NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology Exam
Questions With Verified Solutions - St.
Thomas University
Content Coverage: Pulmonary Function (Ch. 5); Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis (Ch. 6)
Question 1
A client's arterial blood gas shows: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L. This
indicates:
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low pH (below 7.35) indicates acidosis. Elevated PaCO₂ (above 45
mmHg) indicates respiratory acidosis due to CO₂ retention. The HCO₃ is normal
(22-26 mEq/L), indicating this is an acute respiratory acidosis without metabolic
compensation. Causes include hypoventilation, COPD exacerbation, and
respiratory depression.
,Question 2
Which respiratory pattern is expected in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
B. Kussmaul respirations
C. Biot's respirations
D. Agonal respirations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, labored breathing patterns that
occur as a compensatory mechanism to blow off excess CO₂ in metabolic acidosis,
such as DKA.
Question 3
The baroreceptor reflex responds to a fall in blood pressure by:
A. Decreasing heart rate and dilating arterioles
B. Increasing heart rate and constricting arterioles, resulting in fluid retention
C. Decreasing cardiac output
D. Promoting diuresis
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: When blood pressure falls, baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and
aortic arch are stimulated less, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system
activity. This causes increased heart rate, vasoconstriction of arterioles, and
activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, resulting in fluid
retention to restore blood pressure.
Question 4
Which solution is an example of a hypotonic solution?
A. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
B. 0.45% NaCl
C. Dextrose 5% in normal saline
D. Lactated Ringer's
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolality than plasma and cause
water to move into cells. 0.45% NaCl (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution
used to provide free water for cellular hydration and to treat hypernatremia.
Isotonic solutions include normal saline and lactated Ringer's.
Question 5
Questions With Verified Solutions - St.
Thomas University
Content Coverage: Pulmonary Function (Ch. 5); Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis (Ch. 6)
Question 1
A client's arterial blood gas shows: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L. This
indicates:
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low pH (below 7.35) indicates acidosis. Elevated PaCO₂ (above 45
mmHg) indicates respiratory acidosis due to CO₂ retention. The HCO₃ is normal
(22-26 mEq/L), indicating this is an acute respiratory acidosis without metabolic
compensation. Causes include hypoventilation, COPD exacerbation, and
respiratory depression.
,Question 2
Which respiratory pattern is expected in a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
B. Kussmaul respirations
C. Biot's respirations
D. Agonal respirations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, labored breathing patterns that
occur as a compensatory mechanism to blow off excess CO₂ in metabolic acidosis,
such as DKA.
Question 3
The baroreceptor reflex responds to a fall in blood pressure by:
A. Decreasing heart rate and dilating arterioles
B. Increasing heart rate and constricting arterioles, resulting in fluid retention
C. Decreasing cardiac output
D. Promoting diuresis
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: When blood pressure falls, baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and
aortic arch are stimulated less, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system
activity. This causes increased heart rate, vasoconstriction of arterioles, and
activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, resulting in fluid
retention to restore blood pressure.
Question 4
Which solution is an example of a hypotonic solution?
A. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
B. 0.45% NaCl
C. Dextrose 5% in normal saline
D. Lactated Ringer's
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolality than plasma and cause
water to move into cells. 0.45% NaCl (half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution
used to provide free water for cellular hydration and to treat hypernatremia.
Isotonic solutions include normal saline and lactated Ringer's.
Question 5
