N212 EXAM 2 REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATED | 100% CORRECT -
EASTWICK COLLEGE
Core Domains:
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
• Acid-Base Imbalances (Metabolic and Respiratory)
• Genetics and Inherited Disorders
• Cancer Pathophysiology and Tumor Biology
• Inflammation and Tissue Repair
• Immunity and Immune System Disorders
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Stress and the Stress Response
Introduction
This comprehensive review guide is designed to prepare students for the N212
Pathophysiology Exam 2 at Eastwick College. It covers all major content areas tested
on the examination, including fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base imbalances,
genetics and inherited disorders, cancer pathophysiology, inflammation and tissue
repair, immunity and immune system disorders, autoimmune diseases,
hypersensitivity reactions, immunodeficiency disorders, and the stress response. The
questions are formatted to reflect the style and difficulty of actual exam questions,
with an emphasis on clinical application and critical thinking. Each question is
followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of
,key pathophysiologic concepts. This guide reflects the most current 2026 curriculum
and is structured to help you achieve success on the examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–75
Question 1
Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most commonly associated with the
use of potassium-wasting diuretics?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
RATIONALE: Potassium-wasting diuretics (such as furosemide and
hydrochlorothiazide) increase potassium excretion in the urine, leading to
hypokalemia (serum potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L).
Question 2
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.
Which of the following ECG changes would the nurse expect to see?
A. Flattened T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
RATIONALE: Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) causes tall, peaked (tented) T
waves on ECG. Flattened T waves and prominent U waves are characteristic of
hypokalemia.
, Question 3
A patient with severe vomiting is at risk for which of the following acid-base
imbalances?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
RATIONALE: Severe vomiting leads to loss of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl) from
the stomach, resulting in metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and elevated
bicarbonate).
Question 4
A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has an arterial blood gas (ABG) result
showing pH 7.25, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, and HCO3 12 mEq/L. How would the nurse
interpret these results?
A. Metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation
B. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
D. Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation
A. Metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation
RATIONALE: The low pH (7.25) and low HCO3 (12) indicate metabolic acidosis.
The low PaCO2 (30) indicates respiratory compensation (hyperventilation) that is not
complete because the pH remains below normal.
Question 5
Which of the following is a normal finding for serum sodium?
A. 120 mEq/L
B. 130 mEq/L
ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATED | 100% CORRECT -
EASTWICK COLLEGE
Core Domains:
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
• Acid-Base Imbalances (Metabolic and Respiratory)
• Genetics and Inherited Disorders
• Cancer Pathophysiology and Tumor Biology
• Inflammation and Tissue Repair
• Immunity and Immune System Disorders
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Stress and the Stress Response
Introduction
This comprehensive review guide is designed to prepare students for the N212
Pathophysiology Exam 2 at Eastwick College. It covers all major content areas tested
on the examination, including fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base imbalances,
genetics and inherited disorders, cancer pathophysiology, inflammation and tissue
repair, immunity and immune system disorders, autoimmune diseases,
hypersensitivity reactions, immunodeficiency disorders, and the stress response. The
questions are formatted to reflect the style and difficulty of actual exam questions,
with an emphasis on clinical application and critical thinking. Each question is
followed by the correct answer and a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of
,key pathophysiologic concepts. This guide reflects the most current 2026 curriculum
and is structured to help you achieve success on the examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–75
Question 1
Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most commonly associated with the
use of potassium-wasting diuretics?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
RATIONALE: Potassium-wasting diuretics (such as furosemide and
hydrochlorothiazide) increase potassium excretion in the urine, leading to
hypokalemia (serum potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L).
Question 2
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.
Which of the following ECG changes would the nurse expect to see?
A. Flattened T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
RATIONALE: Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) causes tall, peaked (tented) T
waves on ECG. Flattened T waves and prominent U waves are characteristic of
hypokalemia.
, Question 3
A patient with severe vomiting is at risk for which of the following acid-base
imbalances?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
RATIONALE: Severe vomiting leads to loss of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl) from
the stomach, resulting in metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and elevated
bicarbonate).
Question 4
A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has an arterial blood gas (ABG) result
showing pH 7.25, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, and HCO3 12 mEq/L. How would the nurse
interpret these results?
A. Metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation
B. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
D. Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation
A. Metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation
RATIONALE: The low pH (7.25) and low HCO3 (12) indicate metabolic acidosis.
The low PaCO2 (30) indicates respiratory compensation (hyperventilation) that is not
complete because the pH remains below normal.
Question 5
Which of the following is a normal finding for serum sodium?
A. 120 mEq/L
B. 130 mEq/L
