NURS 5315 Advanced Pathophysiology
2025/2026 Exam Questions with Answers
Actual Exam (Score A) UTA
What is the main plasma protein?
Albumin (negative charge). Buffers H+ (positive charge). Binds calcium (about 40%).
What does a decreased plasma oncotic pressure mean?
Results from losses or diminished production of plasma albumin. Causes fluid to move
into the interstitial space, resulting in EDEMA.
AST and ALT are related to which organ?
Liver
Valve malfunction can cause what?
Ventricular hypertrophy
Metabolic alkalosis can cause what?
Hypoglycemia
,Osmolality
Measure of a solute concentration in a solution. Higher number of solutes in a
compartment = higher concentration and less water
Osmosis
Movement of water from low concentration to high concentration
Osmotic pressure
Amount of pressure or force that is exerted by solute molecules of a given
compartment. PULLS water into a higher concentration. HIGHER osmolality = HIGHER
osmotic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure
Force within a fluid compartment. PUSHES fluid outside of compartment (OPPOSES
OSMOSIS).
Ex. blood pressure
Oncotic pressure
Force that KEEPS water/fluid within a compartment. PULLS.
, Antidiuretic hormone
VASOPRESSIN. Secreted by pituitary gland in response to water deficit, sodium excess,
or low BP. Causes kidneys to reabsorb water thus increasing intervascular/plasma
fluid.
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Activated by low blood volume. Low blood volume --> renin --> angiotensinogen -->
angiotensin 1 --> ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) converts angiotensin 1 to
angiotensin 2 -->causes arterial vasoconstriction --> release of aldosterone --> renal
Na+ and H2O reabsorption and K+ excretion.
Produces LESS urine and blood volume INCREASES.
Manages BP - when body constricts, BP increases
Normal plasma osmolality
280-295 mOsm/kg
Natriuretic hormones
ANP and BNP. Hormones released from the heart to decrease blood volume by
promoting urinary excretion of Na+ and H2O. Decreases blood volume. Opposite of
RAAS.
2025/2026 Exam Questions with Answers
Actual Exam (Score A) UTA
What is the main plasma protein?
Albumin (negative charge). Buffers H+ (positive charge). Binds calcium (about 40%).
What does a decreased plasma oncotic pressure mean?
Results from losses or diminished production of plasma albumin. Causes fluid to move
into the interstitial space, resulting in EDEMA.
AST and ALT are related to which organ?
Liver
Valve malfunction can cause what?
Ventricular hypertrophy
Metabolic alkalosis can cause what?
Hypoglycemia
,Osmolality
Measure of a solute concentration in a solution. Higher number of solutes in a
compartment = higher concentration and less water
Osmosis
Movement of water from low concentration to high concentration
Osmotic pressure
Amount of pressure or force that is exerted by solute molecules of a given
compartment. PULLS water into a higher concentration. HIGHER osmolality = HIGHER
osmotic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure
Force within a fluid compartment. PUSHES fluid outside of compartment (OPPOSES
OSMOSIS).
Ex. blood pressure
Oncotic pressure
Force that KEEPS water/fluid within a compartment. PULLS.
, Antidiuretic hormone
VASOPRESSIN. Secreted by pituitary gland in response to water deficit, sodium excess,
or low BP. Causes kidneys to reabsorb water thus increasing intervascular/plasma
fluid.
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Activated by low blood volume. Low blood volume --> renin --> angiotensinogen -->
angiotensin 1 --> ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) converts angiotensin 1 to
angiotensin 2 -->causes arterial vasoconstriction --> release of aldosterone --> renal
Na+ and H2O reabsorption and K+ excretion.
Produces LESS urine and blood volume INCREASES.
Manages BP - when body constricts, BP increases
Normal plasma osmolality
280-295 mOsm/kg
Natriuretic hormones
ANP and BNP. Hormones released from the heart to decrease blood volume by
promoting urinary excretion of Na+ and H2O. Decreases blood volume. Opposite of
RAAS.
