NURS6202 (CU-AGPCNP) Advanced
Pathophysiology Midterm Exam
(Questions and Answers) 2025
GRADED A+
1. Which of the following is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of type 2
diabetes mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Insulin resistance
C. Genetic mutations
D. Viral infection
Answer: B. Insulin resistance
Rationale: Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, where the
body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This leads to a relative insulin
deficiency and elevated blood glucose levels. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells is
the hallmark of type 1 diabetes .
2. A 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus presents
to the emergency department with chest pain and dyspnea. He is diagnosed with
an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Which statement best describes the
pathophysiology of AMI?
A. The coronary arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis and become occluded
by a thrombus.
B. The coronary arteries are dilated by vasospasm and become obstructed by a
plaque.
, C. The coronary arteries are inflamed by infection and become ruptured by an
aneurysm.
D. The coronary arteries are calcified and become eroded by ulceration.
Answer: A. The coronary arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis and become
occluded by a thrombus.
Rationale: AMI is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a process where plaques
build up in the arterial wall, narrowing the lumen. The rupture of a vulnerable plaque
can trigger thrombus formation, which completely occludes the artery and leads to
ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium .
3. What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?
A. Alcohol abuse
B. Gallstones
C. Hyperlipidemia
D. Viral infections
Answer: B. Gallstones
Rationale: Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. They can block
the pancreatic duct, leading to a backup of digestive enzymes and subsequent
inflammation of the pancreas .
4. Which of the following is most associated with an aortic dissection?
A. Hyperlipidemia
B. Marfan syndrome
C. Anemia
D. Diabetes mellitus
Answer: B. Marfan syndrome
Pathophysiology Midterm Exam
(Questions and Answers) 2025
GRADED A+
1. Which of the following is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of type 2
diabetes mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Insulin resistance
C. Genetic mutations
D. Viral infection
Answer: B. Insulin resistance
Rationale: Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, where the
body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This leads to a relative insulin
deficiency and elevated blood glucose levels. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells is
the hallmark of type 1 diabetes .
2. A 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus presents
to the emergency department with chest pain and dyspnea. He is diagnosed with
an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Which statement best describes the
pathophysiology of AMI?
A. The coronary arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis and become occluded
by a thrombus.
B. The coronary arteries are dilated by vasospasm and become obstructed by a
plaque.
, C. The coronary arteries are inflamed by infection and become ruptured by an
aneurysm.
D. The coronary arteries are calcified and become eroded by ulceration.
Answer: A. The coronary arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis and become
occluded by a thrombus.
Rationale: AMI is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a process where plaques
build up in the arterial wall, narrowing the lumen. The rupture of a vulnerable plaque
can trigger thrombus formation, which completely occludes the artery and leads to
ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium .
3. What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?
A. Alcohol abuse
B. Gallstones
C. Hyperlipidemia
D. Viral infections
Answer: B. Gallstones
Rationale: Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. They can block
the pancreatic duct, leading to a backup of digestive enzymes and subsequent
inflammation of the pancreas .
4. Which of the following is most associated with an aortic dissection?
A. Hyperlipidemia
B. Marfan syndrome
C. Anemia
D. Diabetes mellitus
Answer: B. Marfan syndrome
