NURS 231/NURS231 Module 7 V1 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon production by alpha cells
D. Increased glucose absorption in the small intestine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency. It
most commonly results from an autoimmune process where the body’s immune system
attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
Consequently, the patient requires exogenous insulin to survive and prevent ketoacidosis.
2. A patient with Grave’s disease exhibits exophthalmos. What is the cause of this clinical
manifestation?
A. Increased intracranial pressure
B. Atrophy of the optic nerve
C. Excessive sympathetic stimulation of the eyelid
D. Orbital fat accumulation and edema of extraocular muscles
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Exophthalmos in Graves’ disease is caused by an autoimmune-mediated
inflammatory response. TSH receptor antibodies react with tissues behind the eyes, leading
to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and fluid. This results in the protrusion of the
eyeballs and potential vision impairment if left untreated.
3. What is the hallmark electrolyte imbalance associated with the Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, which causes the kidneys to
reabsorb too much water. This excess water dilutes the blood, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia. The condition is often characterized by a high urine osmolality despite low
serum osmolality.
4. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
, C. Central obesity and a ‘buffalo hump’
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids
like cortisol. This leads to characteristic fat redistribution, including trunk obesity, a
rounded ‘moon face,’ and a posterior cervical fat pad. Thinning of the skin and muscle
wasting in the extremities are also common findings.
5. What is the physiological role of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)?
A. To lower blood glucose levels
B. To promote sodium retention
C. To increase serum calcium levels
D. To stimulate thyroid hormone release
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PTH is secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to low serum calcium.
It works by stimulating bone resorption, increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and
activating Vitamin D to increase intestinal absorption. These combined actions serve to
restore calcium homeostasis in the extracellular fluid.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. Which of the following describes the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon production by alpha cells
D. Increased glucose absorption in the small intestine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency. It
most commonly results from an autoimmune process where the body’s immune system
attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans.
Consequently, the patient requires exogenous insulin to survive and prevent ketoacidosis.
2. A patient with Grave’s disease exhibits exophthalmos. What is the cause of this clinical
manifestation?
A. Increased intracranial pressure
B. Atrophy of the optic nerve
C. Excessive sympathetic stimulation of the eyelid
D. Orbital fat accumulation and edema of extraocular muscles
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Exophthalmos in Graves’ disease is caused by an autoimmune-mediated
inflammatory response. TSH receptor antibodies react with tissues behind the eyes, leading
to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and fluid. This results in the protrusion of the
eyeballs and potential vision impairment if left untreated.
3. What is the hallmark electrolyte imbalance associated with the Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, which causes the kidneys to
reabsorb too much water. This excess water dilutes the blood, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia. The condition is often characterized by a high urine osmolality despite low
serum osmolality.
4. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
, C. Central obesity and a ‘buffalo hump’
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids
like cortisol. This leads to characteristic fat redistribution, including trunk obesity, a
rounded ‘moon face,’ and a posterior cervical fat pad. Thinning of the skin and muscle
wasting in the extremities are also common findings.
5. What is the physiological role of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)?
A. To lower blood glucose levels
B. To promote sodium retention
C. To increase serum calcium levels
D. To stimulate thyroid hormone release
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PTH is secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to low serum calcium.
It works by stimulating bone resorption, increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and
activating Vitamin D to increase intestinal absorption. These combined actions serve to
restore calcium homeostasis in the extracellular fluid.
