Pathophysiology South College With Actual
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1. A patient with chronic kidney disease develops anemia primarily
because of:
A. Iron deficiency
B. Decreased erythropoietin production
C. Increased red blood cell production
D. Excess vitamin B12
Answer: B. Decreased erythropoietin production
Rationale: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red
blood cell production. Kidney damage reduces erythropoietin
secretion, leading to anemia.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with
severe renal failure?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: C. Hyperkalemia
,Rationale: Impaired renal excretion of potassium causes potassium
accumulation, resulting in hyperkalemia.
3. Heart failure causes edema primarily through:
A. Increased plasma proteins
B. Reduced capillary pressure
C. Activation of RAAS and fluid retention
D. Increased lymphatic drainage
Answer: C. Activation of RAAS and fluid retention
Rationale: Reduced cardiac output activates the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system, promoting sodium and water retention.
4. The hallmark pathophysiologic feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus
is:
A. Insulin resistance
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excess glucagon secretion
D. Obesity
Answer: B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes results from immune-mediated destruction
of insulin-producing beta cells.
5. Which laboratory finding is most consistent with diabetic
ketoacidosis?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Metabolic acidosis with ketones
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C. Metabolic acidosis with ketones
, Rationale: Lack of insulin leads to fat breakdown, ketone production,
and metabolic acidosis.
6. Cushing syndrome is characterized by excessive secretion of:
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Growth hormone
D. Thyroxine
Answer: B. Cortisol
Rationale: Cushing syndrome results from prolonged exposure to
elevated cortisol levels.
7. The primary cause of Graves disease is:
A. Thyroid destruction
B. Pituitary tumor
C. Autoantibodies stimulating the TSH receptor
D. Iodine deficiency
Answer: C. Autoantibodies stimulating the TSH receptor
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder causing
excessive thyroid hormone production.
8. Which finding is expected in hypothyroidism?
A. Tachycardia
B. Weight loss
C. Heat intolerance
D. Bradycardia
Answer: D. Bradycardia
Rationale: Reduced metabolic activity slows heart rate and other body
functions.