PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
GRADED A+ LATEST
Question 1
Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of insulin
resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. Downregulation of insulin receptors and post-receptor signaling defects
C. Increased hepatic glycogen storage
D. Excess glucagon secretion from alpha cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin resistance results from decreased responsiveness of peripheral
tissues due to impaired insulin receptor function and post-receptor signaling
abnormalities.
Question 2
In chronic kidney disease, decreased erythropoietin production leads to which type
of anemia?
A. Microcytic hypochromic anemia
B. Megaloblastic anemia
C. Normocytic normochromic anemia
D. Hemolytic anemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cell production
without altering cell size or hemoglobin concentration.
,Question 3
Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with acute adrenal
insufficiency?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aldosterone deficiency leads to impaired potassium excretion, resulting
in hyperkalemia.
Question 4
Portal hypertension most directly contributes to which complication of liver
cirrhosis?
A. Hepatic encephalopathy
B. Ascites
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Jaundice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased portal venous pressure leads to fluid transudation into the
peritoneal cavity, causing ascites.
Question 5
Which neurotransmitter deficiency is primarily associated with Parkinson disease?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leads to
motor symptoms characteristic of Parkinson disease.
Question 6
A patient with long-standing hypertension develops left ventricular hypertrophy
due to which pathophysiologic mechanism?
A. Increased preload
B. Increased afterload
C. Reduced myocardial oxygen demand
D. Enhanced parasympathetic tone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic pressure overload from hypertension increases afterload,
leading to compensatory myocardial thickening.
Question 7
Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating basal metabolic rate?
A. Cortisol
B. Thyroxine (T4)
C. Insulin
D. Aldosterone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyroid hormones regulate cellular metabolism and oxygen
consumption, directly affecting basal metabolic rate.
, Question 8
In multiple sclerosis, neurologic deficits result from:
A. Neuronal cell body destruction
B. Axonal severing in peripheral nerves
C. Demyelination within the central nervous system
D. Neurotransmitter depletion at synapses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: MS is characterized by autoimmune-mediated demyelination in the
CNS, impairing nerve conduction.
Question 9
Which acid–base imbalance is most likely seen in prolonged vomiting?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid leads to increased serum bicarbonate
and metabolic alkalosis.
Question 10
What is the primary cause of diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Excess insulin production
B. Absolute or relative insulin deficiency
C. Increased glucose utilization
D. Decreased counterregulatory hormones
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin deficiency promotes lipolysis and ketone body formation,
leading to metabolic acidosis.