NUR 631/NUR631 Final Exam V2 |
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Q&A with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the release of renin from the
juxtaglomerular apparatus?
A. Increased blood volume and hypernatremia
B. Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system
C. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
D. Decreased renal perfusion pressure or low sodium delivery
Answer: D
Rationale: Renin is released when the kidneys detect a drop in blood pressure or a
decrease in sodium concentration within the distal tubule. This enzyme initiates the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps to elevate blood pressure. The
process eventually leads to the production of Angiotensin II and secretion of aldosterone to
maintain fluid balance.
2. In the context of metabolic acidosis, how does the respiratory system attempt to
compensate?
A. By decreasing the rate of breathing to retain CO2
,B. By increasing the depth and rate of respirations (Kussmaul breathing)
C. By inhibiting the central chemoreceptors
D. By increasing the reabsorption of bicarbonate in the lungs
Answer: B
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis involves a decrease in blood pH due to excess acid or loss of
bicarbonate. The respiratory system compensates by increasing the rate and depth of
breathing, known as Kussmaul respirations, to expel carbon dioxide. Reducing CO2 levels
helps to increase the blood pH back toward a normal physiological range.
3. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia
B. Depletion of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the cerebral cortex
D. Immune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the
destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This
demyelination disrupts the efficient transmission of nerve impulses, leading to various
neurological symptoms. Over time, the loss of myelin can lead to permanent axonal damage
and disability.
, 4. Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
B. Polyuria and polydipsia
C. Hypernatremia and high serum osmolality
D. Decreased water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH occurs when there is an excessive release of antidiuretic hormone
(ADH), leading to excessive water retention by the kidneys. This results in dilutional
hyponatremia, where the blood sodium levels are low despite a normal or high total body
water. Consequently, the urine produced is highly concentrated while the serum osmolality
remains low.
5. How does Cushing’s Disease differ from Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Cushing’s Disease is caused specifically by a pituitary adenoma secreting ACTH
B. Cushing’s Syndrome only occurs in response to exogenous steroid use
C. Cushing’s Disease is caused by an adrenal tumor secreting cortisol
D. Cushing’s Syndrome is a congenital condition while Disease is acquired
Answer: A
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Q&A with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the release of renin from the
juxtaglomerular apparatus?
A. Increased blood volume and hypernatremia
B. Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system
C. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
D. Decreased renal perfusion pressure or low sodium delivery
Answer: D
Rationale: Renin is released when the kidneys detect a drop in blood pressure or a
decrease in sodium concentration within the distal tubule. This enzyme initiates the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps to elevate blood pressure. The
process eventually leads to the production of Angiotensin II and secretion of aldosterone to
maintain fluid balance.
2. In the context of metabolic acidosis, how does the respiratory system attempt to
compensate?
A. By decreasing the rate of breathing to retain CO2
,B. By increasing the depth and rate of respirations (Kussmaul breathing)
C. By inhibiting the central chemoreceptors
D. By increasing the reabsorption of bicarbonate in the lungs
Answer: B
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis involves a decrease in blood pH due to excess acid or loss of
bicarbonate. The respiratory system compensates by increasing the rate and depth of
breathing, known as Kussmaul respirations, to expel carbon dioxide. Reducing CO2 levels
helps to increase the blood pH back toward a normal physiological range.
3. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia
B. Depletion of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the cerebral cortex
D. Immune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
Answer: D
Rationale: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the
destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This
demyelination disrupts the efficient transmission of nerve impulses, leading to various
neurological symptoms. Over time, the loss of myelin can lead to permanent axonal damage
and disability.
, 4. Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
B. Polyuria and polydipsia
C. Hypernatremia and high serum osmolality
D. Decreased water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH occurs when there is an excessive release of antidiuretic hormone
(ADH), leading to excessive water retention by the kidneys. This results in dilutional
hyponatremia, where the blood sodium levels are low despite a normal or high total body
water. Consequently, the urine produced is highly concentrated while the serum osmolality
remains low.
5. How does Cushing’s Disease differ from Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Cushing’s Disease is caused specifically by a pituitary adenoma secreting ACTH
B. Cushing’s Syndrome only occurs in response to exogenous steroid use
C. Cushing’s Disease is caused by an adrenal tumor secreting cortisol
D. Cushing’s Syndrome is a congenital condition while Disease is acquired
Answer: A
