Exam 3: BIOS 252 / BIOS252
(Latest 2026/2027 Update) Anatomy and Physiology II Exam Review
Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A - Chamberlain
BIOS 252 Anatomy and Physiology II Examination | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027 Updated Edition
Exam BIOS 252 Anatomy and Physiology II - Exam 3
Institution Chamberlain University
Questions 100 Multiple Choice (A-D) with Detailed Rationales
Format 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct Recall
Cognitive
30% Recall, 45% Application, 25% Analysis
Levels
6 Comprehensive Content Domains - Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic,
Sections
Urinary, Fluid/Acid-Base
Year 2026/2027 Updated with Current A&P; Understanding
EXAM SECTIONS:
Q1-Q25: Cardiovascular System - Heart Anatomy and Physiology
Q26-Q40: Cardiovascular System - Blood Vessels and Hemodynamics
Q41-Q55: Respiratory System
Q56-Q70: Lymphatic System and Immunity
Q71-Q85: Urinary System
Q86-Q100: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
, BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027
Section 1: Cardiovascular System - Heart Anatomy and Physiology
Q1: Which ECG wave represents atrial depolarization?
A. QRS complex
B. T wave
C. P wave **[CORRECT]**
D. ST segment
Correct Answer: C - P wave
Rationale: The P wave represents atrial depolarization, during which the SA node fires and the electrical impulse spreads across both atria. A
common error is confusing the P wave with the QRS complex, which represents ventricular depolarization rather than atrial activity.
Q2: A patient presents with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep inspiration and improves when sitting forward. A
pericardial friction rub is auscultated. Which pericardial layer is most directly involved in producing this friction rub?
A. Fibrous pericardium
B. Parietal layer of the serous pericardium **[CORRECT]**
C. Endocardium
D. Myocardium
Correct Answer: B - Parietal layer of the serous pericardium
Rationale: The friction rub in pericarditis occurs when the inflamed parietal layer of the serous pericardium rubs against the visceral layer
(epicardium) during the cardiac cycle. The fibrous pericardium is the outermost tough connective tissue layer and does not produce a friction rub,
which is a common distractor.
Q3: A patient is diagnosed with a third-degree AV block. The SA node is firing normally but impulses cannot reach the
ventricles. If an ectopic pacemaker below the AV node takes over, what is the expected ventricular rate?
A. 60-100 bpm
B. 20-40 bpm
C. 80-100 bpm
D. 40-60 bpm **[CORRECT]**
Correct Answer: D - 40-60 bpm
Rationale: When the AV node takes over as the pacemaker, the intrinsic firing rate is 40-60 bpm. A common error is selecting 20-40 bpm, which is
the rate of Purkinje fibers, not the AV node. The SA node fires at 60-100 bpm, which would not apply if the block is at the AV node.
Q4: During which phase of the cardiac cycle are all four heart valves closed and ventricular volume remains constant?
A. Isovolumetric contraction **[CORRECT]**
B. Ventricular ejection
C. Atrial systole
D. Rapid ventricular filling
Correct Answer: A - Isovolumetric contraction
Rationale: During isovolumetric contraction, the AV valves have just closed and the semilunar valves have not yet opened, so all four valves are
closed while the ventricles build pressure. Isovolumetric relaxation also has all valves closed, but the key word here is 'contraction' — students often
confuse the two isovolumetric phases.
Q5: A 68-year-old patient with dehydration receives 1 L of normal saline IV. Over the next hour, the nurse notes an increase in
blood pressure and a stronger radial pulse. Which mechanism best explains the increase in stroke volume following this
intervention?
A. Increased contractility from sympathetic stimulation
B. Increased preload stretching the ventricular myocardium **[CORRECT]**
C. Decreased afterload reducing resistance to ejection
D. Increased heart rate shortening diastolic filling time
Correct Answer: B - Increased preload stretching the ventricular myocardium
Rationale: IV fluid administration increases venous return and end-diastolic volume (preload), which stretches the ventricular myocardium and
increases stroke volume via the Frank-Starling law. A common error is choosing sympathetic stimulation, but the scenario does not describe
sympathetic activation — the mechanism here is purely preload-dependent.
Page 2
, BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027
Q6: A cardiologist inserts a pacing lead through the superior vena cava, into the right atrium, and then through an opening
into the right ventricle. Through which valve must the lead pass to enter the right ventricle?
A. Mitral (bicuspid) valve
B. Aortic semilunar valve
C. Tricuspid valve **[CORRECT]**
D. Pulmonary semilunar valve
Correct Answer: C - Tricuspid valve
Rationale: The tricuspid valve (right AV valve) is the only valve between the right atrium and right ventricle. A common error is selecting the
pulmonary semilunar valve, which is the outflow valve of the right ventricle, not the valve separating the atrium from the ventricle. The mitral valve is
on the left side.
Q7: A nursing student auscultates S1 ("lub") at the apex of the heart. Which mechanical event in the cardiac cycle produces
this sound?
A. Closure of the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves
B. Opening of the AV valves at the start of diastole
C. Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular diastole
D. Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular systole **[CORRECT]**
Correct Answer: D - Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular systole
Rationale: S1 is produced by closure of the tricuspid and mitral (AV) valves at the onset of ventricular systole when ventricular pressure exceeds atrial
pressure. A common error is choosing closure of the semilunar valves, which actually produces S2 ("dub").
Q8: A 35-year-old patient is diagnosed with viral myocarditis following a flu-like illness. Which layer of the heart wall is
primarily affected in this condition?
A. Myocardium **[CORRECT]**
B. Endocardium
C. Epicardium
D. Parietal pericardium
Correct Answer: A - Myocardium
Rationale: Myocarditis specifically involves inflammation of the myocardium, the thick muscular middle layer of the heart wall responsible for
contraction. Students often confuse endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium, typically from bacterial infection) with myocarditis, making it a
common distractor.
Q9: A patient's ECG shows a QRS complex that is 0.16 seconds wide (normal is less than 0.12 seconds). What does this
widened QRS most likely indicate?
A. Delayed atrial depolarization
B. Delayed ventricular depolarization **[CORRECT]**
C. Prolonged ventricular repolarization
D. Delayed AV node conduction
Correct Answer: B - Delayed ventricular depolarization
Rationale: A widened QRS complex indicates delayed or abnormal ventricular depolarization, commonly seen in bundle branch blocks or ventricular
rhythms. A common error is choosing delayed AV node conduction, but that would prolong the PR interval, not the QRS complex. Prolonged
repolarization would affect the QT interval.
Q10: During ventricular systole, blood flow through the left coronary artery decreases significantly. What is the primary
anatomical reason for this reduction in flow?
A. The aortic semilunar valve is closed, blocking blood entry
B. The coronary sinus is compressed by the contracting atria
C. The contracting myocardium compresses the coronary vessels that run through it **[CORRECT]**
D. Blood is shunted away from the coronary circulation to the pulmonary trunk
Correct Answer: C - The contracting myocardium compresses the coronary vessels that run through it
Rationale: During ventricular systole, the contracting myocardium compresses the intramuscular coronary vessels, reducing blood flow — especially
in the left ventricle where pressures are highest. This is why the left coronary artery receives most of its perfusion during diastole. A common
misconception is that the aortic valve being closed blocks coronary flow, but the coronary ostia are actually located above the valve cusps.
Page 3
(Latest 2026/2027 Update) Anatomy and Physiology II Exam Review
Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A - Chamberlain
BIOS 252 Anatomy and Physiology II Examination | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027 Updated Edition
Exam BIOS 252 Anatomy and Physiology II - Exam 3
Institution Chamberlain University
Questions 100 Multiple Choice (A-D) with Detailed Rationales
Format 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct Recall
Cognitive
30% Recall, 45% Application, 25% Analysis
Levels
6 Comprehensive Content Domains - Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic,
Sections
Urinary, Fluid/Acid-Base
Year 2026/2027 Updated with Current A&P; Understanding
EXAM SECTIONS:
Q1-Q25: Cardiovascular System - Heart Anatomy and Physiology
Q26-Q40: Cardiovascular System - Blood Vessels and Hemodynamics
Q41-Q55: Respiratory System
Q56-Q70: Lymphatic System and Immunity
Q71-Q85: Urinary System
Q86-Q100: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
, BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027
Section 1: Cardiovascular System - Heart Anatomy and Physiology
Q1: Which ECG wave represents atrial depolarization?
A. QRS complex
B. T wave
C. P wave **[CORRECT]**
D. ST segment
Correct Answer: C - P wave
Rationale: The P wave represents atrial depolarization, during which the SA node fires and the electrical impulse spreads across both atria. A
common error is confusing the P wave with the QRS complex, which represents ventricular depolarization rather than atrial activity.
Q2: A patient presents with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep inspiration and improves when sitting forward. A
pericardial friction rub is auscultated. Which pericardial layer is most directly involved in producing this friction rub?
A. Fibrous pericardium
B. Parietal layer of the serous pericardium **[CORRECT]**
C. Endocardium
D. Myocardium
Correct Answer: B - Parietal layer of the serous pericardium
Rationale: The friction rub in pericarditis occurs when the inflamed parietal layer of the serous pericardium rubs against the visceral layer
(epicardium) during the cardiac cycle. The fibrous pericardium is the outermost tough connective tissue layer and does not produce a friction rub,
which is a common distractor.
Q3: A patient is diagnosed with a third-degree AV block. The SA node is firing normally but impulses cannot reach the
ventricles. If an ectopic pacemaker below the AV node takes over, what is the expected ventricular rate?
A. 60-100 bpm
B. 20-40 bpm
C. 80-100 bpm
D. 40-60 bpm **[CORRECT]**
Correct Answer: D - 40-60 bpm
Rationale: When the AV node takes over as the pacemaker, the intrinsic firing rate is 40-60 bpm. A common error is selecting 20-40 bpm, which is
the rate of Purkinje fibers, not the AV node. The SA node fires at 60-100 bpm, which would not apply if the block is at the AV node.
Q4: During which phase of the cardiac cycle are all four heart valves closed and ventricular volume remains constant?
A. Isovolumetric contraction **[CORRECT]**
B. Ventricular ejection
C. Atrial systole
D. Rapid ventricular filling
Correct Answer: A - Isovolumetric contraction
Rationale: During isovolumetric contraction, the AV valves have just closed and the semilunar valves have not yet opened, so all four valves are
closed while the ventricles build pressure. Isovolumetric relaxation also has all valves closed, but the key word here is 'contraction' — students often
confuse the two isovolumetric phases.
Q5: A 68-year-old patient with dehydration receives 1 L of normal saline IV. Over the next hour, the nurse notes an increase in
blood pressure and a stronger radial pulse. Which mechanism best explains the increase in stroke volume following this
intervention?
A. Increased contractility from sympathetic stimulation
B. Increased preload stretching the ventricular myocardium **[CORRECT]**
C. Decreased afterload reducing resistance to ejection
D. Increased heart rate shortening diastolic filling time
Correct Answer: B - Increased preload stretching the ventricular myocardium
Rationale: IV fluid administration increases venous return and end-diastolic volume (preload), which stretches the ventricular myocardium and
increases stroke volume via the Frank-Starling law. A common error is choosing sympathetic stimulation, but the scenario does not describe
sympathetic activation — the mechanism here is purely preload-dependent.
Page 2
, BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II | Chamberlain University | 2026/2027
Q6: A cardiologist inserts a pacing lead through the superior vena cava, into the right atrium, and then through an opening
into the right ventricle. Through which valve must the lead pass to enter the right ventricle?
A. Mitral (bicuspid) valve
B. Aortic semilunar valve
C. Tricuspid valve **[CORRECT]**
D. Pulmonary semilunar valve
Correct Answer: C - Tricuspid valve
Rationale: The tricuspid valve (right AV valve) is the only valve between the right atrium and right ventricle. A common error is selecting the
pulmonary semilunar valve, which is the outflow valve of the right ventricle, not the valve separating the atrium from the ventricle. The mitral valve is
on the left side.
Q7: A nursing student auscultates S1 ("lub") at the apex of the heart. Which mechanical event in the cardiac cycle produces
this sound?
A. Closure of the aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves
B. Opening of the AV valves at the start of diastole
C. Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular diastole
D. Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular systole **[CORRECT]**
Correct Answer: D - Closure of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular systole
Rationale: S1 is produced by closure of the tricuspid and mitral (AV) valves at the onset of ventricular systole when ventricular pressure exceeds atrial
pressure. A common error is choosing closure of the semilunar valves, which actually produces S2 ("dub").
Q8: A 35-year-old patient is diagnosed with viral myocarditis following a flu-like illness. Which layer of the heart wall is
primarily affected in this condition?
A. Myocardium **[CORRECT]**
B. Endocardium
C. Epicardium
D. Parietal pericardium
Correct Answer: A - Myocardium
Rationale: Myocarditis specifically involves inflammation of the myocardium, the thick muscular middle layer of the heart wall responsible for
contraction. Students often confuse endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium, typically from bacterial infection) with myocarditis, making it a
common distractor.
Q9: A patient's ECG shows a QRS complex that is 0.16 seconds wide (normal is less than 0.12 seconds). What does this
widened QRS most likely indicate?
A. Delayed atrial depolarization
B. Delayed ventricular depolarization **[CORRECT]**
C. Prolonged ventricular repolarization
D. Delayed AV node conduction
Correct Answer: B - Delayed ventricular depolarization
Rationale: A widened QRS complex indicates delayed or abnormal ventricular depolarization, commonly seen in bundle branch blocks or ventricular
rhythms. A common error is choosing delayed AV node conduction, but that would prolong the PR interval, not the QRS complex. Prolonged
repolarization would affect the QT interval.
Q10: During ventricular systole, blood flow through the left coronary artery decreases significantly. What is the primary
anatomical reason for this reduction in flow?
A. The aortic semilunar valve is closed, blocking blood entry
B. The coronary sinus is compressed by the contracting atria
C. The contracting myocardium compresses the coronary vessels that run through it **[CORRECT]**
D. Blood is shunted away from the coronary circulation to the pulmonary trunk
Correct Answer: C - The contracting myocardium compresses the coronary vessels that run through it
Rationale: During ventricular systole, the contracting myocardium compresses the intramuscular coronary vessels, reducing blood flow — especially
in the left ventricle where pressures are highest. This is why the left coronary artery receives most of its perfusion during diastole. A common
misconception is that the aortic valve being closed blocks coronary flow, but the coronary ostia are actually located above the valve cusps.
Page 3
