Comprehensive Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following is the primary cause of Type 1 diabetes
mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance
B. Obesity
C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
D. Viral infection
Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing
beta cells in the pancreas, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with
chronic kidney disease?
A. Hypokalemia
, B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Chronic kidney disease reduces potassium excretion, leading to
hyperkalemia.
3. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of
atherosclerosis?
A. Acute infection of arterial walls
B. Vasospasm
C. Endothelial injury leading to plaque formation
D. Autoimmune vasculitis
Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial injury, triggering lipid deposition
and inflammatory cell infiltration, forming plaques.
4. A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for which of the following
complications?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Portal hypertension
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Myocardial infarction
Cirrhosis leads to fibrosis of the liver, increasing resistance to portal blood
flow and causing portal hypertension.
, 5. Which of the following is the hallmark feature of nephrotic syndrome?
A. Hematuria
B. Hypertension
C. Proteinuria >3.5 g/day
D. Oliguria
Nephrotic syndrome is defined by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia,
edema, and hyperlipidemia.
6. Which acid-base imbalance is characterized by low pH and low HCO3-?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis occurs when bicarbonate is lost or acids accumulate,
lowering blood pH.
7. What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
A. Thyroid cancer
B. Graves’ disease
C. Thyroid adenoma
D. Iodine deficiency
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder causing overproduction of
thyroid hormones.
, 8. In heart failure, which compensatory mechanism initially helps
maintain cardiac output?
A. Decreased sympathetic activity
B. Vasodilation
C. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
D. Increased renal excretion
The RAAS system increases blood volume and vascular resistance to
maintain cardiac output, but chronic activation worsens heart failure.
9. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Type I hypersensitivity involves IgE binding to allergens, triggering mast
cell degranulation.
10. Which pathophysiologic change occurs in emphysema?
A. Bronchial smooth muscle hyperplasia
B. Destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased surface area
C. Increased mucus production
D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Emphysema destroys alveolar walls, reducing gas exchange surface area
and causing air trapping.