NSG 1520 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations and a fruity
breath odor. What is the primary cause of these symptoms?
A. Excessive glucose levels causing osmotic diuresis
B. Accumulation of lactic acid due to anaerobic metabolism
C. Compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis caused by ketone bodies
D. Inadequate insulin leading to peripheral vasoconstriction
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), the body produces excess
ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are a respiratory
compensation to blow off CO2 and reduce acidity.
2. Which pathological finding is most characteristic of Crohn’s disease compared to Ulcerative
Colitis?
A. Continuous lesions starting in the rectum
B. Presence of bloody stools in almost all cases
,C. Inflammation limited to the mucosal layer
D. Transmural inflammation and skip lesions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Crohn’s disease is characterized by transmural involvement and
skip lesions throughout the GI tract, whereas Ulcerative Colitis is continuous and limited to
the mucosa.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops anemia. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis
B. Shortened lifespan of red blood cells due to uremic toxins
C. Reduced intake of iron due to dietary restrictions
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. In CKD, damaged kidneys fail to produce enough, leading to anemia.
4. Which hormonal imbalance is responsible for the clinical manifestations of SIADH?
A. Deficiency of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Resistance of the kidneys to ADH
C. Excessive secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
, D. Deficiency of Aldosterone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH involves excessive ADH, leading to water retention,
dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid follicular cells by T-cells
B. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimicking TSH
C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
D. A benign tumor in the anterior pituitary gland
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where antibodies
(TSI) bind to and activate TSH receptors, causing hyperthyroidism.
6. A patient in the oliguric phase of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is most at risk for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations and a fruity
breath odor. What is the primary cause of these symptoms?
A. Excessive glucose levels causing osmotic diuresis
B. Accumulation of lactic acid due to anaerobic metabolism
C. Compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis caused by ketone bodies
D. Inadequate insulin leading to peripheral vasoconstriction
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), the body produces excess
ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are a respiratory
compensation to blow off CO2 and reduce acidity.
2. Which pathological finding is most characteristic of Crohn’s disease compared to Ulcerative
Colitis?
A. Continuous lesions starting in the rectum
B. Presence of bloody stools in almost all cases
,C. Inflammation limited to the mucosal layer
D. Transmural inflammation and skip lesions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Crohn’s disease is characterized by transmural involvement and
skip lesions throughout the GI tract, whereas Ulcerative Colitis is continuous and limited to
the mucosa.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops anemia. What is the most likely
cause?
A. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis
B. Shortened lifespan of red blood cells due to uremic toxins
C. Reduced intake of iron due to dietary restrictions
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates RBC
production. In CKD, damaged kidneys fail to produce enough, leading to anemia.
4. Which hormonal imbalance is responsible for the clinical manifestations of SIADH?
A. Deficiency of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
B. Resistance of the kidneys to ADH
C. Excessive secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
, D. Deficiency of Aldosterone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH involves excessive ADH, leading to water retention,
dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid follicular cells by T-cells
B. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimicking TSH
C. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
D. A benign tumor in the anterior pituitary gland
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where antibodies
(TSI) bind to and activate TSH receptors, causing hyperthyroidism.
6. A patient in the oliguric phase of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is most at risk for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
