NEWEST NURS 5315 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (2025/2026)

NEWEST NURS 5315 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (2025/2026) 1. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis? A) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol B) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol C) Hyperthyroidism D) Hypercalcemia - CORRECT- A) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - EXPLANATION- Elevated LDL cholesterol is the major risk factor for atherosclerosis because it contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol within the arterial walls, leading to plaque formation. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps in the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. 2. Which of the following is a characteristic finding of acute inflammation? A) Vasoconstriction and tissue ischemia B) Increase in capillary permeability C) Decrease in blood flow D) Absence of leukocyte infiltration - CORRECT- B) Increase in capillary permeability - EXPLANATION- Acute inflammation is characterized by increased capillary permeability, which allows the passage of proteins, nutrients, and immune cells into the tissue, aiding in the defense and repair processes. Vasodilation and leukocyte infiltration are also common features. 3. What is the primary cause of pulmonary edema in heart failure? A) Increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure B) Decreased oncotic pressure in the bloodstream C) Increased pulmonary blood flow D) Decreased capillary permeability - CORRECT- A) Increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure - EXPLANATION- In heart failure, the left ventricle's inability to pump blood effectively causes a backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation, increasing hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. This forces fluid out of the capillaries into the alveoli, leading to pulmonary edema. 4. Which of the following is an example of a type II hypersensitivity reaction? A) Immediate anaphylaxis B) Autoimmune hemolytic anemia C) Allergic rhinitis D) Contact dermatitis - CORRECT- B) Autoimmune hemolytic anemia - EXPLANATION- Type II hypersensitivity reactions involve the immune system attacking cells through antibody binding, leading to cell destruction. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an example of this, where antibodies target red blood cells for destruction. Type I is anaphylactic, type III involves immune complexes, and type IV is delayed-type hypersensitivity. 5. Which of the following is a common pathophysiological feature of cirrhosis of the liver? A) Portal hypertension B) Decreased blood flow to the kidneys C) Hypercalcemia D) Hypoglycemia - CORRECT- A) Portal hypertension - EXPLANATION- In cirrhosis, liver scarring obstructs normal blood flow, leading to portal hypertension, which increases pressure in the portal venous system. This can lead to complications such as varices, ascites, and splenomegaly. Other complications may affect kidney function but portal hypertension is a hallmark of cirrhosis. 6. In which of the following conditions would you expect a "ground glass" appearance on chest X-ray? A) Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia B) Pulmonary embolism C) Tuberculosis D) Acute bronchitis - CORRECT- A) Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia - EXPLANATION- A "ground glass" appearance on chest X-ray is commonly associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS. This finding reflects interstitial pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage. 7. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? A) Direct viral infection of tissues B) Autoantibody formation leading to immune complex deposition C) Defective T-cell immunity D) Chronic bacterial infections - CORRECT- B) Autoantibody formation leading to immune complex deposition - EXPLANATION- In SLE, autoantibodies (such as anti-dsDNA) form immune complexes that deposit in tissues, triggering inflammation and tissue damage. This is a hallmark of the disease and contributes to symptoms like renal damage, skin rashes, and arthritis. 8. What is the key feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? A) Hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis with ketosis B) Hyperglycemia and alkalosis C) Hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis D) Hypoglycemia with ketosis - CORRECT- A) Hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis with ketosis - EXPLANATION- In DKA, a severe complication of type 1 diabetes, the body starts breaking down fats for energy due to insulin deficiency, leading to the production of ketones. These ketones cause metabolic acidosis, and hyperglycemia is often present due to impaired glucose utilization. 9. What is the underlying pathophysiological mechanism in cystic fibrosis? A) Autosomal dominant mutation in the CFTR gene B) Abnormal chloride ion transport due to mutations in the CFTR gene C) Overproduction of mucus by goblet cells D) A defect in lung surfactant production - CORRECT- B) Abnormal chloride ion transport due to mut