Wilkes NSG 530 Advanced Pathophysiology Exam 2
Study Guide – 2026/2027 – 50 Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales – Covers Immunity, Oncology, &
Renal Systems| pdf
1. A patient presents with rapid-onset swelling of the lips, itching, and wheezing
after an insect sting. Which hypersensitivity reaction is occurring?
A) Type II (Cytotoxic)
B) Type III (Immune Complex)
C) Type I (IgE-mediated)
D) Type IV (Delayed)
Rationale: Type I reactions involve IgE binding to mast cells, causing the release of
histamine, characteristic of anaphylaxis.
2. In a patient with HIV, which laboratory value is the most clinically useful for
monitoring disease progression and the risk of opportunistic infections?
A) Viral load
B) White blood cell count
C) CD4+ T-cell count
D) Hemoglobin levels
Rationale: The CD4+ count is the primary indicator of immune system competence
in HIV/AIDS patients.
3. A woman is sensitized against her fetus's Rh-positive antigens during her first
pregnancy. This immune response is known as:
A) Autoimmunity
B) Alloimmunity
C) Hypersensitivity
D) Immunodeficiency
Rationale: Alloimmunity is an immune response to antigens from another member
of the same species (e.g., Rh incompatibility or transplant rejection).
4. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of a
large variety of autoantibodies. Which diagnostic finding is part of the clinical
criteria for SLE?
, A) High blood pressure
B) Photosensitivity
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Joint crepitus
Rationale: Photosensitivity (skin rash from sunlight) is one of the 11 classic
diagnostic criteria for SLE.
5. Which term describes a preinvasive epithelial tumor of glandular or squamous
origin that has not yet broken through the basement membrane?
A) Carcinoma in situ
B) Adenocarcinoma
C) Metastatic melanoma
D) Benign polyp
Rationale: Carcinoma in situ refers to cancer cells that remain in their place of
origin without invading surrounding tissues.
6. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is activated by a decrease in
blood pressure. What is the end effect of Aldosterone secretion?
A) Potassium retention
B) Vasodilation
C) Sodium and water reabsorption
D) Increased urine output
Rationale: Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which
increases blood volume and pressure.
7. A patient with massive muscle trauma is at high risk for acute renal failure due to
the release of which substance into the bloodstream?
A) Albumin
B) Myoglobin
C) Creatinine
D) Bilirubin
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis releases myoglobin, which is toxic to the renal tubules
and can lead to acute tubular necrosis.
8. Which stage of cancer is typically assigned when the tumor has spread to local
lymph nodes but not to distant organs?
A) Stage I
Study Guide – 2026/2027 – 50 Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales – Covers Immunity, Oncology, &
Renal Systems| pdf
1. A patient presents with rapid-onset swelling of the lips, itching, and wheezing
after an insect sting. Which hypersensitivity reaction is occurring?
A) Type II (Cytotoxic)
B) Type III (Immune Complex)
C) Type I (IgE-mediated)
D) Type IV (Delayed)
Rationale: Type I reactions involve IgE binding to mast cells, causing the release of
histamine, characteristic of anaphylaxis.
2. In a patient with HIV, which laboratory value is the most clinically useful for
monitoring disease progression and the risk of opportunistic infections?
A) Viral load
B) White blood cell count
C) CD4+ T-cell count
D) Hemoglobin levels
Rationale: The CD4+ count is the primary indicator of immune system competence
in HIV/AIDS patients.
3. A woman is sensitized against her fetus's Rh-positive antigens during her first
pregnancy. This immune response is known as:
A) Autoimmunity
B) Alloimmunity
C) Hypersensitivity
D) Immunodeficiency
Rationale: Alloimmunity is an immune response to antigens from another member
of the same species (e.g., Rh incompatibility or transplant rejection).
4. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of a
large variety of autoantibodies. Which diagnostic finding is part of the clinical
criteria for SLE?
, A) High blood pressure
B) Photosensitivity
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Joint crepitus
Rationale: Photosensitivity (skin rash from sunlight) is one of the 11 classic
diagnostic criteria for SLE.
5. Which term describes a preinvasive epithelial tumor of glandular or squamous
origin that has not yet broken through the basement membrane?
A) Carcinoma in situ
B) Adenocarcinoma
C) Metastatic melanoma
D) Benign polyp
Rationale: Carcinoma in situ refers to cancer cells that remain in their place of
origin without invading surrounding tissues.
6. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is activated by a decrease in
blood pressure. What is the end effect of Aldosterone secretion?
A) Potassium retention
B) Vasodilation
C) Sodium and water reabsorption
D) Increased urine output
Rationale: Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which
increases blood volume and pressure.
7. A patient with massive muscle trauma is at high risk for acute renal failure due to
the release of which substance into the bloodstream?
A) Albumin
B) Myoglobin
C) Creatinine
D) Bilirubin
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis releases myoglobin, which is toxic to the renal tubules
and can lead to acute tubular necrosis.
8. Which stage of cancer is typically assigned when the tumor has spread to local
lymph nodes but not to distant organs?
A) Stage I
