NURS 5315 Exam 2 (UTA) – Advanced
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Practice Guide
2026 Instant Download Pdf
Overview
This guide is designed to prepare nursing students for NURS 5315 Exam 2 at the University of
Texas at Arlington. It integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical
decision-making concepts into a comprehensive practice set. The questions mirror the exam’s
complexity, focusing on disease mechanisms, drug actions, and evidence-based interventions.
Coverage Areas
Cardiovascular Disorders – heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction,
arrhythmias, shock.
Respiratory Disorders – COPD, asthma, pneumonia, ARDS, cor pulmonale.
Renal & Endocrine Disorders – chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders,
electrolyte imbalances.
Pharmacology Integration – ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, insulin, statins,
anticoagulants.
Neurological Disorders – stroke, seizures, neuropathy, encephalopathy.
Professional Practice – ethics, autonomy, beneficence, justice, confidentiality,
collaboration.
Q1. A patient presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary crackles. Which
mechanism best explains these findings?
A. Pulmonary embolism blocking perfusion
B. Left ventricular failure causing pulmonary congestion
C. Asthma exacerbation with bronchospasm
D. Pleural effusion compressing lung tissue
Left ventricular failure leads to pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation.
, Q2. Which pharmacological principle explains why beta-blockers reduce myocardial oxygen
demand in angina patients?
A. Increased preload
B. Decreased heart rate and contractility
C. Enhanced coronary vasodilation
D. Reduced systemic vascular resistance
Beta-blockers lower HR and contractility, reducing oxygen demand.
Q3. A patient with chronic kidney disease develops metabolic acidosis. Which
compensatory mechanism is expected?
A. Increased bicarbonate reabsorption
B. Hyperventilation to reduce CO₂
C. Decreased hydrogen ion secretion
D. Increased potassium excretion
Respiratory compensation occurs via hyperventilation.
Q4. When evaluating a patient with suspected stroke, which finding most strongly suggests
left hemisphere involvement?
A. Left-sided weakness
B. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
C. Visual field loss on the left
D. Ataxia with bilateral tremors
Left hemisphere strokes often cause aphasia and right-sided deficits.
Q5. Which ethical principle is most relevant when a nurse respects a patient’s decision to
refuse treatment?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Practice Guide
2026 Instant Download Pdf
Overview
This guide is designed to prepare nursing students for NURS 5315 Exam 2 at the University of
Texas at Arlington. It integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical
decision-making concepts into a comprehensive practice set. The questions mirror the exam’s
complexity, focusing on disease mechanisms, drug actions, and evidence-based interventions.
Coverage Areas
Cardiovascular Disorders – heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction,
arrhythmias, shock.
Respiratory Disorders – COPD, asthma, pneumonia, ARDS, cor pulmonale.
Renal & Endocrine Disorders – chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders,
electrolyte imbalances.
Pharmacology Integration – ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, insulin, statins,
anticoagulants.
Neurological Disorders – stroke, seizures, neuropathy, encephalopathy.
Professional Practice – ethics, autonomy, beneficence, justice, confidentiality,
collaboration.
Q1. A patient presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary crackles. Which
mechanism best explains these findings?
A. Pulmonary embolism blocking perfusion
B. Left ventricular failure causing pulmonary congestion
C. Asthma exacerbation with bronchospasm
D. Pleural effusion compressing lung tissue
Left ventricular failure leads to pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation.
, Q2. Which pharmacological principle explains why beta-blockers reduce myocardial oxygen
demand in angina patients?
A. Increased preload
B. Decreased heart rate and contractility
C. Enhanced coronary vasodilation
D. Reduced systemic vascular resistance
Beta-blockers lower HR and contractility, reducing oxygen demand.
Q3. A patient with chronic kidney disease develops metabolic acidosis. Which
compensatory mechanism is expected?
A. Increased bicarbonate reabsorption
B. Hyperventilation to reduce CO₂
C. Decreased hydrogen ion secretion
D. Increased potassium excretion
Respiratory compensation occurs via hyperventilation.
Q4. When evaluating a patient with suspected stroke, which finding most strongly suggests
left hemisphere involvement?
A. Left-sided weakness
B. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
C. Visual field loss on the left
D. Ataxia with bilateral tremors
Left hemisphere strokes often cause aphasia and right-sided deficits.
Q5. Which ethical principle is most relevant when a nurse respects a patient’s decision to
refuse treatment?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
