NURS 5315 – ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE EXAM 2
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which hormone primarily regulates sodium reabsorption in
the distal nephron?
A. Antidiuretic hormone
B. Atrial natriuretic peptide
C. Aldosterone
D. Renin
Answer: C
Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium
excretion in the distal tubules and collecting ducts.
2. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is best
described as which condition?
A. Diastolic dysfunction
B. Valve insufficiency
,C. Systolic dysfunction
D. Pulmonary congestion
Answer: C
Reduced ejection fraction reflects impaired ventricular
contraction.
3. In left-sided heart failure, which clinical manifestation is
most common?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Pulmonary congestion
D. Ascites
Answer: C
Left-sided failure causes blood backup into the lungs, leading
to pulmonary edema.
4. Which neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. Dopamine
, Answer: D
Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leads to
Parkinson disease.
5. What is the primary pathophysiologic mechanism of
asthma?
A. Alveolar collapse
B. Reversible airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Reduced surfactant production
Answer: B
Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation and
hyperresponsiveness of the airways.
6. Which lab finding is expected in metabolic acidosis?
A. Increased pH
B. Decreased PaCO₂
C. Decreased bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
D. Increased PaO₂
Answer: C
Metabolic acidosis results from a loss of bicarbonate or
accumulation of acids.
, 7. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by which process?
A. Insulin resistance
B. Obesity-related inflammation
C. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
D. Pancreatic enzyme deficiency
Answer: C
Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disorder leading to absolute
insulin deficiency.
8. Which condition is most commonly associated with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Type 2 diabetes
B. Type 1 diabetes
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Prediabetes
Answer: B
DKA most often occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes due
to absolute insulin deficiency.
9. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in chronic
kidney disease?
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE EXAM 2
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which hormone primarily regulates sodium reabsorption in
the distal nephron?
A. Antidiuretic hormone
B. Atrial natriuretic peptide
C. Aldosterone
D. Renin
Answer: C
Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium
excretion in the distal tubules and collecting ducts.
2. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is best
described as which condition?
A. Diastolic dysfunction
B. Valve insufficiency
,C. Systolic dysfunction
D. Pulmonary congestion
Answer: C
Reduced ejection fraction reflects impaired ventricular
contraction.
3. In left-sided heart failure, which clinical manifestation is
most common?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Pulmonary congestion
D. Ascites
Answer: C
Left-sided failure causes blood backup into the lungs, leading
to pulmonary edema.
4. Which neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. Dopamine
, Answer: D
Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leads to
Parkinson disease.
5. What is the primary pathophysiologic mechanism of
asthma?
A. Alveolar collapse
B. Reversible airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Reduced surfactant production
Answer: B
Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation and
hyperresponsiveness of the airways.
6. Which lab finding is expected in metabolic acidosis?
A. Increased pH
B. Decreased PaCO₂
C. Decreased bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
D. Increased PaO₂
Answer: C
Metabolic acidosis results from a loss of bicarbonate or
accumulation of acids.
, 7. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by which process?
A. Insulin resistance
B. Obesity-related inflammation
C. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
D. Pancreatic enzyme deficiency
Answer: C
Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disorder leading to absolute
insulin deficiency.
8. Which condition is most commonly associated with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Type 2 diabetes
B. Type 1 diabetes
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Prediabetes
Answer: B
DKA most often occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes due
to absolute insulin deficiency.
9. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in chronic
kidney disease?
