NSG 1520 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract
B. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma
C. Nephrotoxic medication exposure
D. Decreased blood flow to the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow, such as hypovolemia or heart failure.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with severe anemia. What is the most
likely cause?
A. Chronic blood loss during dialysis
B. Destruction of red blood cells by urea
C. Iron deficiency due to dietary restrictions
,D. Reduced production of erythropoietin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. In CKD, the kidneys fail to produce enough of this hormone, leading to anemia.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary edema and crackles
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Dyspnea on exertion
D. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distension
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
systemic circulation, leading to peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, and JVD.
4. In the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, what is the primary mechanism of
disease?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Hypersecretion of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Excessive glucose production by the liver
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune response
that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
5. Which ABG result indicates partially compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.45, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis, pH is low and PaCO2 is high. Partial
compensation is indicated by an elevated HCO3 attempting to normalize the pH.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production in the bronchioles
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elasticity
C. Reversible airway bronchospasm
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: B
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract
B. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma
C. Nephrotoxic medication exposure
D. Decreased blood flow to the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow, such as hypovolemia or heart failure.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with severe anemia. What is the most
likely cause?
A. Chronic blood loss during dialysis
B. Destruction of red blood cells by urea
C. Iron deficiency due to dietary restrictions
,D. Reduced production of erythropoietin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. In CKD, the kidneys fail to produce enough of this hormone, leading to anemia.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary edema and crackles
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Dyspnea on exertion
D. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distension
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
systemic circulation, leading to peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, and JVD.
4. In the pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, what is the primary mechanism of
disease?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Hypersecretion of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Excessive glucose production by the liver
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune response
that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
5. Which ABG result indicates partially compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.45, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis, pH is low and PaCO2 is high. Partial
compensation is indicated by an elevated HCO3 attempting to normalize the pH.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production in the bronchioles
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elasticity
C. Reversible airway bronchospasm
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: B
