NURS 231/NURS231 Module 9 V1
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of prerenal acute kidney injury?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Urethral obstruction
C. Acute tubular necrosis
D. Glomerulonephritis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Prerenal acute kidney injury is characterized by a decrease in renal blood
flow without initial damage to the kidney parenchyma. Hypovolemia from hemorrhage or
dehydration leads to decreased perfusion and a subsequent drop in GFR. Prompt
restoration of blood volume can often reverse this condition before permanent damage
occurs.
2. A patient presents with massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Nephrotic syndrome
B. Nephritic syndrome
C. Acute pyelonephritis
D. Nephrolithiasis
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is defined by the loss of large amounts of protein in the
urine, typically exceeding 3.5 grams per day. This loss of albumin reduces plasma oncotic
pressure, leading to significant interstitial edema. It is caused by increased permeability of
the glomerular basement membrane due to various underlying diseases.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells
and is deficient in chronic kidney disease?
A. Erythropoietin
B. Aldosterone
C. Renin
D. Calcitriol
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney
in response to hypoxia. In chronic kidney disease, the functional mass of the kidney
decreases, leading to insufficient hormone production. This deficiency is the primary cause
of the normocytic normochromic anemia observed in renal failure patients.
4. What is the clinical significance of finding red blood cell (RBC) casts in a urinalysis?
A. Glomerular inflammation
B. Lower urinary tract infection
, C. Kidney stone formation
D. Normal aging process
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: RBC casts are formed when red blood cells leak through the glomerulus and
become trapped in the renal tubules within a protein matrix. Their presence specifically
localizes the bleeding to the kidney rather than the lower urinary tract. This finding is a
hallmark of acute glomerulonephritis or other nephritic processes.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a life-threatening complication of end-stage renal disease
(ESRD)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia occurs in advanced renal failure because the kidneys are
unable to effectively excrete potassium. Elevated serum potassium levels can cause
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Patients must strictly manage their
dietary intake and may require dialysis to stabilize levels.
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of prerenal acute kidney injury?
A. Hypovolemia
B. Urethral obstruction
C. Acute tubular necrosis
D. Glomerulonephritis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Prerenal acute kidney injury is characterized by a decrease in renal blood
flow without initial damage to the kidney parenchyma. Hypovolemia from hemorrhage or
dehydration leads to decreased perfusion and a subsequent drop in GFR. Prompt
restoration of blood volume can often reverse this condition before permanent damage
occurs.
2. A patient presents with massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Nephrotic syndrome
B. Nephritic syndrome
C. Acute pyelonephritis
D. Nephrolithiasis
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is defined by the loss of large amounts of protein in the
urine, typically exceeding 3.5 grams per day. This loss of albumin reduces plasma oncotic
pressure, leading to significant interstitial edema. It is caused by increased permeability of
the glomerular basement membrane due to various underlying diseases.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells
and is deficient in chronic kidney disease?
A. Erythropoietin
B. Aldosterone
C. Renin
D. Calcitriol
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney
in response to hypoxia. In chronic kidney disease, the functional mass of the kidney
decreases, leading to insufficient hormone production. This deficiency is the primary cause
of the normocytic normochromic anemia observed in renal failure patients.
4. What is the clinical significance of finding red blood cell (RBC) casts in a urinalysis?
A. Glomerular inflammation
B. Lower urinary tract infection
, C. Kidney stone formation
D. Normal aging process
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: RBC casts are formed when red blood cells leak through the glomerulus and
become trapped in the renal tubules within a protein matrix. Their presence specifically
localizes the bleeding to the kidney rather than the lower urinary tract. This finding is a
hallmark of acute glomerulonephritis or other nephritic processes.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a life-threatening complication of end-stage renal disease
(ESRD)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia occurs in advanced renal failure because the kidneys are
unable to effectively excrete potassium. Elevated serum potassium levels can cause
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Patients must strictly manage their
dietary intake and may require dialysis to stabilize levels.
