NUR 616 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of hypertension in patients
with chronic kidney disease?
A. Decreased production of erythropoietin
B. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
C. Increased excretion of sodium by the kidneys
D. Peripheral vasodilation due to uremia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In chronic kidney disease, decreased renal perfusion triggers the
RAAS, leading to systemic vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention, which elevates
blood pressure.
2. A patient presents with high serum calcium and low serum phosphorus. Which condition
should the nurse practitioner suspect?
A. Hypoparathyroidism
B. Vitamin D deficiency
,C. Chronic renal failure
D. Primary hyperparathyroidism
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Primary hyperparathyroidism involves excessive secretion of
PTH, which increases bone resorption of calcium and renal excretion of phosphorus,
leading to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia.
3. What is the pathophysiological hallmark of Multiple Sclerosis?
A. Demyelination of central nervous system axons
B. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
C. Degeneration of lower motor neurons
D. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease
characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the brain and
spinal cord.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved in Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type IV
, D. Type III
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: GVHD is primarily a Type IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity
reaction where donor T cells attack the host’s tissues.
5. In the compensatory stage of shock, which hormone is released to increase blood volume?
A. Atrial natriuretic peptide
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Brain natriuretic peptide
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aldosterone is released by the adrenal cortex in response to
angiotensin II, promoting sodium and water retention to expand plasma volume.
6. A patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is likely to exhibit
which electrolyte abnormality?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of hypertension in patients
with chronic kidney disease?
A. Decreased production of erythropoietin
B. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
C. Increased excretion of sodium by the kidneys
D. Peripheral vasodilation due to uremia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In chronic kidney disease, decreased renal perfusion triggers the
RAAS, leading to systemic vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention, which elevates
blood pressure.
2. A patient presents with high serum calcium and low serum phosphorus. Which condition
should the nurse practitioner suspect?
A. Hypoparathyroidism
B. Vitamin D deficiency
,C. Chronic renal failure
D. Primary hyperparathyroidism
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Primary hyperparathyroidism involves excessive secretion of
PTH, which increases bone resorption of calcium and renal excretion of phosphorus,
leading to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia.
3. What is the pathophysiological hallmark of Multiple Sclerosis?
A. Demyelination of central nervous system axons
B. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
C. Degeneration of lower motor neurons
D. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease
characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the brain and
spinal cord.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is involved in Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type IV
, D. Type III
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: GVHD is primarily a Type IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity
reaction where donor T cells attack the host’s tissues.
5. In the compensatory stage of shock, which hormone is released to increase blood volume?
A. Atrial natriuretic peptide
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Brain natriuretic peptide
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aldosterone is released by the adrenal cortex in response to
angiotensin II, promoting sodium and water retention to expand plasma volume.
6. A patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is likely to exhibit
which electrolyte abnormality?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
