,UT Tyler NURS 5350 Exam 2 | Advanced Pathophysiology
(2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of atherosclerosis?
A) Chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation in the arterial intima
B) Acute vasospasm of the arterial media
C) Fibromuscular hyperplasia of the venous endothelium
D) Autoimmune destruction of the arterial adventitia
Correct Answer: Chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation in the arterial
intima
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is initiated by endothelial injury, which allows low-
density lipoprotein (LDL) to enter the intima. Macrophages engulf oxidized LDL to
become foam cells, forming fatty streaks. This process is driven by chronic
inflammation and leads to plaque formation, narrowing the arterial lumen.
2. What is the primary function of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in blood
pressure regulation?
A) To increase sodium and water retention and cause vasoconstriction
B) To decrease sympathetic nervous system activity
C) To promote potassium retention and sodium excretion
D) To stimulate vasodilation and reduce blood volume
Correct Answer: To increase sodium and water retention and cause
vasoconstriction
,Rationale: The RAAS is activated when renal perfusion decreases. Renin converts
angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by ACE.
Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulates aldosterone release, which
promotes sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure.
3. Which of the following is the most common cause of heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction?
A) Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
B) Aortic stenosis
C) Chronic hypertension
D) Viral myocarditis
Correct Answer: Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
Rationale: Coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction is the most common
cause of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Ischemic damage leads
to loss of contractile myocardium and remodeling. Chronic hypertension is a more
common cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
4. A patient presents with acute onset of severe dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink frothy
sputum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute pulmonary embolism
B) Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema
C) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
D) Pneumonia
Correct Answer: Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema
, Rationale: Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema presents
with severe dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink frothy sputum due to fluid transudation
into the alveoli. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden pleuritic chest
pain and clear sputum. Pneumonia produces purulent sputum and fever.
5. Which term refers to the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with
each contraction?
A) Cardiac output
B) Ejection fraction
C) Stroke volume
D) Preload
Correct Answer: Ejection fraction
Rationale: Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood in the left ventricle that is
ejected with each contraction. It is calculated as stroke volume divided by end-
diastolic volume. A normal ejection fraction is typically between 50% and 70%.
Cardiac output is the total volume pumped per minute.
6. According to the Frank-Starling law, what happens to cardiac output when preload
increases?
A) Cardiac output decreases
B) Cardiac output increases
C) Cardiac output remains unchanged
D) Cardiac output becomes independent of preload
Correct Answer: Cardiac output increases
(2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of atherosclerosis?
A) Chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation in the arterial intima
B) Acute vasospasm of the arterial media
C) Fibromuscular hyperplasia of the venous endothelium
D) Autoimmune destruction of the arterial adventitia
Correct Answer: Chronic inflammation and lipid accumulation in the arterial
intima
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is initiated by endothelial injury, which allows low-
density lipoprotein (LDL) to enter the intima. Macrophages engulf oxidized LDL to
become foam cells, forming fatty streaks. This process is driven by chronic
inflammation and leads to plaque formation, narrowing the arterial lumen.
2. What is the primary function of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in blood
pressure regulation?
A) To increase sodium and water retention and cause vasoconstriction
B) To decrease sympathetic nervous system activity
C) To promote potassium retention and sodium excretion
D) To stimulate vasodilation and reduce blood volume
Correct Answer: To increase sodium and water retention and cause
vasoconstriction
,Rationale: The RAAS is activated when renal perfusion decreases. Renin converts
angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by ACE.
Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulates aldosterone release, which
promotes sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure.
3. Which of the following is the most common cause of heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction?
A) Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
B) Aortic stenosis
C) Chronic hypertension
D) Viral myocarditis
Correct Answer: Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
Rationale: Coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction is the most common
cause of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Ischemic damage leads
to loss of contractile myocardium and remodeling. Chronic hypertension is a more
common cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
4. A patient presents with acute onset of severe dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink frothy
sputum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute pulmonary embolism
B) Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema
C) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
D) Pneumonia
Correct Answer: Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema
, Rationale: Acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema presents
with severe dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink frothy sputum due to fluid transudation
into the alveoli. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden pleuritic chest
pain and clear sputum. Pneumonia produces purulent sputum and fever.
5. Which term refers to the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with
each contraction?
A) Cardiac output
B) Ejection fraction
C) Stroke volume
D) Preload
Correct Answer: Ejection fraction
Rationale: Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood in the left ventricle that is
ejected with each contraction. It is calculated as stroke volume divided by end-
diastolic volume. A normal ejection fraction is typically between 50% and 70%.
Cardiac output is the total volume pumped per minute.
6. According to the Frank-Starling law, what happens to cardiac output when preload
increases?
A) Cardiac output decreases
B) Cardiac output increases
C) Cardiac output remains unchanged
D) Cardiac output becomes independent of preload
Correct Answer: Cardiac output increases
