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NSG 530 Exam 3 – Wilkes Advanced Pathophysiology
(2026) – Actual Questions & Study Guide Guaranteed
Pass | Graded A+ | Advanced Pathophysiology – Wilkes
University
SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
1 A 28-year-old client presents with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss over the
past 2 months. Fasting blood glucose is 240 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c is 9.8%. Which of the
following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
B. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
C. Diabetes insipidus
D. Gestational diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The classic symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss with
markedly elevated blood glucose and A1c are characteristic of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which
typically presents in younger individuals with acute onset. Type 2 diabetes (B) usually presents
,2
more gradually in older, overweight individuals. Diabetes insipidus (C) presents with polyuria
and polydipsia but normal blood glucose. Gestational diabetes (D) occurs during pregnancy.
2 A client with Type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul
respirations, and serum glucose of 600 mg/dL. Which of the following acid-base imbalances is
most likely present?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes metabolic acidosis due to the
accumulation of ketone bodies. Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow
off carbon dioxide and increase pH. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is associated with vomiting or
diuretic use. Respiratory acidosis (C) is associated with hypoventilation. Respiratory alkalosis (D)
is associated with hyperventilation.
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3 A client is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease). Which of the following is a
characteristic finding?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Exophthalmos (proptosis)
D. Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Graves' disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism, with findings including
weight loss, tachycardia, exophthalmos (proptosis), heat intolerance, and tremors. Weight gain
(A), bradycardia (B), and cold intolerance (D) are characteristic of hypothyroidism.
4 A client presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. Laboratory
results show elevated TSH and low free T4. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)
B. Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
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C. Thyroid cancer
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation with
elevated TSH and low free T4 are classic for primary hypothyroidism, most commonly caused by
Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism (A) presents with opposite symptoms. Thyroid cancer
(C) typically presents with a neck mass. Hyperparathyroidism (D) presents with hypercalcemia.
5 A client is diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings is
characteristic of this condition?
A. Hypotension
B. Weight loss
C. Moon facies and buffalo hump
D. Hyperpigmentation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol, leading to moon
NSG 530 Exam 3 – Wilkes Advanced Pathophysiology
(2026) – Actual Questions & Study Guide Guaranteed
Pass | Graded A+ | Advanced Pathophysiology – Wilkes
University
SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
1 A 28-year-old client presents with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss over the
past 2 months. Fasting blood glucose is 240 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c is 9.8%. Which of the
following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
B. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
C. Diabetes insipidus
D. Gestational diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The classic symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss with
markedly elevated blood glucose and A1c are characteristic of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which
typically presents in younger individuals with acute onset. Type 2 diabetes (B) usually presents
,2
more gradually in older, overweight individuals. Diabetes insipidus (C) presents with polyuria
and polydipsia but normal blood glucose. Gestational diabetes (D) occurs during pregnancy.
2 A client with Type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with fruity-smelling breath, Kussmaul
respirations, and serum glucose of 600 mg/dL. Which of the following acid-base imbalances is
most likely present?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes metabolic acidosis due to the
accumulation of ketone bodies. Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow
off carbon dioxide and increase pH. Metabolic alkalosis (B) is associated with vomiting or
diuretic use. Respiratory acidosis (C) is associated with hypoventilation. Respiratory alkalosis (D)
is associated with hyperventilation.
,3
3 A client is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease). Which of the following is a
characteristic finding?
A. Weight gain
B. Bradycardia
C. Exophthalmos (proptosis)
D. Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Graves' disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism, with findings including
weight loss, tachycardia, exophthalmos (proptosis), heat intolerance, and tremors. Weight gain
(A), bradycardia (B), and cold intolerance (D) are characteristic of hypothyroidism.
4 A client presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. Laboratory
results show elevated TSH and low free T4. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)
B. Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
, 4
C. Thyroid cancer
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation with
elevated TSH and low free T4 are classic for primary hypothyroidism, most commonly caused by
Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism (A) presents with opposite symptoms. Thyroid cancer
(C) typically presents with a neck mass. Hyperparathyroidism (D) presents with hypercalcemia.
5 A client is diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings is
characteristic of this condition?
A. Hypotension
B. Weight loss
C. Moon facies and buffalo hump
D. Hyperpigmentation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol, leading to moon
