NURS 6620 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS | TESTED AND
PROVEN ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE 2024/2025
100% (GRADE A+)
During cell injury caused by hypoxia, why does an increase in the osmotic pressure within the cell
occur?
Ans>> b.Sodium chloride enters the cell.
In hypoxic injury, movement of fluid and ions into the cell is associated with acute failure of
metabolism and a loss of ATP production. Normally, the pump that transports sodium ions out of
the cell is maintained by the presence of ATP and ATPase, the active transport enzyme. In
metabolic failure caused by hypoxia, reduced ATP and ATPase levels permit sodium to
accumulate in the cell, whereas potassium diffuses outward. The increase of intracellular sodium
increases osmotic pressure, which draws more water into the cell. (Transport mechanisms are
described in Chapter 1.) The remaining options do not accurately describe the cell injury that
results in increased osmotic pressure caused by hypoxia.
A healthcare professional is caring for four patients. Which patient should the professional assess
for hyperkalemia or hypermagnesmia?
Ans>> c.Renal failure
Hyperkalemia should be investigated when a history of renal disease, massive trauma, insulin
deficiency, Addison disease, use of potassium salt substitutes, or metabolic acidosis exists.
1
,Hyperparathyroidism might lead to hyperphosphatemia. Vomiting is frequently associated with
potassium depletion. Hyperaldosteronism also can lead to potassium wasting.
Renal failure usually causes hypermagnesemia, in which magnesium concentration is greater than
2.5 mEq/L. Hypermagnesemia is not a result of the other options.
A major determinant of the resting membrane potential necessary for the transmission of nerve
impulses is the ratio between what?
Ans>> Intracellular and extracellular K+
The ratio of K+ in theICF to K+ in the ECF is the major determinant of the resting membrane
potential, which is necessary for the transmission and conduction of nerve impulses, for the
maintenance of normal cardiac rhythms, and for the skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. This is
not true of the other options.
How do free radicals cause cell damage?
Ans>> a.Giving up an electron, which causes injury to the chemical bonds of the cell membrane
A free radical is an electrically uncharged atom or group of atoms having an unpaired electron.
Having one unpaired electron makes the molecule unstable; thus to stabilize, the molecule gives up
an electron to another molecule or steals one. Therefore it is capable of forming injurious chemical
bonds with proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates-key molecules in membranes and nucleic acids. Free
radical damage is not caused by hypoxia, lysosomal enzymes, or transferring atoms.
2
, Physiologic pH is maintained at approximately 7.4 because bicarbonate (HCO3) and carbonic
acid (H2CO3) exist in what ratio?
Ans>> b.20:1
The relationship between HCO3 and H2CO3 is usually expressed as a ratio. When the pH is 7.4,
this ratio is 20:1 (HCO3:H2CO3). The other options do not accurately identify physiologic pH by
the correct ratio of HCO3 and H2CO3.
Removal of part of the liver leads to the remaining liver cells undergoing which compensatory
process?
Ans>> c.Hyperplasia
Compensatory hyperplasia is an adaptive mechanism that enables certain organs to regenerate.
For example, the removal of part of the liver leads to hyperplasia of the remaining liver cells
(hepatocytes) to compensate for the loss. The other options do not accurately identify the
compensatory process described in the question.
What causes the rapid change in the resting membrane potential to initiate an action potential?
Ans>> Sodium gates open, and sodium rushes into the cell, changing the membrane potential
from negative to positive.
3
PROVEN ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE 2024/2025
100% (GRADE A+)
During cell injury caused by hypoxia, why does an increase in the osmotic pressure within the cell
occur?
Ans>> b.Sodium chloride enters the cell.
In hypoxic injury, movement of fluid and ions into the cell is associated with acute failure of
metabolism and a loss of ATP production. Normally, the pump that transports sodium ions out of
the cell is maintained by the presence of ATP and ATPase, the active transport enzyme. In
metabolic failure caused by hypoxia, reduced ATP and ATPase levels permit sodium to
accumulate in the cell, whereas potassium diffuses outward. The increase of intracellular sodium
increases osmotic pressure, which draws more water into the cell. (Transport mechanisms are
described in Chapter 1.) The remaining options do not accurately describe the cell injury that
results in increased osmotic pressure caused by hypoxia.
A healthcare professional is caring for four patients. Which patient should the professional assess
for hyperkalemia or hypermagnesmia?
Ans>> c.Renal failure
Hyperkalemia should be investigated when a history of renal disease, massive trauma, insulin
deficiency, Addison disease, use of potassium salt substitutes, or metabolic acidosis exists.
1
,Hyperparathyroidism might lead to hyperphosphatemia. Vomiting is frequently associated with
potassium depletion. Hyperaldosteronism also can lead to potassium wasting.
Renal failure usually causes hypermagnesemia, in which magnesium concentration is greater than
2.5 mEq/L. Hypermagnesemia is not a result of the other options.
A major determinant of the resting membrane potential necessary for the transmission of nerve
impulses is the ratio between what?
Ans>> Intracellular and extracellular K+
The ratio of K+ in theICF to K+ in the ECF is the major determinant of the resting membrane
potential, which is necessary for the transmission and conduction of nerve impulses, for the
maintenance of normal cardiac rhythms, and for the skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. This is
not true of the other options.
How do free radicals cause cell damage?
Ans>> a.Giving up an electron, which causes injury to the chemical bonds of the cell membrane
A free radical is an electrically uncharged atom or group of atoms having an unpaired electron.
Having one unpaired electron makes the molecule unstable; thus to stabilize, the molecule gives up
an electron to another molecule or steals one. Therefore it is capable of forming injurious chemical
bonds with proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates-key molecules in membranes and nucleic acids. Free
radical damage is not caused by hypoxia, lysosomal enzymes, or transferring atoms.
2
, Physiologic pH is maintained at approximately 7.4 because bicarbonate (HCO3) and carbonic
acid (H2CO3) exist in what ratio?
Ans>> b.20:1
The relationship between HCO3 and H2CO3 is usually expressed as a ratio. When the pH is 7.4,
this ratio is 20:1 (HCO3:H2CO3). The other options do not accurately identify physiologic pH by
the correct ratio of HCO3 and H2CO3.
Removal of part of the liver leads to the remaining liver cells undergoing which compensatory
process?
Ans>> c.Hyperplasia
Compensatory hyperplasia is an adaptive mechanism that enables certain organs to regenerate.
For example, the removal of part of the liver leads to hyperplasia of the remaining liver cells
(hepatocytes) to compensate for the loss. The other options do not accurately identify the
compensatory process described in the question.
What causes the rapid change in the resting membrane potential to initiate an action potential?
Ans>> Sodium gates open, and sodium rushes into the cell, changing the membrane potential
from negative to positive.
3
