NURS 231/NURS231 Module 4 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and a very low urine specific gravity. The
nurse suspects Diabetes Insipidus. Which underlying mechanism most likely explains these
symptoms?
A. Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
B. Excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C. Insulin resistance at the cellular level
D. Hypersecretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased
renal response to ADH. This leads to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine,
resulting in large volumes of dilute urine. The clinical manifestations include intense thirst
and excessive urination, which are the hallmarks of this condition.
2. Which of the following clinical manifestations is most characteristic of Graves’ Disease?
A. Exophthalmos and heat intolerance
B. Bradycardia and weight gain
C. Hypotension and cold intolerance
,D. Moon face and buffalo hump
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor,
leading to excessive thyroid hormone production and metabolic acceleration.
Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, is a unique feature caused by inflammation and tissue
buildup behind the eyes.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SIADH results in the excessive release of ADH, causing the body to retain
water abnormally. This water retention dilutes the blood, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia. The nurse must monitor for neurological changes because low sodium
levels can cause cerebral edema and seizures.
, 4. In Cushing’s Syndrome, the clinical features are primarily caused by an excess of which
hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Growth Hormone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to
high levels of cortisol. Cortisol excess leads to characteristic physical changes like a ‘moon
face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal obesity with thin extremities. It can also cause
systemic issues such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and impaired wound healing.
5. Which assessment finding is specifically associated with Addison’s Disease?
A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
B. Hirsutism and acne
C. Central obesity
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Addison’s Disease involves the destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to a
deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. The low cortisol levels trigger a compensatory
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and a very low urine specific gravity. The
nurse suspects Diabetes Insipidus. Which underlying mechanism most likely explains these
symptoms?
A. Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
B. Excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C. Insulin resistance at the cellular level
D. Hypersecretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a decreased
renal response to ADH. This leads to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine,
resulting in large volumes of dilute urine. The clinical manifestations include intense thirst
and excessive urination, which are the hallmarks of this condition.
2. Which of the following clinical manifestations is most characteristic of Graves’ Disease?
A. Exophthalmos and heat intolerance
B. Bradycardia and weight gain
C. Hypotension and cold intolerance
,D. Moon face and buffalo hump
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by
thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins. These antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor,
leading to excessive thyroid hormone production and metabolic acceleration.
Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, is a unique feature caused by inflammation and tissue
buildup behind the eyes.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).
What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SIADH results in the excessive release of ADH, causing the body to retain
water abnormally. This water retention dilutes the blood, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia. The nurse must monitor for neurological changes because low sodium
levels can cause cerebral edema and seizures.
, 4. In Cushing’s Syndrome, the clinical features are primarily caused by an excess of which
hormone?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Growth Hormone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to
high levels of cortisol. Cortisol excess leads to characteristic physical changes like a ‘moon
face,’ ‘buffalo hump,’ and abdominal obesity with thin extremities. It can also cause
systemic issues such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and impaired wound healing.
5. Which assessment finding is specifically associated with Addison’s Disease?
A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
B. Hirsutism and acne
C. Central obesity
D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Addison’s Disease involves the destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to a
deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. The low cortisol levels trigger a compensatory
