NURS 231/NURS231 Module 8 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient presents with a fasting plasma glucose level of 130 mg/dL on two separate
occasions. Which condition does this result primarily indicate?
A. Prediabetes
B. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
D. Normal glucose tolerance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests
is a diagnostic criterion for Diabetes Mellitus. Type 2 is the most common form, though
clinical correlation with insulin levels would differentiate it from Type 1. This threshold is
set because it marks the point where the risk for microvascular complications significantly
increases.
2. Which pathophysiological process is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
,D. Decreased glucose absorption in the GI tract
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency
due to the autoimmune-mediated destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. This process
usually involves T-cell infiltration and the presence of islet cell antibodies. Without beta
cells, the body cannot produce the insulin required to regulate blood glucose levels.
3. In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the term ‘insulin resistance’ refers to which of the following?
A. The inability of the pancreas to produce any insulin
B. A decrease in the number of insulin receptors on target cells
C. Reduced effectiveness of insulin in stimulating glucose uptake
D. An allergic reaction to exogenous insulin injections
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not
respond well to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood. As a result, the
pancreas compensates by making more insulin to help glucose enter the cells. Over time,
the beta cells exhaust their capacity, leading to hyperglycemia and clinical diabetes.
4. Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Bradypnea
B. Hypoglycemia
, C. Hypervolemia
D. Kussmaul respirations
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns that occur as the
body attempts to blow off excess carbon dioxide to compensate for metabolic acidosis. This
is a hallmark sign of DKA resulting from the accumulation of ketones, which are acidic.
Patients often present with a ‘fruity’ breath odor due to the presence of acetone.
5. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is most commonly associated with which patient
population?
A. Children with Type 1 Diabetes
B. Pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes
C. Athletes with exercise-induced hypoglycemia
D. Elderly individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: HHS typically occurs in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes who experience
a triggering event such as an infection. Unlike DKA, there is enough insulin present to
prevent significant ketosis, but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycemia. This leads to
profound dehydration and high serum osmolarity, often exceeding 320 mOsm/kg.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient presents with a fasting plasma glucose level of 130 mg/dL on two separate
occasions. Which condition does this result primarily indicate?
A. Prediabetes
B. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
D. Normal glucose tolerance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests
is a diagnostic criterion for Diabetes Mellitus. Type 2 is the most common form, though
clinical correlation with insulin levels would differentiate it from Type 1. This threshold is
set because it marks the point where the risk for microvascular complications significantly
increases.
2. Which pathophysiological process is the primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
,D. Decreased glucose absorption in the GI tract
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency
due to the autoimmune-mediated destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. This process
usually involves T-cell infiltration and the presence of islet cell antibodies. Without beta
cells, the body cannot produce the insulin required to regulate blood glucose levels.
3. In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the term ‘insulin resistance’ refers to which of the following?
A. The inability of the pancreas to produce any insulin
B. A decrease in the number of insulin receptors on target cells
C. Reduced effectiveness of insulin in stimulating glucose uptake
D. An allergic reaction to exogenous insulin injections
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not
respond well to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood. As a result, the
pancreas compensates by making more insulin to help glucose enter the cells. Over time,
the beta cells exhaust their capacity, leading to hyperglycemia and clinical diabetes.
4. Which of the following is a classic clinical manifestation of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Bradypnea
B. Hypoglycemia
, C. Hypervolemia
D. Kussmaul respirations
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns that occur as the
body attempts to blow off excess carbon dioxide to compensate for metabolic acidosis. This
is a hallmark sign of DKA resulting from the accumulation of ketones, which are acidic.
Patients often present with a ‘fruity’ breath odor due to the presence of acetone.
5. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is most commonly associated with which patient
population?
A. Children with Type 1 Diabetes
B. Pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes
C. Athletes with exercise-induced hypoglycemia
D. Elderly individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: HHS typically occurs in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes who experience
a triggering event such as an infection. Unlike DKA, there is enough insulin present to
prevent significant ketosis, but not enough to prevent severe hyperglycemia. This leads to
profound dehydration and high serum osmolarity, often exceeding 320 mOsm/kg.
