NSG 1520 Pathophysiology Final Exam Review – Questions and Answers | winter 2026 | 100%
Correct - South College.
🧠 GENERAL / PATHO
1. What is homeostasis?
Answer:
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite
changes in external conditions. This process involves various biological mechanisms that detect
changes, trigger responses, and restore balance. Examples of things that homeostasis controls
include body temperature, chemical energy, pH levels, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and blood
sugar.
2. What is the RAAS system?
Answer:
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the system of hormones, proteins, enzymes
and reactions that regulate your blood pressure and blood volume on a long-term basis.
It regulates your blood pressure by increasing sodium (salt) reabsorption, water reabsorption
(retention) and vascular tone (the degree to which your blood vessels constrict).
The RAAS consists of:
Renin (enzyme)
Angiotensin II (hormone)
Aldosterone (hormone)
3. What’s the difference between RAAS and the baroreceptor reflex?
Answer:
RAAS → long-term regulation of blood volume and vascular resistance
Baroreceptor reflex → short-term regulation of blood pressure
Baroreceptors detect rapid changes and signal the autonomic nervous system
4. What organs and body systems are involved in RAAS?
,Answer:
Kidneys
Liver
Blood vessels
Lungs
Adrenal glands
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus
5. What are the RAAS steps?
Answer:
1. Low BP → kidneys release renin
2. Renin → converts angiotensinogen → angiotensin I
3. ACE converts angiotensin I → angiotensin II
4. Angiotensin II → vasoconstriction + release of aldosterone & ADH
5. Aldosterone + ADH → sodium & water retention
6. Increased blood volume → increased BP
6. How is RAAS related to heart failure?
Answer:
RAAS is activated when heart cannot pump effectively
Excess angiotensin II worsens heart failure
Causes heart enlargement
Treated with:
o Beta blockers
o ACE inhibitors
o ARBs
o MRAs
🧠 NEURO
7. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
, Answer:
A disease where the immune system attacks myelin (protective nerve covering), disrupting
communication between brain and body. Causes weakness, numbness, vision problems, and
disability.
8. What are the two types of strokes?
Answer:
Ischemic stroke (blocked blood flow)
Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
9. Who does stroke affect?
Answer:
Anyone (children to adults)
Higher risk in older adults (>65)
Risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, AFib
10. What is an ischemic stroke?
Answer:
Occurs when blood flow is blocked (80% of strokes). Causes include:
Thrombosis
Embolism
Small vessel disease
Unknown causes
11. What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
Answer:
Bleeding in or around the brain due to:
Ruptured vessel
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Correct - South College.
🧠 GENERAL / PATHO
1. What is homeostasis?
Answer:
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite
changes in external conditions. This process involves various biological mechanisms that detect
changes, trigger responses, and restore balance. Examples of things that homeostasis controls
include body temperature, chemical energy, pH levels, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and blood
sugar.
2. What is the RAAS system?
Answer:
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the system of hormones, proteins, enzymes
and reactions that regulate your blood pressure and blood volume on a long-term basis.
It regulates your blood pressure by increasing sodium (salt) reabsorption, water reabsorption
(retention) and vascular tone (the degree to which your blood vessels constrict).
The RAAS consists of:
Renin (enzyme)
Angiotensin II (hormone)
Aldosterone (hormone)
3. What’s the difference between RAAS and the baroreceptor reflex?
Answer:
RAAS → long-term regulation of blood volume and vascular resistance
Baroreceptor reflex → short-term regulation of blood pressure
Baroreceptors detect rapid changes and signal the autonomic nervous system
4. What organs and body systems are involved in RAAS?
,Answer:
Kidneys
Liver
Blood vessels
Lungs
Adrenal glands
Pituitary gland
Hypothalamus
5. What are the RAAS steps?
Answer:
1. Low BP → kidneys release renin
2. Renin → converts angiotensinogen → angiotensin I
3. ACE converts angiotensin I → angiotensin II
4. Angiotensin II → vasoconstriction + release of aldosterone & ADH
5. Aldosterone + ADH → sodium & water retention
6. Increased blood volume → increased BP
6. How is RAAS related to heart failure?
Answer:
RAAS is activated when heart cannot pump effectively
Excess angiotensin II worsens heart failure
Causes heart enlargement
Treated with:
o Beta blockers
o ACE inhibitors
o ARBs
o MRAs
🧠 NEURO
7. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
, Answer:
A disease where the immune system attacks myelin (protective nerve covering), disrupting
communication between brain and body. Causes weakness, numbness, vision problems, and
disability.
8. What are the two types of strokes?
Answer:
Ischemic stroke (blocked blood flow)
Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
9. Who does stroke affect?
Answer:
Anyone (children to adults)
Higher risk in older adults (>65)
Risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, AFib
10. What is an ischemic stroke?
Answer:
Occurs when blood flow is blocked (80% of strokes). Causes include:
Thrombosis
Embolism
Small vessel disease
Unknown causes
11. What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
Answer:
Bleeding in or around the brain due to:
Ruptured vessel
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
