NURS 6501 Actual Final Exam 2025 – Complete Advanced Pathophysiology Questions | Verified and Expert-Rated

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NURS 6501 Actual Final Exam 2025 – Complete
Advanced Pathophysiology Questions | Verified
and Expert-Rated
Question 1
What is the primary source of energy for a cell under anaerobic conditions?
A. Oxidative phosphorylation
B. Glycolysis
C. Krebs cycle
D. Electron transport chain
Correct Answer: B. Glycolysis
Rationale: Under anaerobic conditions, cells rely on glycolysis to produce ATP, as it does not
require oxygen. Oxidative phosphorylation, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain
depend on oxygen availability.

Question 2
A patient with a spinal cord injury at C4 is at greatest risk for which complication?
A. Urinary incontinence
B. Respiratory failure
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Pressure ulcers
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory failure
Rationale: A C4 spinal cord injury affects the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm,
leading to potential respiratory failure due to impaired breathing.

Question 3
What is the primary cause of cystic fibrosis?
A. Autosomal dominant gene mutation
B. X-linked recessive gene mutation
C. Autosomal recessive gene mutation
D. Chromosomal translocation
Correct Answer: C. Autosomal recessive gene mutation
Rationale: Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, inherited in an autosomal
recessive pattern, requiring two defective alleles for disease expression.

Question 4
Which electrolyte is the predominant extracellular cation?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Sodium
Rationale: Sodium is the primary extracellular cation, maintaining osmotic balance and
membrane potential in extracellular fluid.

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Question 5
What mechanism primarily contributes to ischemia-reperfusion injury after a heart attack?
A. Oxidative stress
B. Platelet aggregation
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Endothelial dysfunction
Correct Answer: A. Oxidative stress
Rationale: Ischemia-reperfusion injury results from reactive oxygen species generated during
reperfusion, causing oxidative stress and tissue damage.

Question 6
A patient with pernicious anemia has a deficiency in which substance?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Iron
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: A. Vitamin B12
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to impaired
absorption of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production.

Question 7
What is the most likely cause of a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage?
A. Hypertension
B. Ruptured cerebral aneurysm
C. Arteriovenous malformation
D. Brain tumor
Correct Answer: B. Ruptured cerebral aneurysm
Rationale: A ruptured cerebral aneurysm, typically a berry aneurysm in the Circle of Willis, is
the most common cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Question 8
Which hormone promotes the formation of channels in cervical mucus to facilitate sperm
movement?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Luteinizing hormone
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: B. Estrogen
Rationale: Estrogen promotes the production of thin, watery cervical mucus with channels that
aid sperm transport during ovulation.

Question 9
What is the most common cardiac valve disease in young women in the United States?
A. Aortic stenosis
B. Mitral valve prolapse
C. Tricuspid regurgitation

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D. Pulmonic stenosis
Correct Answer: B. Mitral valve prolapse
Rationale: Mitral valve prolapse is the most prevalent cardiac valve disease in young women,
often benign but associated with regurgitation in some cases.

Question 10
A 35-year-old male with a hormone-secreting adrenal medulla tumor experiences which
symptom?
A. Hypotension
B. Elevated blood pressure
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B. Elevated blood pressure
Rationale: A pheochromocytoma, a hormone-secreting adrenal medulla tumor, releases
catecholamines, causing hypertension, tachycardia, and anxiety.

Question 11
What is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?
A. Increases surface tension
B. Facilitates alveolar distention
C. Promotes mucus production
D. Enhances immune response
Correct Answer: B. Facilitates alveolar distention
Rationale: Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse and facilitating
distention for effective ventilation.

Question 12
A patient with Klinefelter syndrome has which karyotype?
A. XX
B. XY
C. XXY
D. XYY
Correct Answer: C. XXY
Rationale: Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by an extra X chromosome, resulting in a
47,XXY karyotype, leading to male hypogonadism.

Question 13
What is the most likely cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Chlamydia trachomatis
C. Candida albicans
D. Herpes simplex virus
Correct Answer: B. Chlamydia trachomatis
Rationale: Chlamydia trachomatis is a common cause of PID, leading to inflammation of the
reproductive organs and potential infertility.