BIO 322 Exam 2 V2 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with a blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg on three separate occasions.
Which of the following best describes the primary pathophysiological mechanism involved in
essential hypertension?
A. Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity
B. Increased renal excretion of sodium and water
C. Decreased production of angiotensin II
D. Increased systemic vascular resistance due to vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Essential hypertension is primarily driven by an increase in systemic
vascular resistance. This is often caused by chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous system. Over time, this leads to
structural changes in the blood vessel walls that maintain high pressure.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure rather than
right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles (rales) upon lung auscultation
B. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
,C. Jugular venous distension
D. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
circulation, leading to pulmonary congestion and edema. This manifests as respiratory
symptoms like crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. In contrast, right-sided heart failure
results in systemic venous congestion, leading to peripheral edema and jugular vein
distension.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Cor Pulmonale. Which of the following is the most likely
underlying cause of this condition?
A. Mitral valve stenosis
B. Left ventricular myocardial infarction
C. Systemic arterial hypertension
D. Chronic pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cor pulmonale is defined as right ventricular hypertrophy or failure resulting
from primary lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. The increased resistance in the
pulmonary vasculature forces the right ventricle to work harder, eventually leading to its
failure. This condition excludes right-sided failure that occurs secondary to left-sided heart
disease.
, 4. Select all that apply (SATA): Which of the following are considered major risk factors for
the development of atherosclerosis?
A. Hyperlipidemia (elevated LDL)
B. Cigarette smoking
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hypertension
E. High levels of HDL cholesterol
F. Sedentary lifestyle
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Explanation: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease driven by chronic inflammation
and endothelial injury. Key risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and
dyslipidemia (specifically high LDL and low HDL). Diabetes and physical inactivity also
contribute significantly to the metabolic dysfunction that drives plaque formation.
5. A 55-year-old male presents to the ED with crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm.
Laboratory results show elevated Troponin I levels. Which pathological process is occurring at
the cellular level?
A. Reversible cellular swelling
B. Hypertrophy of the cardiac myocytes
C. Irreversible myocardial cell necrosis
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with a blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg on three separate occasions.
Which of the following best describes the primary pathophysiological mechanism involved in
essential hypertension?
A. Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity
B. Increased renal excretion of sodium and water
C. Decreased production of angiotensin II
D. Increased systemic vascular resistance due to vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Essential hypertension is primarily driven by an increase in systemic
vascular resistance. This is often caused by chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous system. Over time, this leads to
structural changes in the blood vessel walls that maintain high pressure.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure rather than
right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles (rales) upon lung auscultation
B. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
,C. Jugular venous distension
D. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
circulation, leading to pulmonary congestion and edema. This manifests as respiratory
symptoms like crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. In contrast, right-sided heart failure
results in systemic venous congestion, leading to peripheral edema and jugular vein
distension.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Cor Pulmonale. Which of the following is the most likely
underlying cause of this condition?
A. Mitral valve stenosis
B. Left ventricular myocardial infarction
C. Systemic arterial hypertension
D. Chronic pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cor pulmonale is defined as right ventricular hypertrophy or failure resulting
from primary lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. The increased resistance in the
pulmonary vasculature forces the right ventricle to work harder, eventually leading to its
failure. This condition excludes right-sided failure that occurs secondary to left-sided heart
disease.
, 4. Select all that apply (SATA): Which of the following are considered major risk factors for
the development of atherosclerosis?
A. Hyperlipidemia (elevated LDL)
B. Cigarette smoking
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hypertension
E. High levels of HDL cholesterol
F. Sedentary lifestyle
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Explanation: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease driven by chronic inflammation
and endothelial injury. Key risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and
dyslipidemia (specifically high LDL and low HDL). Diabetes and physical inactivity also
contribute significantly to the metabolic dysfunction that drives plaque formation.
5. A 55-year-old male presents to the ED with crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm.
Laboratory results show elevated Troponin I levels. Which pathological process is occurring at
the cellular level?
A. Reversible cellular swelling
B. Hypertrophy of the cardiac myocytes
C. Irreversible myocardial cell necrosis
