NURS6501 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: EXAM 2 -
CARDIOVASCULAR, PULMONARY,
RENAL, AND ACID-BASE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. Which mechanism best describes the pathophysiology of Prinzmetal angina?
A. Fixed atherosclerotic plaque causing exertional ischemia
B. Increase in myocardial oxygen demand beyond supply capacity
C. Rupture of an unstable plaque with partial thrombus
D. Vasospasm of one or more major coronary arteries
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prinzmetal (variant) angina is caused by abnormal vasospasm of
the coronary arteries, often occurring at rest and frequently at night, rather than by fixed
obstruction or increased demand.
2. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary role of
Angiotensin II on the vasculature?
A. Potent systemic vasoconstriction
,B. Inhibition of norepinephrine release
C. Potent systemic vasodilation
D. Increase in capillary permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure, while also stimulating
aldosterone secretion.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which clinical finding is the hallmark of
this condition?
A. Excretion of 3.5 grams or more of protein in the urine per day
B. Hematuria with red blood cell casts
C. Acute onset of oliguria and hypertension
D. Presence of white blood cell casts in the urine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5 g/24h) resulting from increased glomerular permeability, leading to
hypoalbuminemia and edema.
4. Which cell type is primarily responsible for the secretion of pulmonary surfactant?
A. Type II alveolar cells
, B. Alveolar macrophages
C. Type I alveolar cells
D. Goblet cells
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, a lipoprotein that
lowers surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse at end-expiration.
5. What is the primary compensation mechanism for a patient in respiratory acidosis?
A. The kidneys excrete excess bicarbonate (HCO3-)
B. The kidneys retain bicarbonate and excrete hydrogen ions
C. The lungs increase the rate and depth of ventilation
D. The liver increases the production of albumin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis (high CO2), the kidneys compensate by
retaining HCO3- (base) and excreting H+ (acid) to normalize pH; this is a slow process
taking 24-48 hours.
6. Cor pulmonale is best defined as:
A. Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure caused by pulmonary disease
B. Left ventricular failure due to systemic hypertension
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: EXAM 2 -
CARDIOVASCULAR, PULMONARY,
RENAL, AND ACID-BASE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. Which mechanism best describes the pathophysiology of Prinzmetal angina?
A. Fixed atherosclerotic plaque causing exertional ischemia
B. Increase in myocardial oxygen demand beyond supply capacity
C. Rupture of an unstable plaque with partial thrombus
D. Vasospasm of one or more major coronary arteries
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prinzmetal (variant) angina is caused by abnormal vasospasm of
the coronary arteries, often occurring at rest and frequently at night, rather than by fixed
obstruction or increased demand.
2. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary role of
Angiotensin II on the vasculature?
A. Potent systemic vasoconstriction
,B. Inhibition of norepinephrine release
C. Potent systemic vasodilation
D. Increase in capillary permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure, while also stimulating
aldosterone secretion.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which clinical finding is the hallmark of
this condition?
A. Excretion of 3.5 grams or more of protein in the urine per day
B. Hematuria with red blood cell casts
C. Acute onset of oliguria and hypertension
D. Presence of white blood cell casts in the urine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5 g/24h) resulting from increased glomerular permeability, leading to
hypoalbuminemia and edema.
4. Which cell type is primarily responsible for the secretion of pulmonary surfactant?
A. Type II alveolar cells
, B. Alveolar macrophages
C. Type I alveolar cells
D. Goblet cells
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type II alveolar cells produce surfactant, a lipoprotein that
lowers surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse at end-expiration.
5. What is the primary compensation mechanism for a patient in respiratory acidosis?
A. The kidneys excrete excess bicarbonate (HCO3-)
B. The kidneys retain bicarbonate and excrete hydrogen ions
C. The lungs increase the rate and depth of ventilation
D. The liver increases the production of albumin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis (high CO2), the kidneys compensate by
retaining HCO3- (base) and excreting H+ (acid) to normalize pH; this is a slow process
taking 24-48 hours.
6. Cor pulmonale is best defined as:
A. Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure caused by pulmonary disease
B. Left ventricular failure due to systemic hypertension
