,NUR 5461 EXAM 4 – Advanced
Pathophysiology (2026)
William Paterson University (WPU) – Practice
Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: Neurological Pathophysiology
(Questions 1–40)
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with
sudden onset of right-sided weakness, facial
droop, and aphasia. Which type of stroke is
most likely?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Ischemic stroke (thrombotic)
C. Ischemic stroke (embolic)
D. Transient ischemic attack
,Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden onset of focal neurological
deficits (right-sided weakness, facial droop,
aphasia) is characteristic of an ischemic stroke,
most commonly thrombotic or embolic. The
acute onset and specific deficits help
differentiate from other causes.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily
deficient in Parkinson's disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson's disease results from
degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the
substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to
, dopamine deficiency in the striatum. This causes
the characteristic motor symptoms: tremor,
rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
3. A patient with a brain tumor develops
increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which
finding is most concerning?
A. Headache
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Papilledema
D. Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia,
irregular respiration)
Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing's triad—hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late
sign of increased ICP and indicates brainstem
herniation, a life-threatening emergency.
Pathophysiology (2026)
William Paterson University (WPU) – Practice
Examination
Questions 1–200
SECTION 1: Neurological Pathophysiology
(Questions 1–40)
1. A 65-year-old patient presents with
sudden onset of right-sided weakness, facial
droop, and aphasia. Which type of stroke is
most likely?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Ischemic stroke (thrombotic)
C. Ischemic stroke (embolic)
D. Transient ischemic attack
,Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden onset of focal neurological
deficits (right-sided weakness, facial droop,
aphasia) is characteristic of an ischemic stroke,
most commonly thrombotic or embolic. The
acute onset and specific deficits help
differentiate from other causes.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily
deficient in Parkinson's disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinson's disease results from
degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the
substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to
, dopamine deficiency in the striatum. This causes
the characteristic motor symptoms: tremor,
rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
3. A patient with a brain tumor develops
increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which
finding is most concerning?
A. Headache
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Papilledema
D. Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia,
irregular respiration)
Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing's triad—hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late
sign of increased ICP and indicates brainstem
herniation, a life-threatening emergency.
