NSG320 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3:
RENAL, ENDOCRINE, AND
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
1. A patient with severe dehydration is diagnosed with Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
What is the primary physiological mechanism causing this condition?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract causing back-pressure.
B. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma from toxins.
C. Inflammation of the glomerular capillaries.
D. Decreased renal perfusion leading to reduced glomerular filtration.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by conditions that impair renal blood
flow, such as hypovolemia or hypotension, leading to a drop in GFR without direct damage
to the kidney tissue itself.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark finding in the early stages of Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete it?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: As GFR declines, the kidneys lose the ability to excrete
phosphorus. High phosphorus levels in the blood lead to a reciprocal drop in calcium,
contributing to bone disease.
3. In the context of Nephrotic Syndrome, what is the underlying cause of generalized edema
(anasarca)?
A. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the venous system.
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to massive albuminuria.
C. Retention of sodium due to hyperaldosteronism.
D. Excessive production of antidiuretic hormone.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the glomerular
basement membrane, leading to massive protein loss (proteinuria). This results in
hypoalbuminemia, lowering plasma oncotic pressure and causing fluid to shift into the
interstitial space.
, 4. A patient presents with Kussmaul respirations, a blood glucose of 550 mg/dL, and ketones
in the urine. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemic unawareness
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis
(evidenced by Kussmaul respirations), and ketonuria. HHS typically lacks significant
ketosis and acidosis.
5. Which hormone deficiency is responsible for the symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Cortisol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency of ADH
(Vasopressin) or a decreased renal response to it, resulting in the inability to concentrate
urine and massive polyuria.
RENAL, ENDOCRINE, AND
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
1. A patient with severe dehydration is diagnosed with Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
What is the primary physiological mechanism causing this condition?
A. Obstruction of the urinary tract causing back-pressure.
B. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma from toxins.
C. Inflammation of the glomerular capillaries.
D. Decreased renal perfusion leading to reduced glomerular filtration.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by conditions that impair renal blood
flow, such as hypovolemia or hypotension, leading to a drop in GFR without direct damage
to the kidney tissue itself.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is a hallmark finding in the early stages of Chronic Kidney
Disease (CKD) due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete it?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: As GFR declines, the kidneys lose the ability to excrete
phosphorus. High phosphorus levels in the blood lead to a reciprocal drop in calcium,
contributing to bone disease.
3. In the context of Nephrotic Syndrome, what is the underlying cause of generalized edema
(anasarca)?
A. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the venous system.
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to massive albuminuria.
C. Retention of sodium due to hyperaldosteronism.
D. Excessive production of antidiuretic hormone.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the glomerular
basement membrane, leading to massive protein loss (proteinuria). This results in
hypoalbuminemia, lowering plasma oncotic pressure and causing fluid to shift into the
interstitial space.
, 4. A patient presents with Kussmaul respirations, a blood glucose of 550 mg/dL, and ketones
in the urine. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemic unawareness
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis
(evidenced by Kussmaul respirations), and ketonuria. HHS typically lacks significant
ketosis and acidosis.
5. Which hormone deficiency is responsible for the symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Insulin
C. Aldosterone
D. Cortisol
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is caused by a deficiency of ADH
(Vasopressin) or a decreased renal response to it, resulting in the inability to concentrate
urine and massive polyuria.
