| Adv Pathophysiology (2026) Q&A
1. Which neurologic assessment test detects electrical brain activity resulting from
a sensory stimulus to evaluate sensory pathway integrity?
A) Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
B) Myelogram
C) Evoked potentials (EPs)
D) Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Correct Answer: Evoked potentials (EPs)
Rationale: Evoked potentials measure the electrical response of the brain to
specific sensory stimuli, assessing the integrity of sensory pathways. PET scans
evaluate metabolic activity, myelograms visualize the spinal subarachnoid space,
and fMRI detects changes in blood oxygenation.
2. Which theory best explains phantom limb pain after an amputation?
A) Gate control theory
B) Pattern theory
C) Specificity theory
D) Neuromatrix theory
Correct Answer: Neuromatrix theory
,Rationale: The neuromatrix theory proposes that pain is a multidimensional
experience generated by a widespread network of neurons in the brain, which can
produce pain even in the absence of a limb. Gate control, pattern, and specificity
theories do not fully account for phantom sensations.
3. Which symptom cluster is most characteristic of schizophrenia?
A) Negative symptoms
B) Positive symptoms
C) Cognitive symptoms
D) Sensorimotor symptoms
Correct Answer: Positive symptoms
Rationale: Positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, are the
most common and prominent features of schizophrenia, although negative and
cognitive symptoms also occur. Sensorimotor symptoms are not a core diagnostic
domain.
4. A mother caring for a son with schizophrenia reports stress, hopelessness, and
insomnia. These findings are most consistent with which condition?
A) Depression
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Bipolar disorder
D) Panic attacks
Correct Answer: Depression
, Rationale: Caregiver burden in schizophrenia is frequently associated with
depressive symptoms, including hopelessness, insomnia, and emotional
exhaustion. Generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks have
different defining features.
5. An infant with a thoracic myelomeningocele is at increased risk for which
associated anomaly?
A) Chiari II malformation
B) Craniosynostosis
C) Cortical dysplasia
D) Cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Correct Answer: Chiari II malformation
Rationale: Myelomeningocele is commonly associated with Chiari II
malformation, a congenital anomaly involving downward displacement of the
cerebellar vermis and brainstem through the foramen magnum. Craniosynostosis,
cortical dysplasia, and cerebral arteriovenous malformations are not typically
associated.
6. Which breathing pattern is described as a crescendo-decrescendo pattern
followed by a period of apnea?
A) Sustained, deep, rapid but regular breathing
B) Cheyne-Stokes respirations
C) Prolonged inspiratory period with short expiration
D) Completely irregular breathing with random pauses
Correct Answer: Cheyne-Stokes respirations