NUR 209 COMPREHENSIVE
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse monitors for toxicity. Which
electrolyte imbalance most significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin, increasing
the risk of toxicity even when serum digoxin levels are within the therapeutic range.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of the compensatory stage of shock?
A. Anuria
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Cold, clammy skin
,D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage, hyperventilation occurs to
compensate for metabolic acidosis, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Cold, clammy skin and
anuria occur in the progressive stage.
3. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
B. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (low), PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and HCO3 is
normal, indicating no compensation has occurred yet.
4. In the context of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), what is the primary
pathophysiological mechanism of refractory hypoxemia?
A. Intrapulmonary shunting
B. Increased pulmonary compliance
C. Bronchoconstriction
, D. Decreased capillary permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ARDS causes fluid accumulation in the alveoli and alveolar
collapse, leading to blood passing through the lungs without being oxygenated (shunting).
5. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L.
Which EKG change is most indicative of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prominent U waves
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves, followed by
PR prolongation and QRS widening as levels rise.
6. Which medication is the drug of choice for treating a patient in Status Epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin
B. Ethosuximide
C. Valproic Acid
D. Lorazepam
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND
PHARMACOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse monitors for toxicity. Which
electrolyte imbalance most significantly increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin, increasing
the risk of toxicity even when serum digoxin levels are within the therapeutic range.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of the compensatory stage of shock?
A. Anuria
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Cold, clammy skin
,D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In the compensatory stage, hyperventilation occurs to
compensate for metabolic acidosis, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Cold, clammy skin and
anuria occur in the progressive stage.
3. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
B. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (low), PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and HCO3 is
normal, indicating no compensation has occurred yet.
4. In the context of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), what is the primary
pathophysiological mechanism of refractory hypoxemia?
A. Intrapulmonary shunting
B. Increased pulmonary compliance
C. Bronchoconstriction
, D. Decreased capillary permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ARDS causes fluid accumulation in the alveoli and alveolar
collapse, leading to blood passing through the lungs without being oxygenated (shunting).
5. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L.
Which EKG change is most indicative of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prominent U waves
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves, followed by
PR prolongation and QRS widening as levels rise.
6. Which medication is the drug of choice for treating a patient in Status Epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin
B. Ethosuximide
C. Valproic Acid
D. Lorazepam
