1|Page
NURS 6501 Advanced Pathophysiology (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED 2026
1. MCQ
Question:
Which of the following is the primary mechanism behind Type 1 diabetes mellitus?
A) Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B) Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C) Increased hepatic glucose production
D) Impaired incretin function
Answer: B) Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Explanation: Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking beta cells in the
pancreas, causing absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia.
2. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Answer:
HFpEF occurs when the ventricles become stiff and cannot relax properly during diastole,
impairing filling. The ejection fraction remains normal, but elevated ventricular filling pressures
lead to pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance.
3. MCQ
Question:
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with chronic kidney disease?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Hypocalcemia
Answer: B) Hyperkalemia
Explanation: CKD reduces the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium, leading to dangerous
elevations in serum potassium and risk for arrhythmias.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,2|Page
4. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the mechanism of action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in water regulation.
Answer:
ADH, secreted by the posterior pituitary, increases water reabsorption in the renal collecting
ducts by inserting aquaporin channels. This conserves water, concentrates urine, and maintains
plasma osmolality.
5. MCQ
Question:
Which of the following is characteristic of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A) Chronic airway obstruction
B) Alveolar-capillary membrane damage
C) Reduced surfactant production only in neonates
D) Increased lung compliance
Answer: B) Alveolar-capillary membrane damage
Explanation: ARDS involves diffuse alveolar damage, increased capillary permeability,
pulmonary edema, and severe hypoxemia.
6. Short Answer
Question:
Explain how atherosclerosis develops in coronary arteries.
Answer:
Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial injury, leading to lipid deposition, macrophage
infiltration, and formation of fatty streaks. Smooth muscle proliferation and fibrous plaque
formation narrow arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.
7. MCQ
Question:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis during fasting?
A) Insulin
B) Glucagon
2026 2027 GRADED A+
, 3|Page
C) Aldosterone
D) Cortisol
Answer: B) Glucagon
Explanation: Glucagon increases hepatic glucose production via glycogenolysis and
gluconeogenesis, maintaining blood glucose during fasting.
8. Short Answer
Question:
Describe the pathophysiology of cirrhosis.
Answer:
Cirrhosis is chronic liver injury leading to fibrosis, nodular regeneration, and architectural
distortion. Portal hypertension, impaired detoxification, and decreased synthetic function result
in complications like ascites, varices, and coagulopathy.
9. MCQ
Question:
A patient presents with fatigue, pallor, and low hemoglobin. Labs show microcytic, hypochromic
RBCs. The most likely cause is:
A) Iron-deficiency anemia
B) Vitamin B12 deficiency
C) Aplastic anemia
D) Sickle cell anemia
Answer: A) Iron-deficiency anemia
Explanation: Iron deficiency impairs hemoglobin synthesis, producing small, pale red blood
cells, leading to fatigue and pallor.
10. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the mechanism of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Answer:
Insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and lipolysis. Free fatty acids are converted to ketone
bodies, causing metabolic acidosis. Osmotic diuresis causes dehydration and electrolyte
imbalances, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
NURS 6501 Advanced Pathophysiology (NEW UPDATED VERSION) LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS) | GUARANTEED PASS A+ UPDATED 2026
1. MCQ
Question:
Which of the following is the primary mechanism behind Type 1 diabetes mellitus?
A) Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B) Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C) Increased hepatic glucose production
D) Impaired incretin function
Answer: B) Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Explanation: Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking beta cells in the
pancreas, causing absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia.
2. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Answer:
HFpEF occurs when the ventricles become stiff and cannot relax properly during diastole,
impairing filling. The ejection fraction remains normal, but elevated ventricular filling pressures
lead to pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance.
3. MCQ
Question:
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with chronic kidney disease?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Hypocalcemia
Answer: B) Hyperkalemia
Explanation: CKD reduces the kidneys’ ability to excrete potassium, leading to dangerous
elevations in serum potassium and risk for arrhythmias.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
,2|Page
4. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the mechanism of action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in water regulation.
Answer:
ADH, secreted by the posterior pituitary, increases water reabsorption in the renal collecting
ducts by inserting aquaporin channels. This conserves water, concentrates urine, and maintains
plasma osmolality.
5. MCQ
Question:
Which of the following is characteristic of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A) Chronic airway obstruction
B) Alveolar-capillary membrane damage
C) Reduced surfactant production only in neonates
D) Increased lung compliance
Answer: B) Alveolar-capillary membrane damage
Explanation: ARDS involves diffuse alveolar damage, increased capillary permeability,
pulmonary edema, and severe hypoxemia.
6. Short Answer
Question:
Explain how atherosclerosis develops in coronary arteries.
Answer:
Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial injury, leading to lipid deposition, macrophage
infiltration, and formation of fatty streaks. Smooth muscle proliferation and fibrous plaque
formation narrow arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.
7. MCQ
Question:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis during fasting?
A) Insulin
B) Glucagon
2026 2027 GRADED A+
, 3|Page
C) Aldosterone
D) Cortisol
Answer: B) Glucagon
Explanation: Glucagon increases hepatic glucose production via glycogenolysis and
gluconeogenesis, maintaining blood glucose during fasting.
8. Short Answer
Question:
Describe the pathophysiology of cirrhosis.
Answer:
Cirrhosis is chronic liver injury leading to fibrosis, nodular regeneration, and architectural
distortion. Portal hypertension, impaired detoxification, and decreased synthetic function result
in complications like ascites, varices, and coagulopathy.
9. MCQ
Question:
A patient presents with fatigue, pallor, and low hemoglobin. Labs show microcytic, hypochromic
RBCs. The most likely cause is:
A) Iron-deficiency anemia
B) Vitamin B12 deficiency
C) Aplastic anemia
D) Sickle cell anemia
Answer: A) Iron-deficiency anemia
Explanation: Iron deficiency impairs hemoglobin synthesis, producing small, pale red blood
cells, leading to fatigue and pallor.
10. Short Answer
Question:
Explain the mechanism of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Answer:
Insulin deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and lipolysis. Free fatty acids are converted to ketone
bodies, causing metabolic acidosis. Osmotic diuresis causes dehydration and electrolyte
imbalances, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
2026 2027 GRADED A+
