NSG 5003 FINAL Exam Preparation With Complete
Questions And Correct Answers With Rationales
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Question 1
A 65-year-old male patient presents with a history of progressive
dyspnea on exertion and a non-productive cough. Chest auscultation
reveals bilateral fine inspiratory crackles at the lung bases. Pulmonary
function testing demonstrates a restrictive pattern with a decreased
diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Which of the following
pathophysiological mechanisms is most likely responsible for this
patient's clinical presentation?
A. Increased lung compliance leading to airway collapse during
expiration
B. Destruction of alveolar walls with loss of elastic recoil
C. Thickening of the alveolar-capillary membrane with interstitial
fibrosis
D. Mucus hypersecretion and airway smooth muscle hypertrophy
Answer: C. Thickening of the alveolar-capillary membrane with
interstitial fibrosis
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Rationale: The patient's presentation is consistent with interstitial lung
disease, specifically idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The restrictive
pattern on PFTs, decreased DLCO, and fine inspiratory crackles are
classic findings. The underlying pathophysiology involves thickening of
the alveolar-capillary membrane due to fibrosis, which impairs gas
exchange. Option A describes emphysema, Option B describes the
pathology of emphysema, and Option D describes chronic bronchitis.
Question 2
A 72-year-old female with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes
mellitus is found to have an elevated serum creatinine level of 2.8
mg/dL. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 25
mL/min/1.73 m². Which of the following pathophysiological changes is
most consistent with her stage of chronic kidney disease?
A. Hypertrophy of remaining nephrons with hyperfiltration
B. Decreased secretion of renin by the juxtaglomerular apparatus
C. Increased production of erythropoietin by peritubular capillaries
D. Normal tubular function with isolated glomerular damage
Answer: A. Hypertrophy of remaining nephrons with hyperfiltration
Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, as nephrons are lost, the remaining
functional nephrons undergo compensatory hypertrophy and
hyperfiltration to maintain glomerular filtration. This adaptive
mechanism eventually leads to further glomerular injury and
progressive decline in renal function. Option B is incorrect because renin
secretion is often increased in CKD. Option C is incorrect because
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erythropoietin production decreases. Option D is incorrect because
tubular function is also impaired in CKD.
Question 3
A 45-year-old male presents with acute onset of severe right upper
quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reports that the
pain began approximately 2 hours after eating a fatty meal. Physical
examination reveals right upper quadrant tenderness and a positive
Murphy's sign. Ultrasonography demonstrates gallstones and a
thickened gallbladder wall. Which of the following best describes the
pathogenesis of this patient's condition?
A. Obstruction of the cystic duct leading to increased intraluminal
pressure and inflammation
B. Increased secretion of bile acids with precipitation of cholesterol
crystals
C. Bacterial translocation from the duodenum causing direct infection
of the gallbladder
D. Ischemic injury to the gallbladder mucosa due to decreased blood
flow
Answer: A. Obstruction of the cystic duct leading to increased
intraluminal pressure and inflammation
Rationale: The patient is presenting with acute cholecystitis, which is
most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct by a gallstone.
This obstruction leads to increased intraluminal pressure, distension,
and inflammation of the gallbladder wall. The fatty meal precipitated
the symptoms because it stimulated gallbladder contraction against the
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obstructed duct. Option B describes the formation of gallstones, not
cholecystitis. Option C is incorrect because bacterial infection is typically
secondary to obstruction. Option D describes ischemic cholecystitis,
which is less common.
Question 4
A 58-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presents
with confusion, asterixis, and jaundice. Laboratory findings reveal
elevated serum ammonia levels, prolonged prothrombin time, and
hypoalbuminemia. Which of the following is the most likely cause of
the elevated serum ammonia in this patient?
A. Impaired conversion of ammonia to urea due to hepatocellular
dysfunction
B. Increased production of ammonia by skeletal muscle during protein
catabolism
C. Decreased renal excretion of ammonia due to acute kidney injury
D. Increased intestinal absorption of ammonia due to portal
hypertension
Answer: A. Impaired conversion of ammonia to urea due to
hepatocellular dysfunction
Rationale: The patient is presenting with hepatic encephalopathy
secondary to cirrhosis from chronic alcohol abuse. The liver is
responsible for converting ammonia to urea via the urea cycle.
Hepatocellular dysfunction leads to impaired ammonia metabolism,
resulting in elevated serum ammonia levels, which cross the blood-brain
barrier and cause neurological symptoms. Option B is incorrect because