NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient presents with tall, peaked T waves on an EKG. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse suspect?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia classically manifests on an EKG as tall, peaked T waves, reflecting rapid
repolarization of the ventricles. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate
complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of edema in a patient with
liver failure and low albumin levels?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin is the primary protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure. When levels are low,
fluid leaks from the intravascular space into the interstitial space. Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A client is diagnosed with Type I Hypersensitivity. Which immunoglobulin is responsible for
this reaction?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies, which bind to mast cells and trigger the
release of histamine. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and
provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. In the compensatory stage of shock, which system is activated to maintain blood pressure?
A. Insulin-like growth factor system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
D. Fibrinolytic system
Answer: C
Rationale: The RAAS system is activated in response to decreased renal perfusion to promote sodium and
water retention and vasoconstriction. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from
closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical
settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. Which type of cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type
by another?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by another to better
withstand environmental stress. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
6. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has developed right-sided
heart failure. What is the clinical term for this condition?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Cor pulmonale
C. Cardiac tamponade
D. has developed right-sided heart failure. What is the clinical term for this condition?
Answer: B
Rationale: Cor pulmonale refers specifically to right ventricular enlargement and failure resulting from primary
lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct
answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient presents with tall, peaked T waves on an EKG. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse suspect?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia classically manifests on an EKG as tall, peaked T waves, reflecting rapid
repolarization of the ventricles. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate
complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of edema in a patient with
liver failure and low albumin levels?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: A
Rationale: Albumin is the primary protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure. When levels are low,
fluid leaks from the intravascular space into the interstitial space. Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A client is diagnosed with Type I Hypersensitivity. Which immunoglobulin is responsible for
this reaction?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies, which bind to mast cells and trigger the
release of histamine. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and
provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely
related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 2 Review 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. In the compensatory stage of shock, which system is activated to maintain blood pressure?
A. Insulin-like growth factor system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
D. Fibrinolytic system
Answer: C
Rationale: The RAAS system is activated in response to decreased renal perfusion to promote sodium and
water retention and vasoconstriction. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from
closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical
settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. Which type of cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type
by another?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by another to better
withstand environmental stress. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
6. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has developed right-sided
heart failure. What is the clinical term for this condition?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Cor pulmonale
C. Cardiac tamponade
D. has developed right-sided heart failure. What is the clinical term for this condition?
Answer: B
Rationale: Cor pulmonale refers specifically to right ventricular enlargement and failure resulting from primary
lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct
answer (B) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
