NR283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with severe anemia. Which of the
following is the primary pathophysiological cause of this condition?
A. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis sessions
B. Reduced production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
C. Iron deficiency due to dietary restrictions
D. Accumulation of uremic toxins causing red blood cell destruction
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, the kidneys fail to produce adequate amounts of
erythropoietin, a hormone necessary for stimulating the bone marrow to produce red
blood cells.
2. Which laboratory finding is the most sensitive indicator of early renal dysfunction?
A. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
C. Decreased serum potassium levels
,D. Presence of ketones in the urine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GFR is considered the best overall index of kidney function; BUN
can be affected by protein intake and hydration status, making it less specific than GFR.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Massive proteinuria and generalized edema
B. Gross hematuria and hypertension
C. Oliguria and flank pain
D. Ketonuria and metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5g/day), hypoalbuminemia, and severe edema due to the loss of oncotic pressure.
4. Which type of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) would most likely result from a severe hemorrhage
leading to hypotension?
A. Prerenal AKI
B. Postrenal AKI
C. Intrarenal AKI
D. Chronic AKI
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow (e.g., hypovolemia from hemorrhage).
5. What is the primary cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
A. Excessive production of gastrin
B. Delayed gastric emptying due to pyloric stenosis
C. Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
D. Infection with Helicobacter pylori
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: GERD is primarily caused by a weak or incompetent lower
esophageal sphincter that allows gastric contents to reflux into the esophagus.
6. A patient presents with a ‘rigid, board-like abdomen’ and severe abdominal pain. Which
condition is this a classic sign of?
A. Diverticulitis
B. Ulcerative Colitis
C. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
D. Peritonitis
Answer: D
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with severe anemia. Which of the
following is the primary pathophysiological cause of this condition?
A. Chronic blood loss during hemodialysis sessions
B. Reduced production of erythropoietin by the kidneys
C. Iron deficiency due to dietary restrictions
D. Accumulation of uremic toxins causing red blood cell destruction
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, the kidneys fail to produce adequate amounts of
erythropoietin, a hormone necessary for stimulating the bone marrow to produce red
blood cells.
2. Which laboratory finding is the most sensitive indicator of early renal dysfunction?
A. Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. Decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
C. Decreased serum potassium levels
,D. Presence of ketones in the urine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GFR is considered the best overall index of kidney function; BUN
can be affected by protein intake and hydration status, making it less specific than GFR.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Massive proteinuria and generalized edema
B. Gross hematuria and hypertension
C. Oliguria and flank pain
D. Ketonuria and metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5g/day), hypoalbuminemia, and severe edema due to the loss of oncotic pressure.
4. Which type of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) would most likely result from a severe hemorrhage
leading to hypotension?
A. Prerenal AKI
B. Postrenal AKI
C. Intrarenal AKI
D. Chronic AKI
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow (e.g., hypovolemia from hemorrhage).
5. What is the primary cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
A. Excessive production of gastrin
B. Delayed gastric emptying due to pyloric stenosis
C. Incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
D. Infection with Helicobacter pylori
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: GERD is primarily caused by a weak or incompetent lower
esophageal sphincter that allows gastric contents to reflux into the esophagus.
6. A patient presents with a ‘rigid, board-like abdomen’ and severe abdominal pain. Which
condition is this a classic sign of?
A. Diverticulitis
B. Ulcerative Colitis
C. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
D. Peritonitis
Answer: D
