NRS 455 Exam 3 V1 | NRS 455 Pathophysiology |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Exam 3) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted with a suspected diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the
following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply)
A. Polyuria
B. Polydipsia
C. Weight gain
D. Polyphagia
E. Fatigue
F. Increased energy levels
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the ‘three Ps’: polyuria,
polydipsia, and polyphagia. The lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering cells, leading
to cellular starvation and subsequent weight loss despite increased intake. Fatigue is a
common secondary symptom due to the metabolic shift toward using fats and proteins for
energy instead of glucose.
2. Which pathophysiological process occurs in a patient experiencing Graves’ disease?
A. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that mimic TSH
,B. Destruction of the thyroid gland by T-cells
C. Insufficient secretion of Thyrotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus
D. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter formation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces
antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to the
TSH receptors on the thyroid gland and stimulate the overproduction of thyroxine. This
leads to the characteristic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia, heat
intolerance, and exophthalmos.
3. A patient presents with a ‘buffalo hump,’ moon face, and purple striae on the abdomen.
Which laboratory finding would the nurse most likely anticipate?
A. Hypercortisolism
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The clinical signs described are classic presentations of Cushing’s Syndrome,
which results from excessive levels of cortisol. Cortisol influences metabolism and fat
distribution, leading to the characteristic fat pads and skin changes. Elevated cortisol levels
, are often confirmed through 24-hour urinary free cortisol tests or late-night salivary
cortisol monitoring.
4. Which of the following are acute complications of Diabetes Mellitus? (Select all that apply)
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Diabetic Retinopathy
E. Diabetic Nephropathy
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: Acute complications of diabetes are life-threatening conditions that occur
rapidly, including DKA, HHNS, and hypoglycemia. Retinopathy and nephropathy are
considered chronic microvascular complications that develop over many years of poor
glycemic control. DKA is more common in Type 1 patients, while HHNS is typically seen in
elderly Type 2 patients.
5. A patient with Addison’s disease is at risk for an Addisonian crisis. Which trigger is most
likely to cause this life-threatening event?
A. Sudden cessation of long-term corticosteroid therapy
B. Excessive intake of sodium
C. Exposure to cold weather
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Exam 3) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted with a suspected diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Which of the
following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply)
A. Polyuria
B. Polydipsia
C. Weight gain
D. Polyphagia
E. Fatigue
F. Increased energy levels
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the ‘three Ps’: polyuria,
polydipsia, and polyphagia. The lack of insulin prevents glucose from entering cells, leading
to cellular starvation and subsequent weight loss despite increased intake. Fatigue is a
common secondary symptom due to the metabolic shift toward using fats and proteins for
energy instead of glucose.
2. Which pathophysiological process occurs in a patient experiencing Graves’ disease?
A. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that mimic TSH
,B. Destruction of the thyroid gland by T-cells
C. Insufficient secretion of Thyrotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus
D. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter formation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces
antibodies known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies bind to the
TSH receptors on the thyroid gland and stimulate the overproduction of thyroxine. This
leads to the characteristic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia, heat
intolerance, and exophthalmos.
3. A patient presents with a ‘buffalo hump,’ moon face, and purple striae on the abdomen.
Which laboratory finding would the nurse most likely anticipate?
A. Hypercortisolism
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The clinical signs described are classic presentations of Cushing’s Syndrome,
which results from excessive levels of cortisol. Cortisol influences metabolism and fat
distribution, leading to the characteristic fat pads and skin changes. Elevated cortisol levels
, are often confirmed through 24-hour urinary free cortisol tests or late-night salivary
cortisol monitoring.
4. Which of the following are acute complications of Diabetes Mellitus? (Select all that apply)
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Diabetic Retinopathy
E. Diabetic Nephropathy
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: Acute complications of diabetes are life-threatening conditions that occur
rapidly, including DKA, HHNS, and hypoglycemia. Retinopathy and nephropathy are
considered chronic microvascular complications that develop over many years of poor
glycemic control. DKA is more common in Type 1 patients, while HHNS is typically seen in
elderly Type 2 patients.
5. A patient with Addison’s disease is at risk for an Addisonian crisis. Which trigger is most
likely to cause this life-threatening event?
A. Sudden cessation of long-term corticosteroid therapy
B. Excessive intake of sodium
C. Exposure to cold weather
