Pathophysiology Exam 1 Rasmussen University verified questions and
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
Stages of general adaptation syndrome
- correct answer 1. Alarm
Initial reaction
Sympathetic nervous system
2. Resistance
Adaptation
Limit stressor
3. Exhaustion
Adaptation failing
Disease develops
Edema
- correct answer Excess fluid in the interstitial space
Dehydration (ECF volume deficit)
- correct answer Can occur independently without electrolyte defects
Decrease in fluid level leads to increase in level of blood solutes
Cell shrinkage
Hypotension
Hypovolemia or fluid volume deficit
- correct answer Decreased fluid in the intravascular space
Hypotonic Hydration
- correct answer (fluid overload)
,Causes of Fluid Deficit
- correct answer Inadequate fluid intake
Poor oral intake
Inadequate IV fluid replacement
Excessive fluid or sodium losses:
Gastrointestinal losses Excessive diaphoresis Prolonged hyperventilation Hemorrhage Nephrosis
Diabetes mellitus Diabetes insipidus Burns Open wounds Ascites Effusions Excessive use of diuretics
Osmotic diuresis
Deydration Manisfestations
- correct answer thirst, altered level of consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia, weak and thready
pulse, flat jugular veins, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, oliguria, weight loss, and
sunken fontanelles
Cancer Benign
- correct answer Slow, progressive, localized, well defined, resembles host (more differentiated), grows
by expansion, does not usually cause death
Cancer Malignant
- correct answer Rapid growing, spreads (metastasis) quickly, fatal, highly undifferentiated
Sodium
- correct answer Normal range: 135-145 mEq/L.
• Most significant cation and prevalent electrolyte of extracellular fluid.
• Controls serum osmolality and water balance. Plays a role in acid-base balance.
• Facilitates muscles and nerve impulses.
• Main source is dietary intake.
• Excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
,Hypernatremia
- correct answer Sodium > 145 mEq/L
Serum osmolarity increases
• Results in fluid shifts
Causes of Hypernatremia
- correct answer Excessive sodium ingestion Hypertonic IV saline (3% saline) administration
Cushing's syndrome
Corticosteroid use
Diarrhea
Excessive sweating
Prolonged episode of hyperventilation
Diuretic use Diabetes insipidus
Decreased water ingestion
Loss of thirst sensation
Inability to drink water
Third spacing
Vomiting
Hypernatremia Manifestations:
- correct answer increased temperature, warm and flushed skin, dry and sticky mucous membranes,
dysphagia, increased thirst, irritability, agitation, weakness, headache, seizures, lethargy, coma, blood
pressure changes, tachycardia, weak and thready pulse, edema, and decreased urine output
Hyponatremia
- correct answer Sodium < 135 mEq/L
Serum osmolarity decreases
Causes of Hyponatremia
- correct answer Deficient sodium
, Diuretic use
Gastrointestinal losses
Excessive sweating
Insufficient aldosterone levels
Adrenal insufficiency
Dietary sodium restrictions
Excessive water
Hypotonic intravenous saline (0.45% saline) Hyperglycemia
Excessive water ingestion
Renal failure
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone Heart failure
Hyponatremia Manifestations:
- correct answer anorexia, gastrointestinal upset, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, blood
pressure changes, pulse changes, edema, headache, lethargy, confusion, diminished deep tendon
reflexes, muscle weakness seizures, and coma
Hyponatremia Treatment:
- correct answer limit fluids and increase dietary sodium
Chloride
- correct answer Normal range: 98-108 mEq/L
Mineral electrolyte
Major extracellular anion
Found in gastric secretions, pancreatic juices, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid
Plays a role in acid-base balance
Main source is dietary intake
Excreted through the kidneys
Hyperchloremia
- correct answer Chloride > 108 mEq/L
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
Stages of general adaptation syndrome
- correct answer 1. Alarm
Initial reaction
Sympathetic nervous system
2. Resistance
Adaptation
Limit stressor
3. Exhaustion
Adaptation failing
Disease develops
Edema
- correct answer Excess fluid in the interstitial space
Dehydration (ECF volume deficit)
- correct answer Can occur independently without electrolyte defects
Decrease in fluid level leads to increase in level of blood solutes
Cell shrinkage
Hypotension
Hypovolemia or fluid volume deficit
- correct answer Decreased fluid in the intravascular space
Hypotonic Hydration
- correct answer (fluid overload)
,Causes of Fluid Deficit
- correct answer Inadequate fluid intake
Poor oral intake
Inadequate IV fluid replacement
Excessive fluid or sodium losses:
Gastrointestinal losses Excessive diaphoresis Prolonged hyperventilation Hemorrhage Nephrosis
Diabetes mellitus Diabetes insipidus Burns Open wounds Ascites Effusions Excessive use of diuretics
Osmotic diuresis
Deydration Manisfestations
- correct answer thirst, altered level of consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia, weak and thready
pulse, flat jugular veins, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, oliguria, weight loss, and
sunken fontanelles
Cancer Benign
- correct answer Slow, progressive, localized, well defined, resembles host (more differentiated), grows
by expansion, does not usually cause death
Cancer Malignant
- correct answer Rapid growing, spreads (metastasis) quickly, fatal, highly undifferentiated
Sodium
- correct answer Normal range: 135-145 mEq/L.
• Most significant cation and prevalent electrolyte of extracellular fluid.
• Controls serum osmolality and water balance. Plays a role in acid-base balance.
• Facilitates muscles and nerve impulses.
• Main source is dietary intake.
• Excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
,Hypernatremia
- correct answer Sodium > 145 mEq/L
Serum osmolarity increases
• Results in fluid shifts
Causes of Hypernatremia
- correct answer Excessive sodium ingestion Hypertonic IV saline (3% saline) administration
Cushing's syndrome
Corticosteroid use
Diarrhea
Excessive sweating
Prolonged episode of hyperventilation
Diuretic use Diabetes insipidus
Decreased water ingestion
Loss of thirst sensation
Inability to drink water
Third spacing
Vomiting
Hypernatremia Manifestations:
- correct answer increased temperature, warm and flushed skin, dry and sticky mucous membranes,
dysphagia, increased thirst, irritability, agitation, weakness, headache, seizures, lethargy, coma, blood
pressure changes, tachycardia, weak and thready pulse, edema, and decreased urine output
Hyponatremia
- correct answer Sodium < 135 mEq/L
Serum osmolarity decreases
Causes of Hyponatremia
- correct answer Deficient sodium
, Diuretic use
Gastrointestinal losses
Excessive sweating
Insufficient aldosterone levels
Adrenal insufficiency
Dietary sodium restrictions
Excessive water
Hypotonic intravenous saline (0.45% saline) Hyperglycemia
Excessive water ingestion
Renal failure
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone Heart failure
Hyponatremia Manifestations:
- correct answer anorexia, gastrointestinal upset, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, blood
pressure changes, pulse changes, edema, headache, lethargy, confusion, diminished deep tendon
reflexes, muscle weakness seizures, and coma
Hyponatremia Treatment:
- correct answer limit fluids and increase dietary sodium
Chloride
- correct answer Normal range: 98-108 mEq/L
Mineral electrolyte
Major extracellular anion
Found in gastric secretions, pancreatic juices, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid
Plays a role in acid-base balance
Main source is dietary intake
Excreted through the kidneys
Hyperchloremia
- correct answer Chloride > 108 mEq/L
