NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 3 V1 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. What is the primary underlying
pathophysiological mechanism for this condition?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.
B. Excessive production of glucagon by alpha cells.
C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
D. Decreased glucose uptake by the liver.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency
resulting from the autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the
Islets of Langerhans. This lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells, leading to
hyperglycemia and the breakdown of fats for energy. Unlike Type 2 DM, it is not primarily
driven by tissue resistance to insulin.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Graves’ Disease?
A. Weight gain and bradycardia.
B. Cold intolerance and dry skin.
C. Exophthalmos and heat intolerance.
,D. Hypotension and lethargy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism due
to thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, occurs due to
inflammation and tissue accumulation behind the orbits. Other symptoms include an
increased metabolic rate, which presents as heat intolerance, tremors, and tachycardia.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a low hemoglobin level. What is
the most likely cause of this anemia?
A. Chronic blood loss through the urine.
B. Inadequate intake of dietary iron.
C. Deficiency of erythropoietin production.
D. Shortened life span of red blood cells due to uremia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The kidneys are the primary site for the production of erythropoietin, a
hormone that stimulates red blood cell synthesis in the bone marrow. In CKD, the loss of
functional renal tissue results in a significant decrease in erythropoietin levels. This leads
to a normocytic, normochromic anemia that typically requires treatment with synthetic
erythropoietin stimulating agents.
, 4. A patient presents with ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. Which
endocrine disorder is most likely responsible?
A. Addison’s Disease.
B. Diabetes Insipidus.
C. Pheochromocytoma.
D. Cushing’s Syndrome.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, either from endogenous overproduction or exogenous steroid use. The
redistribution of adipose tissue leads to classic signs such as a rounded ‘moon face’ and a
‘buffalo hump’ on the upper back. High cortisol levels also cause protein wasting, visible as
thin skin and purple abdominal striae.
5. In the context of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which of the following is considered a prerenal
cause?
A. Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN).
B. Severe dehydration or hypovolemia.
C. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
D. Nephrotoxic medication use.
Correct Answer: B
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. What is the primary underlying
pathophysiological mechanism for this condition?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.
B. Excessive production of glucagon by alpha cells.
C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
D. Decreased glucose uptake by the liver.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency
resulting from the autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the
Islets of Langerhans. This lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells, leading to
hyperglycemia and the breakdown of fats for energy. Unlike Type 2 DM, it is not primarily
driven by tissue resistance to insulin.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Graves’ Disease?
A. Weight gain and bradycardia.
B. Cold intolerance and dry skin.
C. Exophthalmos and heat intolerance.
,D. Hypotension and lethargy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in hyperthyroidism due
to thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, occurs due to
inflammation and tissue accumulation behind the orbits. Other symptoms include an
increased metabolic rate, which presents as heat intolerance, tremors, and tachycardia.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a low hemoglobin level. What is
the most likely cause of this anemia?
A. Chronic blood loss through the urine.
B. Inadequate intake of dietary iron.
C. Deficiency of erythropoietin production.
D. Shortened life span of red blood cells due to uremia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The kidneys are the primary site for the production of erythropoietin, a
hormone that stimulates red blood cell synthesis in the bone marrow. In CKD, the loss of
functional renal tissue results in a significant decrease in erythropoietin levels. This leads
to a normocytic, normochromic anemia that typically requires treatment with synthetic
erythropoietin stimulating agents.
, 4. A patient presents with ‘moon face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal striae. Which
endocrine disorder is most likely responsible?
A. Addison’s Disease.
B. Diabetes Insipidus.
C. Pheochromocytoma.
D. Cushing’s Syndrome.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of
cortisol, either from endogenous overproduction or exogenous steroid use. The
redistribution of adipose tissue leads to classic signs such as a rounded ‘moon face’ and a
‘buffalo hump’ on the upper back. High cortisol levels also cause protein wasting, visible as
thin skin and purple abdominal striae.
5. In the context of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which of the following is considered a prerenal
cause?
A. Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN).
B. Severe dehydration or hypovolemia.
C. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
D. Nephrotoxic medication use.
Correct Answer: B
