NSG 530 Exam 2 2026/2027 Advanced Pathophysiology Actual
Exam Questions Verified Answers Detailed Rationales Grade A
1. A patient was diagnosed as HIV positive several years ago. Which of the following
blood tests is most clinically useful for determining the stage and severity of her
disease?
A. Viral load
B. CD8+ cell counts
C. CD4+ cell counts
D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: C. CD4+ cell counts
Rationale: CD4+ T-helper cell count is the primary indicator of immune function and
disease progression in HIV. Declining CD4+ counts correlate with advancing disease and
increased risk of opportunistic infections.
2. When the maternal immune system becomes sensitized against antigens expressed
by the fetus, what type of immune reaction occurs? (transfusions, transplant tissues,
pregnancy)
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A. Autoimmune
B. Alloimmune
C. Hypersensitivity
D. Immunodeficiency
Correct Answer: B. Alloimmune
Rationale: Alloimmune reactions occur when the immune system reacts against
antigens from another individual of the same species. This includes transfusion
reactions, transplant rejection, and maternal-fetal incompatibility (e.g., Rh disease).
3. A 10-year-old male is stung by a bee while playing in the yard. He begins itching and
develops pains, swelling, redness and respiratory difficulties. He is suffering from:
A. Serum sickness
B. Contact dermatitis
C. Anaphylaxis
D. Urticaria
Correct Answer: C. Anaphylaxis
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening type I hypersensitivity reaction
characterized by itching, urticaria, angioedema, and respiratory distress. Bee stings are a
common trigger.
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4. When a patient presents at the ED for an allergic reaction, the nurse recognizes the
most severe consequence of a type I hypersensitivity reaction is:
A. Urticaria
B. Angioedema
C. Anaphylaxis
D. Bronchospasm
Correct Answer: C. Anaphylaxis
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the most severe and potentially fatal manifestation of type I
hypersensitivity, involving systemic vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and
bronchoconstriction that can lead to cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure.
5. A nurse recalls that an example of an immune-complex-mediated disease is:
A. Anaphylaxis
B. Serum sickness
C. Contact dermatitis
D. Allergic rhinitis
Correct Answer: B. Serum sickness
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Rationale: Serum sickness is a type III hypersensitivity reaction caused by deposition of
circulating immune complexes in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
6. When a nurse cares for a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the
nurse remembers this disease is an example of:
A. Alloimmunity
B. Immunodeficiency
C. Autoimmunity
D. Hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: C. Autoimmunity
Rationale: SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by a disturbance in immunologic
tolerance of self-antigens, leading to production of autoantibodies and systemic
inflammation.
7. A 30-year-old female c/o fatigue, arthritis, rash and changes in urine color.
Laboratory testing reveals anemia, lymphopenia and kidney inflammation. Assuming a
diagnosis of SLE, which of the following is also likely to be present?
A. Autoantibodies
B. Hyperalbuminemia