NSG 3113 Pathophysiology for Nursing Exam 3
Practice Test
200 Questions & Correct Answers | Graded A |
South College | 2026-2027 Edition
This comprehensive practice test contains 200 verified Questions and answers for
the NSG 3113 Pathophysiology for Nursing Exam 3 at South College. The
Questions cover essential topics including endocrine disorders, reproductive
health, genetics, and fluid/electrolyte imbalances. Each Question includes a
detailed rationale to reinforce learning and ensure exam readiness.
Content Area Overview
Domain Questions Key Topics
Endocrine Pathophysiology 1-50 Thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders,
pituitary disorders, diabetes mellitus
Reproductive Pathophysiology 51-80 Reproductive cycles, hormonal regulation,
disorders of the reproductive system
Genetic & Developmental Pathophysiology 81-110 Chromosomal disorders,
genetic inheritance patterns, developmental anomalies
Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance 111-150 Fluid compartments,
electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders
Integumentary & Sensory Pathophysiology 151-170 Skin disorders, eye
disorders, ear disorders
Renal & Urinary Pathophysiology 171-200 Renal function, acute kidney
injury, chronic kidney disease, urinary tract disorders
,SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Questions 1-50)
Question 1: A patient with a tumor in the anterior pituitary gland is experiencing
headaches, visual disturbances, and galactorrhea. Which hormone is most likely
being overproduced?
A) Growth hormone
B) Prolactin
C) ACTH
D) TSH
Correct Answer: B) Prolactin
Rationale: Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenoma.
Overproduction of prolactin leads to galactorrhea (milk production not associated
with breastfeeding), amenorrhea, and hypogonadism. Compression of the optic
chiasm causes visual disturbances .
Question 2: Which of the following is a classic sign of Cushing's syndrome?
A) Hyperpigmentation
B) Truncal obesity with purple striae
C) Weight loss
D) Hypotension
Correct Answer: B) Truncal obesity with purple striae
,Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by truncal obesity, moon facies,
buffalo hump, purple striae, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. These are caused
by glucocorticoid excess. Hyperpigmentation is seen in Addison's disease (due to
elevated ACTH) .
Question 3: A patient with Addison's disease is experiencing fatigue, hypotension,
and hyperpigmentation. Which laboratory finding would be expected?
A) Low cortisol, high ACTH
B) High cortisol, low ACTH
C) Low cortisol, low ACTH
D) High cortisol, high ACTH
Correct Answer: A) Low cortisol, high ACTH
Rationale: Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is characterized by
low cortisol production, leading to a lack of negative feedback and elevated ACTH.
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to elevated ACTH, which has melanocyte-
stimulating activity .
Question 4: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in:
A) Hypothyroidism
B) Hyperthyroidism
C) Hypoparathyroidism
D) Hyperparathyroidism
, Correct Answer: B) Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: Graves' disease is caused by autoantibodies that stimulate the TSH
receptor, leading to unregulated thyroid hormone production and
hyperthyroidism. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism .
Question 5: A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and fruity breath. Which laboratory finding would
confirm the diagnosis?
A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis
B) Hyperglycemia, normal pH, no ketones
C) Hypoglycemia, ketonuria, respiratory alkalosis
D) Normal glucose, no ketones, metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia,
ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis. The fruity breath odor is due to acetone. DKA is
more common in type 1 diabetes and requires immediate treatment with insulin
and fluids .
Question 6: Diabetes insipidus is characterized by:
A) Hyperglycemia and polyuria
Practice Test
200 Questions & Correct Answers | Graded A |
South College | 2026-2027 Edition
This comprehensive practice test contains 200 verified Questions and answers for
the NSG 3113 Pathophysiology for Nursing Exam 3 at South College. The
Questions cover essential topics including endocrine disorders, reproductive
health, genetics, and fluid/electrolyte imbalances. Each Question includes a
detailed rationale to reinforce learning and ensure exam readiness.
Content Area Overview
Domain Questions Key Topics
Endocrine Pathophysiology 1-50 Thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders,
pituitary disorders, diabetes mellitus
Reproductive Pathophysiology 51-80 Reproductive cycles, hormonal regulation,
disorders of the reproductive system
Genetic & Developmental Pathophysiology 81-110 Chromosomal disorders,
genetic inheritance patterns, developmental anomalies
Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance 111-150 Fluid compartments,
electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders
Integumentary & Sensory Pathophysiology 151-170 Skin disorders, eye
disorders, ear disorders
Renal & Urinary Pathophysiology 171-200 Renal function, acute kidney
injury, chronic kidney disease, urinary tract disorders
,SECTION 1: ENDOCRINE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Questions 1-50)
Question 1: A patient with a tumor in the anterior pituitary gland is experiencing
headaches, visual disturbances, and galactorrhea. Which hormone is most likely
being overproduced?
A) Growth hormone
B) Prolactin
C) ACTH
D) TSH
Correct Answer: B) Prolactin
Rationale: Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenoma.
Overproduction of prolactin leads to galactorrhea (milk production not associated
with breastfeeding), amenorrhea, and hypogonadism. Compression of the optic
chiasm causes visual disturbances .
Question 2: Which of the following is a classic sign of Cushing's syndrome?
A) Hyperpigmentation
B) Truncal obesity with purple striae
C) Weight loss
D) Hypotension
Correct Answer: B) Truncal obesity with purple striae
,Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by truncal obesity, moon facies,
buffalo hump, purple striae, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. These are caused
by glucocorticoid excess. Hyperpigmentation is seen in Addison's disease (due to
elevated ACTH) .
Question 3: A patient with Addison's disease is experiencing fatigue, hypotension,
and hyperpigmentation. Which laboratory finding would be expected?
A) Low cortisol, high ACTH
B) High cortisol, low ACTH
C) Low cortisol, low ACTH
D) High cortisol, high ACTH
Correct Answer: A) Low cortisol, high ACTH
Rationale: Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is characterized by
low cortisol production, leading to a lack of negative feedback and elevated ACTH.
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to elevated ACTH, which has melanocyte-
stimulating activity .
Question 4: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in:
A) Hypothyroidism
B) Hyperthyroidism
C) Hypoparathyroidism
D) Hyperparathyroidism
, Correct Answer: B) Hyperthyroidism
Rationale: Graves' disease is caused by autoantibodies that stimulate the TSH
receptor, leading to unregulated thyroid hormone production and
hyperthyroidism. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism .
Question 5: A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, and fruity breath. Which laboratory finding would
confirm the diagnosis?
A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis
B) Hyperglycemia, normal pH, no ketones
C) Hypoglycemia, ketonuria, respiratory alkalosis
D) Normal glucose, no ketones, metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: A) Hyperglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia,
ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis. The fruity breath odor is due to acetone. DKA is
more common in type 1 diabetes and requires immediate treatment with insulin
and fluids .
Question 6: Diabetes insipidus is characterized by:
A) Hyperglycemia and polyuria
