NUR 529 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS 2026/2027 |
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | COMPLETE EXAM PREP | HIGH-YIELD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS | COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATED VERSION
1. Describe how a fecalith can lead to the development of appendicitis.
A fecalith causes direct infection of the appendix by bacteria.
A fecalith prevents blood flow to the appendix, causing necrosis.
A fecalith is a viral infection that affects the appendix.
A fecalith can obstruct the appendiceal lumen, leading to increased
pressure, inflammation, and infection.
2. Because its nitrogenous wastes contribute to uremia, which nutrient may be
restricted in patients with chronic kidney disease?
vitamin A
carbohydrates
saturated fat
protein
3. Interpret the significance of mild diuresis in a patient recovering from acute
tubular necrosis.
Mild diuresis means the patient's kidneys are functioning normally
again.
Mild diuresis suggests that the patient is developing diabetes mellitus.
Mild diuresis indicates that the renal tubules are beginning to
recover, but the patient still requires monitoring for potential
complications.
Mild diuresis is a sign that the patient is dehydrated and needs more
, fluids.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated at home for chronic renal
failure. During weekly home visits, which method is the most accurate
indicator of fluid balance?
Difference between intake and output
Changes in mucous membrane moistness
Trends in daily weights
Skin turgor over at least two areas of the body
5. A patient with acute renal disease is advised to follow a specific dietary plan.
If the patient consumes a high-protein diet, what potential complication
could arise?
Enhanced nutrient absorption
Decreased blood pressure
Increased metabolic waste accumulation
Improved kidney function
6. What is the term used for a hardened mass of stool that can lead to
appendicitis?
Fecalith
Volvulus
Intussusception
Diverticulum
7. Which of the following treatments uses ultrasonic waves to break kidney
stones into smaller pieces?
Cystoscopy
, Lithotripsy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Ureteroscopy
8. What is the inheritance pattern of Huntington's disease?
Autosomal recessive
Mitochondrial inheritance
Autosomal dominant
X-linked recessive
9. A patient with cirrhosis is experiencing worsening edema and ascites. If the
nurse suspects hyperaldosteronism, what intervention should be prioritized
to manage the patient's condition?
Increase sodium intake to counteract fluid loss.
Monitor blood ammonia levels for liver function.
Administer diuretics to promote sodium and fluid excretion.
Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
10. Describe the characteristics that define autoimmune disorders and provide
examples from the options given.
Autoimmune disorders are caused by infections; examples include
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Autoimmune disorders are characterized by excessive inflammation;
examples include osteoporosis and cirrhosis.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly
attacks the body's own tissues; examples include rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
, Autoimmune disorders primarily affect the digestive system;
examples include peptic ulcer disease and Barrett's esophagus.
11. Describe the implications of having a parent with Huntington's disease for
their offspring.
Children will not inherit the disease if the affected parent is male.
The disease can only be passed to daughters, not sons.
If one parent has Huntington's disease, each child has a 50% chance
of inheriting the gene.
The risk of inheritance is reduced if the affected parent modifies their
environment.
12. What is the primary factor that influences the formation of renal calculi?
Urine pH
Serum lactate levels
Urine sodium levels
Temperature of the urine
13. Which of the following indicates that further teaching is necessary after
educating a patient on Proscar/Finasteride?
"I should notice improvement of my symptoms within a few days of
starting this medication"
"I may have decreased libido while taking this medication"
"It is safe for me to take medications for erectile dysfunction while
taking this medication"
"This medication is used to help treat BPH"
14. A client reports to the nurse a feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness on
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | COMPLETE EXAM PREP | HIGH-YIELD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS | COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATED VERSION
1. Describe how a fecalith can lead to the development of appendicitis.
A fecalith causes direct infection of the appendix by bacteria.
A fecalith prevents blood flow to the appendix, causing necrosis.
A fecalith is a viral infection that affects the appendix.
A fecalith can obstruct the appendiceal lumen, leading to increased
pressure, inflammation, and infection.
2. Because its nitrogenous wastes contribute to uremia, which nutrient may be
restricted in patients with chronic kidney disease?
vitamin A
carbohydrates
saturated fat
protein
3. Interpret the significance of mild diuresis in a patient recovering from acute
tubular necrosis.
Mild diuresis means the patient's kidneys are functioning normally
again.
Mild diuresis suggests that the patient is developing diabetes mellitus.
Mild diuresis indicates that the renal tubules are beginning to
recover, but the patient still requires monitoring for potential
complications.
Mild diuresis is a sign that the patient is dehydrated and needs more
, fluids.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated at home for chronic renal
failure. During weekly home visits, which method is the most accurate
indicator of fluid balance?
Difference between intake and output
Changes in mucous membrane moistness
Trends in daily weights
Skin turgor over at least two areas of the body
5. A patient with acute renal disease is advised to follow a specific dietary plan.
If the patient consumes a high-protein diet, what potential complication
could arise?
Enhanced nutrient absorption
Decreased blood pressure
Increased metabolic waste accumulation
Improved kidney function
6. What is the term used for a hardened mass of stool that can lead to
appendicitis?
Fecalith
Volvulus
Intussusception
Diverticulum
7. Which of the following treatments uses ultrasonic waves to break kidney
stones into smaller pieces?
Cystoscopy
, Lithotripsy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Ureteroscopy
8. What is the inheritance pattern of Huntington's disease?
Autosomal recessive
Mitochondrial inheritance
Autosomal dominant
X-linked recessive
9. A patient with cirrhosis is experiencing worsening edema and ascites. If the
nurse suspects hyperaldosteronism, what intervention should be prioritized
to manage the patient's condition?
Increase sodium intake to counteract fluid loss.
Monitor blood ammonia levels for liver function.
Administer diuretics to promote sodium and fluid excretion.
Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
10. Describe the characteristics that define autoimmune disorders and provide
examples from the options given.
Autoimmune disorders are caused by infections; examples include
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Autoimmune disorders are characterized by excessive inflammation;
examples include osteoporosis and cirrhosis.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly
attacks the body's own tissues; examples include rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
, Autoimmune disorders primarily affect the digestive system;
examples include peptic ulcer disease and Barrett's esophagus.
11. Describe the implications of having a parent with Huntington's disease for
their offspring.
Children will not inherit the disease if the affected parent is male.
The disease can only be passed to daughters, not sons.
If one parent has Huntington's disease, each child has a 50% chance
of inheriting the gene.
The risk of inheritance is reduced if the affected parent modifies their
environment.
12. What is the primary factor that influences the formation of renal calculi?
Urine pH
Serum lactate levels
Urine sodium levels
Temperature of the urine
13. Which of the following indicates that further teaching is necessary after
educating a patient on Proscar/Finasteride?
"I should notice improvement of my symptoms within a few days of
starting this medication"
"I may have decreased libido while taking this medication"
"It is safe for me to take medications for erectile dysfunction while
taking this medication"
"This medication is used to help treat BPH"
14. A client reports to the nurse a feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness on
