NRS 455 Exam 3 V2 | NRS 455 Pathophysiology |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Exam 3) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted with suspected Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following clinical
manifestations would the nurse expect to observe? (Select All That Apply)
A. Moon face
B. Buffalo hump
C. Truncal obesity
D. Hypoglycemia
E. Purple striae on the abdomen
F. Thinning of the skin
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E, F
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol, which leads to
distinct physical changes including fat redistribution to the face and upper back. Patients
typically exhibit hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia due to cortisol’s effect on glucose
metabolism. The thinning of the skin and purple striae are results of protein wasting and
loss of collagen caused by high glucocorticoid levels.
,2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and
dilutional hyponatremia. The kidneys continue to excrete sodium even though the body is
retaining water, further lowering serum sodium levels. This condition requires fluid
restriction and careful monitoring of neurological status.
3. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 48
mg/dL. Which hormone is the body’s primary defense against this condition?
A. Insulin
B. Aldosterone
C. Somatostatin
D. Glucagon
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and acts to increase
blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis in the liver. In a hypoglycemic state,
glucagon secretion is increased while insulin secretion is inhibited. This serves as a critical
counter-regulatory mechanism to prevent brain damage from low glucose.
4. The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Which of the following findings are consistent with this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)
A. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Elevated Serum Creatinine
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
E. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: CKD leads to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products, resulting in
elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The kidneys lose their ability to excrete phosphorus,
leading to hyperphosphatemia, which conversely causes hypocalcemia. Hyperkalemia, not
hypokalemia, is a classic finding in CKD due to impaired potassium excretion.
5. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Production of Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)
B. Destruction of thyroid follicles by T-cells
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Exam 3) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted with suspected Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following clinical
manifestations would the nurse expect to observe? (Select All That Apply)
A. Moon face
B. Buffalo hump
C. Truncal obesity
D. Hypoglycemia
E. Purple striae on the abdomen
F. Thinning of the skin
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E, F
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol, which leads to
distinct physical changes including fat redistribution to the face and upper back. Patients
typically exhibit hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia due to cortisol’s effect on glucose
metabolism. The thinning of the skin and purple striae are results of protein wasting and
loss of collagen caused by high glucocorticoid levels.
,2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with Syndrome of Inappropriate
Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and
dilutional hyponatremia. The kidneys continue to excrete sodium even though the body is
retaining water, further lowering serum sodium levels. This condition requires fluid
restriction and careful monitoring of neurological status.
3. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 48
mg/dL. Which hormone is the body’s primary defense against this condition?
A. Insulin
B. Aldosterone
C. Somatostatin
D. Glucagon
Correct Answer: D
, Explanation: Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and acts to increase
blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis in the liver. In a hypoglycemic state,
glucagon secretion is increased while insulin secretion is inhibited. This serves as a critical
counter-regulatory mechanism to prevent brain damage from low glucose.
4. The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Which of the following findings are consistent with this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)
A. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Elevated Serum Creatinine
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
E. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: CKD leads to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products, resulting in
elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The kidneys lose their ability to excrete phosphorus,
leading to hyperphosphatemia, which conversely causes hypocalcemia. Hyperkalemia, not
hypokalemia, is a classic finding in CKD due to impaired potassium excretion.
5. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Production of Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)
B. Destruction of thyroid follicles by T-cells
