NURS6501 EXAM 2: ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with heart failure is found to have increased pulmonary capillary wedge
pressure. Which physiological mechanism best explains the development of pulmonary
edema in this patient?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure due to hypoalbuminemia
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
C. Increased capillary permeability from inflammatory cytokines
D. Lymphatic obstruction due to pulmonary hypertension
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left heart failure, the inability of the left ventricle to pump
blood forward causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, increasing
pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure and forcing fluid into the alveoli.
,2. Which pathological feature is most characteristic of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Increased hepatic glucose production
D. Delayed insulin secretion by the pancreas
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an absolute insulin
deficiency due to T-cell mediated autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the islets of
Langerhans.
3. A 65-year-old patient presents with acute kidney injury (AKI) following severe dehydration.
What is the most likely classification of this AKI?
A. Intrarenal AKI
B. Prerenal AKI
C. Postrenal AKI
D. Intrinsic tubular necrosis
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow, such as dehydration, hemorrhage, or
heart failure.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology involved in an acute asthma attack?
A. Permanent destruction of alveolar walls
B. Excessive mucus production with chronic cough
C. Reversible airway obstruction due to bronchospasm and inflammation
D. Proliferation of connective tissue in the airways
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Asthma is characterized by hyper-responsiveness of the
airways, leading to reversible bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucus plugging in
response to triggers.
5. Left-sided heart failure typically leads to which clinical manifestation?
A. Dyspnea and orthopnea
B. Peripheral edema and ascites
C. Jugular venous distension
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with heart failure is found to have increased pulmonary capillary wedge
pressure. Which physiological mechanism best explains the development of pulmonary
edema in this patient?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure due to hypoalbuminemia
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
C. Increased capillary permeability from inflammatory cytokines
D. Lymphatic obstruction due to pulmonary hypertension
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left heart failure, the inability of the left ventricle to pump
blood forward causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, increasing
pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure and forcing fluid into the alveoli.
,2. Which pathological feature is most characteristic of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus compared to
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Increased hepatic glucose production
D. Delayed insulin secretion by the pancreas
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an absolute insulin
deficiency due to T-cell mediated autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the islets of
Langerhans.
3. A 65-year-old patient presents with acute kidney injury (AKI) following severe dehydration.
What is the most likely classification of this AKI?
A. Intrarenal AKI
B. Prerenal AKI
C. Postrenal AKI
D. Intrinsic tubular necrosis
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow, such as dehydration, hemorrhage, or
heart failure.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology involved in an acute asthma attack?
A. Permanent destruction of alveolar walls
B. Excessive mucus production with chronic cough
C. Reversible airway obstruction due to bronchospasm and inflammation
D. Proliferation of connective tissue in the airways
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Asthma is characterized by hyper-responsiveness of the
airways, leading to reversible bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucus plugging in
response to triggers.
5. Left-sided heart failure typically leads to which clinical manifestation?
A. Dyspnea and orthopnea
B. Peripheral edema and ascites
C. Jugular venous distension
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: A
