Advanced Pathophysiology
4.0 Credits
Final Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
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, Multiple Choice Questions (Questions 1–15)
1.
Case: A 60‑year‑old male presents with septic shock secondary to
community‑acquired pneumonia. He is hypotensive, tachycardic, and has
elevated lactate levels.
Question: Which inflammatory mediator plays the most pivotal role in
the early phase of sepsis, triggering endothelial dysfunction and
widespread tissue injury?
Options:
A. Interleukin‑4
B. Interferon‑gamma
C. Tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α)
D. Interleukin‑10
Correct ANS: C. Tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α)
Rationale: TNF‑α is a key pro‑inflammatory cytokine released early in
sepsis. It sets off cascades leading to endothelial activation, capillary
leakage, and subsequent organ dysfunction.
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2.
Case: A 70‑year‑old female with known chronic heart failure receives
reperfusion therapy after an acute myocardial infarction. Despite
restoration of blood flow, her myocardium sustains further injury.
Question: Which mechanism is most responsible for myocardial
damage during reperfusion injury?
Options:
A. Calcium overload secondary to sudden reoxygenation
B. Inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthesis due to hypoglycemia
C. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
D. Impaired vascular dilation
Correct ANS: C. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species
(ROS)
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, Rationale: Reperfusion of ischemic myocardium is associated with an
abrupt increase in oxygen, which leads to the generation of ROS. These
free radicals cause lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation, and eventual
cell death.
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3.
Case: A 45‑year‑old male with type 2 diabetes exhibits significant
insulin resistance, despite normal insulin levels.
Question: Which cellular mechanism is most commonly associated
with the development of insulin resistance in this context?
Options:
A. Overexpression of GLUT‑4 receptors
B. Enhanced insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation
C. Serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate proteins
D. Increased pancreatic β‑cell insulin output
Correct ANS: C. Serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate
proteins
Rationale: In insulin resistance, inflammatory mediators and free fatty
acids trigger serine phosphorylation of IRS proteins. This modification
disrupts downstream insulin signaling, contributing to reduced cellular
glucose uptake.
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4.
Case: A 65‑year‑old patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) shows
evidence of progressive renal dysfunction. Early in CKD, an adaptive
mechanism leads to glomerular hyperfiltration.
Question: Which pathophysiological process is primarily responsible
for this hyperfiltration and eventual renal damage?
Options:
A. Reduced sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron
B. Activation of the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system (RAAS)
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, C. Increased synthesis of creatinine by skeletal muscle
D. Enhanced regeneration of podocytes
Correct ANS: B. Activation of the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone
system (RAAS)
Rationale: RAAS activation increases intraglomerular pressure by
causing vasoconstriction, which initially maintains glomerular filtration.
Over time, this high pressure results in structural damage and
progression of CKD.
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5.
Case: A 35‑year‑old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
experiences renal dysfunction. Her renal biopsy reveals deposition of
immune complexes in the glomeruli.
Question: Which immunopathological mechanism is primarily
responsible for the kidney injury seen in SLE?
Options:
A. T‑cell mediated cytotoxicity
B. Immune complex deposition with complement activation
C. Direct viral invasion of glomerular cells
D. IgE‑mediated hypersensitivity reaction
Correct ANS: B. Immune complex deposition with complement
activation
Rationale: SLE is marked by the formation and deposition of immune
complexes in tissues, especially the glomeruli. This process activates the
complement cascade, triggering inflammation and subsequent tissue
damage.
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6.
Case: A 50‑year‑old male with a long history of alcohol abuse presents
with signs of cirrhosis.
Question: Which signaling molecule is most instrumental in mediating
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