NSG 530 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3 STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with increased
mucus production and a chronic productive cough. Which cellular change is most
characteristic of chronic bronchitis?
A. Atrophy of the bronchial smooth muscle
B. Destruction of the alveolar septa
C. Hypertrophy of the goblet cells and bronchial edema
D. Loss of elastic recoil in the small airways
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Chronic bronchitis is defined by mucus-producing cough for
long periods, primarily caused by goblet cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the bronchial
mucosal glands, leading to excessive mucus and airway obstruction.
,2. Which of the following is the primary mechanism behind the development of pulmonary
edema in a patient with left-sided heart failure?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased alveolar surface tension
D. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle fails to pump
efficiently, causing blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation. This increases
pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure, forcing fluid into the interstitial space and
alveoli.
3. An 8-year-old child is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Which electrolyte transport
abnormality is the hallmark of this genetic disorder?
A. Excessive sodium excretion in the kidneys
B. Defective chloride transport across epithelial membranes
C. Inability to absorb potassium in the gastrointestinal tract
D. Hypercalcemia due to vitamin D malabsorption
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Cystic Fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which
results in defective chloride ion transport across epithelial cells, leading to thick,
dehydrated mucus in the lungs and pancreas.
4. In the exudative phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), what is the primary
pathophysiological event?
A. Proliferation of Type II pneumocytes
B. Excessive surfactant production
C. Formation of hyaline membranes and pulmonary fibrosis
D. Alveolar-capillary membrane damage and increased permeability
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The exudative phase involves damage to the alveolar-capillary
membrane, leading to increased permeability, leakage of protein-rich fluid into the alveoli,
and inactivation of surfactant.
5. Which type of anemia is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12
malabsorption?
A. Iron deficiency anemia
B. Hemolytic anemia
C. Aplastic anemia
D. Pernicious anemia
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3 STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with increased
mucus production and a chronic productive cough. Which cellular change is most
characteristic of chronic bronchitis?
A. Atrophy of the bronchial smooth muscle
B. Destruction of the alveolar septa
C. Hypertrophy of the goblet cells and bronchial edema
D. Loss of elastic recoil in the small airways
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Chronic bronchitis is defined by mucus-producing cough for
long periods, primarily caused by goblet cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the bronchial
mucosal glands, leading to excessive mucus and airway obstruction.
,2. Which of the following is the primary mechanism behind the development of pulmonary
edema in a patient with left-sided heart failure?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased alveolar surface tension
D. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle fails to pump
efficiently, causing blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation. This increases
pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure, forcing fluid into the interstitial space and
alveoli.
3. An 8-year-old child is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Which electrolyte transport
abnormality is the hallmark of this genetic disorder?
A. Excessive sodium excretion in the kidneys
B. Defective chloride transport across epithelial membranes
C. Inability to absorb potassium in the gastrointestinal tract
D. Hypercalcemia due to vitamin D malabsorption
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Cystic Fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which
results in defective chloride ion transport across epithelial cells, leading to thick,
dehydrated mucus in the lungs and pancreas.
4. In the exudative phase of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), what is the primary
pathophysiological event?
A. Proliferation of Type II pneumocytes
B. Excessive surfactant production
C. Formation of hyaline membranes and pulmonary fibrosis
D. Alveolar-capillary membrane damage and increased permeability
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The exudative phase involves damage to the alveolar-capillary
membrane, leading to increased permeability, leakage of protein-rich fluid into the alveoli,
and inactivation of surfactant.
5. Which type of anemia is characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12
malabsorption?
A. Iron deficiency anemia
B. Hemolytic anemia
C. Aplastic anemia
D. Pernicious anemia
