NSG 1520 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
SOUTH COLLEGE
1. A patient is diagnosed with Pre-renal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Which of the following is a
primary cause for this condition?
A. Acute tubular necrosis from nephrotoxic drugs
B. Severe hypotension due to hypovolemia
C. Bilateral ureteral obstruction by calculi
D. Glomerulonephritis following a strep infection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pre-renal AKI is caused by factors that decrease systemic
circulation, causing a reduction in renal blood flow, such as hypovolemia, decreased cardiac
output, or severe hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Elevated serum albumin levels
B. Gross hematuria with ‘cola-colored’ urine
,C. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis
D. Massive proteinuria exceeding 3.5g/day
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(due to increased glomerular permeability), hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops anemia. What is the underlying
pathophysiological mechanism?
A. Increased destruction of red blood cells in the spleen
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary restrictions
C. Chronic blood loss through the GI tract
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. As kidney function declines, erythropoietin production decreases, leading to
anemia.
4. In the Oliguric phase of Acute Kidney Injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most life-
threatening?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia is the most serious complication of the oliguric
phase because it can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias as the kidneys fail to excrete
potassium.
5. Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is characterized by a deficiency of which hormone?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Aldosterone
D. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DI is caused by a deficiency of ADH (Central DI) or a decreased
renal response to ADH (Nephrogenic DI), leading to excessive dilute urine output.
6. Which lab finding would be expected in a patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity of 1.002
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
SOUTH COLLEGE
1. A patient is diagnosed with Pre-renal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Which of the following is a
primary cause for this condition?
A. Acute tubular necrosis from nephrotoxic drugs
B. Severe hypotension due to hypovolemia
C. Bilateral ureteral obstruction by calculi
D. Glomerulonephritis following a strep infection
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pre-renal AKI is caused by factors that decrease systemic
circulation, causing a reduction in renal blood flow, such as hypovolemia, decreased cardiac
output, or severe hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Elevated serum albumin levels
B. Gross hematuria with ‘cola-colored’ urine
,C. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis
D. Massive proteinuria exceeding 3.5g/day
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(due to increased glomerular permeability), hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops anemia. What is the underlying
pathophysiological mechanism?
A. Increased destruction of red blood cells in the spleen
B. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary restrictions
C. Chronic blood loss through the GI tract
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. As kidney function declines, erythropoietin production decreases, leading to
anemia.
4. In the Oliguric phase of Acute Kidney Injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most life-
threatening?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia is the most serious complication of the oliguric
phase because it can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias as the kidneys fail to excrete
potassium.
5. Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is characterized by a deficiency of which hormone?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Aldosterone
D. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DI is caused by a deficiency of ADH (Central DI) or a decreased
renal response to ADH (Nephrogenic DI), leading to excessive dilute urine output.
6. Which lab finding would be expected in a patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity of 1.002
