NR 507 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM| 50
QUESTIONS | PROCTORED EXAM |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
1. A 65-year-old male presents with persistent chest pain that occurs at rest and is not
relieved by nitroglycerin. His EKG shows ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4. Which
pathophysiological process is most likely occurring?
A. Stable plaque causing predictable ischemia
B. Transient vasospasm of the coronary arteries
C. Transmural myocardial infarction due to complete arterial occlusion
D. Subendocardial ischemia from increased oxygen demand
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) indicates
transmural ischemia and necrosis resulting from complete occlusion of a major coronary
artery, unlike stable angina or NSTEMI.
2. In the development of atherosclerosis, which cell type is responsible for the formation of
‘foam cells’ after ingesting oxidized LDL?
A. Macrophages
,B. Neutrophils
C. Smooth muscle cells
D. Endothelial cells
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Macrophages migrate into the subendothelial space and ingest
oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), becoming foam cells, which are the hallmark of
early fatty streaks in atherosclerosis.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Right-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical manifestation is a
direct result of increased systemic venous hydrostatic pressure?
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Peripheral edema and hepatomegaly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
systemic circulation, increasing hydrostatic pressure in the veins, leading to peripheral
edema, jugular venous distention, and hepatomegaly.
, 4. Which compensatory mechanism is activated in response to decreased renal perfusion in
heart failure but eventually contributes to increased cardiac workload?
A. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
B. Parasympathetic nervous system activation
C. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
D. Inhibition of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: RAAS activation increases sodium and water retention and
causes vasoconstriction, which initially maintains blood pressure but eventually increases
preload and afterload, worsening heart failure.
5. During an acute asthma attack, what is the primary cause of airway obstruction?
A. Bronchoconstriction, mucosal edema, and thick mucus production
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of recoil
C. Alveolar collapse due to surfactant deficiency
D. Fibrosis of the lung parenchyma
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Asthma is an inflammatory disorder characterized by reversible
bronchospasm, swelling of the airway lining, and excessive mucus production.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM| 50
QUESTIONS | PROCTORED EXAM |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
1. A 65-year-old male presents with persistent chest pain that occurs at rest and is not
relieved by nitroglycerin. His EKG shows ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4. Which
pathophysiological process is most likely occurring?
A. Stable plaque causing predictable ischemia
B. Transient vasospasm of the coronary arteries
C. Transmural myocardial infarction due to complete arterial occlusion
D. Subendocardial ischemia from increased oxygen demand
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) indicates
transmural ischemia and necrosis resulting from complete occlusion of a major coronary
artery, unlike stable angina or NSTEMI.
2. In the development of atherosclerosis, which cell type is responsible for the formation of
‘foam cells’ after ingesting oxidized LDL?
A. Macrophages
,B. Neutrophils
C. Smooth muscle cells
D. Endothelial cells
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Macrophages migrate into the subendothelial space and ingest
oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), becoming foam cells, which are the hallmark of
early fatty streaks in atherosclerosis.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Right-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical manifestation is a
direct result of increased systemic venous hydrostatic pressure?
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Peripheral edema and hepatomegaly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
systemic circulation, increasing hydrostatic pressure in the veins, leading to peripheral
edema, jugular venous distention, and hepatomegaly.
, 4. Which compensatory mechanism is activated in response to decreased renal perfusion in
heart failure but eventually contributes to increased cardiac workload?
A. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
B. Parasympathetic nervous system activation
C. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
D. Inhibition of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: RAAS activation increases sodium and water retention and
causes vasoconstriction, which initially maintains blood pressure but eventually increases
preload and afterload, worsening heart failure.
5. During an acute asthma attack, what is the primary cause of airway obstruction?
A. Bronchoconstriction, mucosal edema, and thick mucus production
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of recoil
C. Alveolar collapse due to surfactant deficiency
D. Fibrosis of the lung parenchyma
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Asthma is an inflammatory disorder characterized by reversible
bronchospasm, swelling of the airway lining, and excessive mucus production.
