NURS 3366 Pathophysiology Final Exam
Guide 2026 – 50+ Practice Questions &
NCLEX-Style Review
Description:
Ace your NURS 3366 Pathophysiology final with this targeted study guide designed for 2026
nursing students. This resource includes 50+ original practice questions covering high-yield
topics such as stroke localization, endocrine disorders (Cushing’s, Addison’s, SIADH, diabetes),
neuro conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS), GI/hepatic pathophysiology (cirrhosis,
pancreatitis, IBD), and more. Each question features detailed NCLEX-style explanations to
reinforce critical thinking and clinical application—perfect for both course exams and board
prep. Updated to reflect current guidelines and written in a clear, student-focused format.
Stop stressing—start mastering. Download your free patho review now and walk into your final
with confidence!
, NURS 3366 Patho Final Exam Study Guide 2026: Pathophysiology
Practice Questions & NCLEX Review
1. A patient presents with polyuria and hypotension. Which endocrine dysfunction is most likely
responsible for these symptoms?
a) Hyperaldosteronism
b) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
c) Hypoaldosteronism
d) Hypercortisolism
Answer: c) Hypoaldosteronism
Explanation: Hypoaldosteronism results in insufficient aldosterone, a hormone crucial for
sodium and water retention. The subsequent sodium wasting leads to polyuria (excessive urine
output) and a decrease in blood volume, manifesting as hypotension.
2. A patient recovering from a stroke demonstrates left-sided spatial neglect, difficulty recognizing
familiar faces, and a lack of concern about their deficits. Which brain hemisphere is most likely
affected?
a) Left Hemisphere
b) Right Hemisphere
c) Brainstem
d) Cerebellum
Answer: b) Right Hemisphere
Explanation: The right cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for spatial awareness, facial
recognition, and emotional modulation. A right hemispheric stroke commonly leads to left-sided
neglect, prosopagnosia (difficulty recognizing faces), and anosognosia (impaired awareness of
one's own deficits).
3. Which clinical presentation is most characteristic of a hemorrhagic stroke?
a) Gradual onset of unilateral weakness
b) Transient episodes of slurred speech
, c) Sudden, severe headache with photophobia and neck stiffness
d) Isolated vertigo and ataxia
Answer: c) Sudden, severe headache with photophobia and neck stiffness
Explanation: Hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding into or around the brain, often present
with a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache due to meningeal irritation from blood. Associated
symptoms commonly include light sensitivity (photophobia), neck pain, and nausea/vomiting.
4. The "FAST" acronym is a public health tool used for the immediate assessment of suspected
stroke. What does the "T" stand for?
a) Tremor
b) Temperature
c) Time
d) Tactile sensation
Answer: c) Time
Explanation: In the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty), "T"
stands for Time to call emergency services. Rapid recognition and immediate medical
intervention are critical for optimizing outcomes in acute stroke.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which pathophysiological finding is central to
this disorder?
a) Deposition of amyloid plaques
b) Autoimmune destruction of myelin
c) Decreased dopamine in the basal ganglia
d) Excess acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Answer: c) Decreased dopamine in the basal ganglia
Explanation: Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. This dopamine deficiency
disrupts the normal circuitry controlling movement, leading to the hallmark motor symptoms.
Guide 2026 – 50+ Practice Questions &
NCLEX-Style Review
Description:
Ace your NURS 3366 Pathophysiology final with this targeted study guide designed for 2026
nursing students. This resource includes 50+ original practice questions covering high-yield
topics such as stroke localization, endocrine disorders (Cushing’s, Addison’s, SIADH, diabetes),
neuro conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS), GI/hepatic pathophysiology (cirrhosis,
pancreatitis, IBD), and more. Each question features detailed NCLEX-style explanations to
reinforce critical thinking and clinical application—perfect for both course exams and board
prep. Updated to reflect current guidelines and written in a clear, student-focused format.
Stop stressing—start mastering. Download your free patho review now and walk into your final
with confidence!
, NURS 3366 Patho Final Exam Study Guide 2026: Pathophysiology
Practice Questions & NCLEX Review
1. A patient presents with polyuria and hypotension. Which endocrine dysfunction is most likely
responsible for these symptoms?
a) Hyperaldosteronism
b) Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
c) Hypoaldosteronism
d) Hypercortisolism
Answer: c) Hypoaldosteronism
Explanation: Hypoaldosteronism results in insufficient aldosterone, a hormone crucial for
sodium and water retention. The subsequent sodium wasting leads to polyuria (excessive urine
output) and a decrease in blood volume, manifesting as hypotension.
2. A patient recovering from a stroke demonstrates left-sided spatial neglect, difficulty recognizing
familiar faces, and a lack of concern about their deficits. Which brain hemisphere is most likely
affected?
a) Left Hemisphere
b) Right Hemisphere
c) Brainstem
d) Cerebellum
Answer: b) Right Hemisphere
Explanation: The right cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for spatial awareness, facial
recognition, and emotional modulation. A right hemispheric stroke commonly leads to left-sided
neglect, prosopagnosia (difficulty recognizing faces), and anosognosia (impaired awareness of
one's own deficits).
3. Which clinical presentation is most characteristic of a hemorrhagic stroke?
a) Gradual onset of unilateral weakness
b) Transient episodes of slurred speech
, c) Sudden, severe headache with photophobia and neck stiffness
d) Isolated vertigo and ataxia
Answer: c) Sudden, severe headache with photophobia and neck stiffness
Explanation: Hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding into or around the brain, often present
with a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache due to meningeal irritation from blood. Associated
symptoms commonly include light sensitivity (photophobia), neck pain, and nausea/vomiting.
4. The "FAST" acronym is a public health tool used for the immediate assessment of suspected
stroke. What does the "T" stand for?
a) Tremor
b) Temperature
c) Time
d) Tactile sensation
Answer: c) Time
Explanation: In the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty), "T"
stands for Time to call emergency services. Rapid recognition and immediate medical
intervention are critical for optimizing outcomes in acute stroke.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which pathophysiological finding is central to
this disorder?
a) Deposition of amyloid plaques
b) Autoimmune destruction of myelin
c) Decreased dopamine in the basal ganglia
d) Excess acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Answer: c) Decreased dopamine in the basal ganglia
Explanation: Parkinson's disease is characterized by the progressive degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. This dopamine deficiency
disrupts the normal circuitry controlling movement, leading to the hallmark motor symptoms.
