BIO 322 Exam 3 V3 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Exam 3) | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which pathophysiological process best describes the development of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose uptake by the liver
C. Excessive glucagon secretion from alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is primarily an autoimmune disease where T-cell
mediated destruction occurs in the pancreatic beta cells. This leads to an absolute
deficiency of insulin, making the patient dependent on exogenous insulin. The lack of
insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells, resulting in hyperglycemia and metabolic
derangements.
2. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and an HbA1c of 8.5%. Which mechanism
explains the polyuria observed in this patient?
A. Osmotic diuresis due to glycosuria
,B. Increased glomerular filtration rate
C. Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone
D. Decreased oncotic pressure in the capillaries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When blood glucose levels exceed the renal threshold, glucose is excreted in the
urine, a process known as glycosuria. Glucose acts as an osmotic agent, pulling water into
the renal tubules and increasing urine output. This osmotic diuresis leads to significant
fluid loss and subsequent dehydration.
3. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) compared to
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)?
A. Blood glucose level > 600 mg/dL
B. Altered mental status
C. Severe dehydration
D. Kussmaul respirations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a compensatory
mechanism to blow off excess carbon dioxide in response to metabolic acidosis. DKA is
characterized by the production of ketones, which lowers the blood pH, a feature typically
, absent in HHNS. HHNS patients usually present with much higher glucose levels and higher
serum osmolality without significant ketosis.
4. Which of the following conditions is considered a prerenal cause of Acute Kidney Injury
(AKI)?
A. Acute tubular necrosis
B. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
C. Glomerulonephritis
D. Severe hypovolemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce renal blood flow and lead to
decreased glomerular perfusion. Severe hypovolemia, such as from hemorrhage or
dehydration, is a classic example of a prerenal trigger. If the underlying cause of decreased
perfusion is corrected promptly, the kidney function often returns to baseline.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What is the primary stimulus for the overproduction of parathyroid hormone in this patient?
(Select all that apply)
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperphosphatemia
C. Vitamin D deficiency
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Exam 3) | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which pathophysiological process best describes the development of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Decreased glucose uptake by the liver
C. Excessive glucagon secretion from alpha cells
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is primarily an autoimmune disease where T-cell
mediated destruction occurs in the pancreatic beta cells. This leads to an absolute
deficiency of insulin, making the patient dependent on exogenous insulin. The lack of
insulin prevents glucose from entering the cells, resulting in hyperglycemia and metabolic
derangements.
2. A patient presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and an HbA1c of 8.5%. Which mechanism
explains the polyuria observed in this patient?
A. Osmotic diuresis due to glycosuria
,B. Increased glomerular filtration rate
C. Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone
D. Decreased oncotic pressure in the capillaries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When blood glucose levels exceed the renal threshold, glucose is excreted in the
urine, a process known as glycosuria. Glucose acts as an osmotic agent, pulling water into
the renal tubules and increasing urine output. This osmotic diuresis leads to significant
fluid loss and subsequent dehydration.
3. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) compared to
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)?
A. Blood glucose level > 600 mg/dL
B. Altered mental status
C. Severe dehydration
D. Kussmaul respirations
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a compensatory
mechanism to blow off excess carbon dioxide in response to metabolic acidosis. DKA is
characterized by the production of ketones, which lowers the blood pH, a feature typically
, absent in HHNS. HHNS patients usually present with much higher glucose levels and higher
serum osmolality without significant ketosis.
4. Which of the following conditions is considered a prerenal cause of Acute Kidney Injury
(AKI)?
A. Acute tubular necrosis
B. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
C. Glomerulonephritis
D. Severe hypovolemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce renal blood flow and lead to
decreased glomerular perfusion. Severe hypovolemia, such as from hemorrhage or
dehydration, is a classic example of a prerenal trigger. If the underlying cause of decreased
perfusion is corrected promptly, the kidney function often returns to baseline.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What is the primary stimulus for the overproduction of parathyroid hormone in this patient?
(Select all that apply)
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperphosphatemia
C. Vitamin D deficiency
