disease
B. Myxedema Coma
C. Hashimoto Thyroiditis
D. Addison’s Disease
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to TSH receptors, stimulating
the excessive release of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Common symptoms include a high
metabolic rate, bulging eyes (exophthalmos), and cardiovascular stimulation.
4. What is the primary hormonal imbalance found in Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Deficiency of aldosterone.
B. Underproduction of catecholamines.
, C. Excessive levels of circulating cortisol.
D. High levels of growth hormone.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. This can be caused by adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors
(Cushing’s disease), or exogenous steroid use. Clinical features include moon face, buffalo
hump, and truncal obesity.
5. Which laboratory finding is consistent with a diagnosis of Primary Hypothyroidism?
A. High TSH and Low T4
B. Low TSH and High T4
C. High TSH and High T4
D. Low TSH and Low T4
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland itself is dysfunctional and fails
to produce enough T4. Due to the negative feedback loop, the anterior pituitary gland
increases the secretion of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to compensate. Therefore,
the hallmark labs are an elevated TSH and a subnormal T4 level.
6. Which of the following describes the ‘Somogyi Effect’ in diabetic patients?
A. Early morning hyperglycemia due to GH release.
