NUR 210 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND
PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW EXAM
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (GALEN) 100%
GUARANTEE PASS
1. A patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is most likely to
present with which laboratory finding?
A. Serum sodium 120 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Hematocrit 55%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH involves excessive ADH release, leading to water
retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Therefore, a low serum sodium level (120 mEq/L)
is expected. High serum osmolality and low urine specific gravity are characteristic of
Diabetes Insipidus.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism explains the development of cardiogenic shock
following a massive myocardial infarction?
A. Systemic vasodilation causing relative hypovolemia
,B. Decreased cardiac output despite adequate intravascular volume
C. Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
D. Obstructed blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart’s pumping ability is
compromised, leading to low cardiac output and tissue hypoxia, despite having enough
fluid in the system. Vasodilation is characteristic of distributive shock.
3. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which arterial blood gas (ABG)
result would the nurse expect to find?
A. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 16
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 20
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes metabolic acidosis due to ketone production. This
results in a low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3). Option B reflects metabolic acidosis with a
normal or low PaCO2 (respiratory compensation).
4. Which assessment finding is considered a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s Triad (bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations)
, B. Constant headache
C. Restlessness and confusion
D. Dilated pupils reacting slowly to light
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad is a late neurological finding indicating severe
brainstem compression due to high ICP. Early signs include changes in LOC and headache.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels increase the binding of Digoxin to its
receptors, which enhances the drug’s effect and toxicity risks.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?
A. Alveolar collapse due to lack of surfactant
B. Bronchoconstriction caused by immunoglobulin E
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND
PHARMACOLOGY REVIEW EXAM
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (GALEN) 100%
GUARANTEE PASS
1. A patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is most likely to
present with which laboratory finding?
A. Serum sodium 120 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Hematocrit 55%
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH involves excessive ADH release, leading to water
retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Therefore, a low serum sodium level (120 mEq/L)
is expected. High serum osmolality and low urine specific gravity are characteristic of
Diabetes Insipidus.
2. Which pathophysiological mechanism explains the development of cardiogenic shock
following a massive myocardial infarction?
A. Systemic vasodilation causing relative hypovolemia
,B. Decreased cardiac output despite adequate intravascular volume
C. Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
D. Obstructed blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart’s pumping ability is
compromised, leading to low cardiac output and tissue hypoxia, despite having enough
fluid in the system. Vasodilation is characteristic of distributive shock.
3. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which arterial blood gas (ABG)
result would the nurse expect to find?
A. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 16
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 20
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes metabolic acidosis due to ketone production. This
results in a low pH and low bicarbonate (HCO3). Option B reflects metabolic acidosis with a
normal or low PaCO2 (respiratory compensation).
4. Which assessment finding is considered a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s Triad (bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations)
, B. Constant headache
C. Restlessness and confusion
D. Dilated pupils reacting slowly to light
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad is a late neurological finding indicating severe
brainstem compression due to high ICP. Early signs include changes in LOC and headache.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance
significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels increase the binding of Digoxin to its
receptors, which enhances the drug’s effect and toxicity risks.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?
A. Alveolar collapse due to lack of surfactant
B. Bronchoconstriction caused by immunoglobulin E
