NUR 631 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of prerenal acute kidney
injury (AKI)?
A. Decreased renal perfusion without cellular injury to the nephron
B. Obstruction of the urinary tract distal to the kidney
C. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma or nephrons
D. Immune-mediated inflammation of the glomeruli
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by decreased blood flow to the kidney
(hypoperfusion) resulting from systemic factors like hypovolemia or hypotension, rather
than direct damage to the kidney tissue itself.
2. In the development of Nephrotic Syndrome, what is the primary cause of generalized
edema?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Loss of albumin leading to decreased plasma oncotic pressure
,C. Excessive production of ADH leading to water retention
D. Sodium retention due to primary hyperaldosteronism
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
specifically albuminuria. The loss of albumin reduces the colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressure
that keeps fluid in the vasculature, leading to fluid shifting into the interstitium.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing water reabsorption in the collecting
ducts of the kidney during states of dehydration?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D. Renin
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ADH (Vasopressin) increases the permeability of the collecting
ducts to water by inserting aquaporin channels, allowing for water reabsorption
independently of solutes.
4. What is the hallmark physiological finding in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone
Disorder (CKD-MBD)?
A. Hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia
, B. Decreased secretion of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
C. Hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia
D. Increased activation of Vitamin D in the kidneys
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, decreased GFR leads to phosphate retention
(hyperphosphatemia) and impaired Vitamin D activation, which causes low serum calcium.
This triggers secondary hyperparathyroidism.
5. A patient with a GFR of 25 mL/min/1.73 m² is classified into which stage of Chronic Kidney
Disease?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3a
D. Stage 5
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a GFR between 15 and 29
mL/min/1.73 m², indicating severe reduction in kidney function.
6. Which mechanism best explains the development of systolic heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF)?
A. Increased ventricular compliance leading to filling failure
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of prerenal acute kidney
injury (AKI)?
A. Decreased renal perfusion without cellular injury to the nephron
B. Obstruction of the urinary tract distal to the kidney
C. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma or nephrons
D. Immune-mediated inflammation of the glomeruli
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by decreased blood flow to the kidney
(hypoperfusion) resulting from systemic factors like hypovolemia or hypotension, rather
than direct damage to the kidney tissue itself.
2. In the development of Nephrotic Syndrome, what is the primary cause of generalized
edema?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Loss of albumin leading to decreased plasma oncotic pressure
,C. Excessive production of ADH leading to water retention
D. Sodium retention due to primary hyperaldosteronism
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
specifically albuminuria. The loss of albumin reduces the colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressure
that keeps fluid in the vasculature, leading to fluid shifting into the interstitium.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing water reabsorption in the collecting
ducts of the kidney during states of dehydration?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D. Renin
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ADH (Vasopressin) increases the permeability of the collecting
ducts to water by inserting aquaporin channels, allowing for water reabsorption
independently of solutes.
4. What is the hallmark physiological finding in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone
Disorder (CKD-MBD)?
A. Hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia
, B. Decreased secretion of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
C. Hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia
D. Increased activation of Vitamin D in the kidneys
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, decreased GFR leads to phosphate retention
(hyperphosphatemia) and impaired Vitamin D activation, which causes low serum calcium.
This triggers secondary hyperparathyroidism.
5. A patient with a GFR of 25 mL/min/1.73 m² is classified into which stage of Chronic Kidney
Disease?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3a
D. Stage 5
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a GFR between 15 and 29
mL/min/1.73 m², indicating severe reduction in kidney function.
6. Which mechanism best explains the development of systolic heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF)?
A. Increased ventricular compliance leading to filling failure
