PN 4003 Exam 2: Variations in Health Verified and
Latest Questions and Answers
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the following
best describes the primary pathophysiology of this condition?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency
C. Excessive production of glucagon by the alpha cells
D. Inability of the liver to store glycogen
Answer: B
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and a relative, rather
than absolute, lack of insulin. Type 1 involves autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
2. Which symptom is a classic sign of hypoglycemia in a patient taking insulin?
A. Diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia
B. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Dry mucous membranes and flushed skin
Answer: A
,Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to sweating
(diaphoresis), tremors, and a rapid heart rate. Thirst and fruity breath are signs of
hyperglycemia/DKA.
3. A patient presents with peripheral edema, jugular venous distention (JVD),
and abdominal girth increase. Which condition is most likely?
A. Right-sided heart failure
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Left-sided heart failure
D. Myocardial infarction
Answer: A
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to JVD,
peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly/ascites. Left-sided failure leads to pulmonary
congestion.
4. Which lab value is most specific for diagnosing a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
A. Troponin I or T
B. Creatinine kinase (CK-MB)
C. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
D. C-reactive protein (CRP)
Answer: A
, Explanation: Troponins are highly specific markers for myocardial injury and are the gold
standard for diagnosing MI.
5. A patient with COPD is instructed on ‘pursed-lip breathing.’ What is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the rate of breathing
B. To strengthen the diaphragm
C. To decrease the amount of oxygen in the lungs
D. To prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure
Answer: D
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, preventing them
from collapsing during exhalation and promoting CO2 elimination.
6. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of Osteoarthritis (OA)?
A. Symmetrical joint swelling and systemic fever
B. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
C. Ulnar deviation and swan-neck deformities
D. Morning stiffness lasting more than two hours
Answer: B
Explanation: OA is a degenerative joint disease where pain typically worsens with use.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is symmetrical and involves prolonged morning stiffness.
Latest Questions and Answers
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the following
best describes the primary pathophysiology of this condition?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency
C. Excessive production of glucagon by the alpha cells
D. Inability of the liver to store glycogen
Answer: B
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and a relative, rather
than absolute, lack of insulin. Type 1 involves autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
2. Which symptom is a classic sign of hypoglycemia in a patient taking insulin?
A. Diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia
B. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Dry mucous membranes and flushed skin
Answer: A
,Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to sweating
(diaphoresis), tremors, and a rapid heart rate. Thirst and fruity breath are signs of
hyperglycemia/DKA.
3. A patient presents with peripheral edema, jugular venous distention (JVD),
and abdominal girth increase. Which condition is most likely?
A. Right-sided heart failure
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Left-sided heart failure
D. Myocardial infarction
Answer: A
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to JVD,
peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly/ascites. Left-sided failure leads to pulmonary
congestion.
4. Which lab value is most specific for diagnosing a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
A. Troponin I or T
B. Creatinine kinase (CK-MB)
C. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
D. C-reactive protein (CRP)
Answer: A
, Explanation: Troponins are highly specific markers for myocardial injury and are the gold
standard for diagnosing MI.
5. A patient with COPD is instructed on ‘pursed-lip breathing.’ What is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the rate of breathing
B. To strengthen the diaphragm
C. To decrease the amount of oxygen in the lungs
D. To prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure
Answer: D
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, preventing them
from collapsing during exhalation and promoting CO2 elimination.
6. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of Osteoarthritis (OA)?
A. Symmetrical joint swelling and systemic fever
B. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
C. Ulnar deviation and swan-neck deformities
D. Morning stiffness lasting more than two hours
Answer: B
Explanation: OA is a degenerative joint disease where pain typically worsens with use.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is symmetrical and involves prolonged morning stiffness.
