NSG 3850 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR
NURSES II COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which physiological mechanism best explains the development of cardiogenic pulmonary
edema in a patient with left-sided heart failure?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vasculature
C. Increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane
D. Lymphatic obstruction in the pleural space
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle fails to pump
efficiently, causing blood to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries. This
increases pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure, forcing fluid into the interstitial and
alveolar spaces.
2. In the pathogenesis of ARDS, what is the primary consequence of surfactant inactivation?
A. Bronchoconstriction and airway resistance
,B. Alveolar collapse and decreased lung compliance
C. Increased mucociliary clearance
D. Pulmonary vasodilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli. In ARDS, the
inflammatory process and alveolar-capillary damage lead to surfactant inactivation,
causing widespread atelectasis (alveolar collapse) and significantly reduced lung
compliance.
3. A patient in septic shock exhibits profound hypotension despite fluid resuscitation. What is
the primary cellular driver of this vasodilation?
A. Release of excessive norepinephrine
B. Decreased production of prostaglandins
C. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
D. Overproduction of nitric oxide by endothelial cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In septic shock, bacterial toxins trigger the release of
proinflammatory cytokines, which induce the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leading
to excessive nitric oxide production and profound systemic vasodilation.
, 4. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with the early stage of Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) due to the failure of the kidneys to activate Vitamin D?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypophosphatemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CKD leads to a decrease in the activation of Vitamin D
(calcitriol). Since activated Vitamin D is necessary for intestinal calcium absorption, its
deficiency results in hypocalcemia.
5. What is the pathophysiological hallmark of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
B. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord
C. Autoimmune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
D. Acetylcholine receptor destruction at the neuromuscular junction
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune disorder where T-cells attack the myelin
sheath of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and demyelination.
NURSES II COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which physiological mechanism best explains the development of cardiogenic pulmonary
edema in a patient with left-sided heart failure?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vasculature
C. Increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane
D. Lymphatic obstruction in the pleural space
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle fails to pump
efficiently, causing blood to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries. This
increases pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure, forcing fluid into the interstitial and
alveolar spaces.
2. In the pathogenesis of ARDS, what is the primary consequence of surfactant inactivation?
A. Bronchoconstriction and airway resistance
,B. Alveolar collapse and decreased lung compliance
C. Increased mucociliary clearance
D. Pulmonary vasodilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli. In ARDS, the
inflammatory process and alveolar-capillary damage lead to surfactant inactivation,
causing widespread atelectasis (alveolar collapse) and significantly reduced lung
compliance.
3. A patient in septic shock exhibits profound hypotension despite fluid resuscitation. What is
the primary cellular driver of this vasodilation?
A. Release of excessive norepinephrine
B. Decreased production of prostaglandins
C. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
D. Overproduction of nitric oxide by endothelial cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In septic shock, bacterial toxins trigger the release of
proinflammatory cytokines, which induce the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leading
to excessive nitric oxide production and profound systemic vasodilation.
, 4. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with the early stage of Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) due to the failure of the kidneys to activate Vitamin D?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypophosphatemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CKD leads to a decrease in the activation of Vitamin D
(calcitriol). Since activated Vitamin D is necessary for intestinal calcium absorption, its
deficiency results in hypocalcemia.
5. What is the pathophysiological hallmark of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
B. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord
C. Autoimmune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
D. Acetylcholine receptor destruction at the neuromuscular junction
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune disorder where T-cells attack the myelin
sheath of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and demyelination.
