PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, 2025/2026 WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS UPDATED
AT CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY'S COLLEGE
OF NURSING
Time allowed: 2 hour 30 min
Total points: 200
Divided into sections
,SECTION: Urinary Tract Infection Pathophysiology
1. Which of the following is true regarding a complicated urinary tract infection?
A. It is usually asymptomatic
B. It is limited to the lower urinary tract
C. It is defined by recurrent episodes
D. It is associated with underlying structural or functional abnormalities
Answer: D
Rationale: Complicated UTIs involve structural, functional, or host-related abnormalities.
2. The most common cause of pyelonephritis is:
A. E. coli
B. P. aeruginosa
C. S. aureus
D. S. saprophyticus
Answer: A
Rationale: E. coli is responsible for 75–95% of community-acquired pyelonephritis.
3. Which physiologic state increases UTI risk?
A. Puberty
B. Postmenopause
C. Pregnancy
D. Childhood
Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy causes urinary stasis and vesicoureteral reflux.
4. Which option helps prevent a UTI?
A. Doubling to prevent bacterial growth
B. Increase water consumption
C. Extra vitamin C
D. Wearing spandex
Answer: B
Rationale: Hydration flushes bacteria from the urinary tract.
5. Women are at higher risk for UTI due to shorter urethras.
A. True
B. False
, Answer: A
Rationale: Shorter urethras allow easier bacterial ascent.
6. A symptom of a lower UTI includes:
A. Decreased urination
B. Fever
C. Flank pain
D. Urgency
Answer: D
Rationale: Urgency and dysuria are classic cystitis symptoms.
Uncomplicated UTI: Occurs in the normal urinary tract. Simple cystitis in non-
pregnant women without any urologic abnormalities. Responds well to a short course
of antibiotic therapy.
Complicated UTI: A UTI that extends beyond the bladder. Caused by anatomical or
functional urinary tract abnormalities or antecedent UTI. Infants and older adults
affected. Associated with indwelling catheters, renal calculi, BPH (Benign Prostatic
Hypertrophy).
Uncomplicated UTI Labs: Protein: 0 - + Leukocyte Esterase: + Nitrites: + or -
WBCs: + or - RBCs: < 3-5/HPF Casts: None
Complicated UTI Labs: Protein: + or - Leukocyte Esterase: + Nitrites: + or -
WBCs: > + RBCs: > 5/HPF Casts: +
Crystals in a urine sample: These are insoluble salts composed of a small number of
different ions and molecules. These are common in the urine and if they remain small,
are not pathologic.
Casts in a urine sample: are long cylindrical structures formed in the renal tubules
during the precipitation of Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein. It is the most common dark
protein excreted by the urine. Casts form in concentrated and/or acidic urine. Tamm-
Horsfall casts are hyaline casts that only contain Tamm-Horsfall protein without other
constituents. They are non-specific and may be seen in dehydration. Muddy-brown
casts suggest acute tubular necrosis. Fatty casts are suggestive of acute and chronic
renal failure. Waxy casts are suggestive of nephrotic syndrome.
RBC casts suggest glomerulonephritis and WBC casts suggest interstitial inflammation.
7. Which urine finding is most typical in uncomplicated UTI?