NR283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
PRACTICE - CARDIOVASCULAR,
RESPIRATORY, AND RENAL SYSTEMS.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
B. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
C. Ascites and weight gain
D. Dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles in the lungs
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion because
the left ventricle cannot effectively pump blood into the systemic circulation, causing blood
to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries.
2. Which of the following is the primary pathophysiological mechanism behind the
development of emphysema?
A. Permanent enlargement of gas-exchange airways and destruction of alveolar walls
,B. Hypersecretion of mucus in the large airways
C. Reversible bronchospasm caused by environmental allergens
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls
and loss of elastic recoil, leading to permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the
terminal bronchioles.
3. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect of
Angiotensin II on the blood vessels?
A. Vasodilation to decrease blood pressure
B. Increased permeability to allow fluid exit
C. Vasoconstriction to increase systemic vascular resistance
D. Inhibition of sympathetic nervous system activity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance (afterload), which in turn raises blood pressure.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) due to severe hemorrhage. This
would be classified as which type of AKI?
A. Intrarenal
, B. Postrenal
C. Prerenal
D. Intrinsic
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow (e.g., hemorrhage, dehydration, or heart
failure).
5. What is the hallmark physiological finding in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension
B. Elevated serum albumin levels
C. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day
D. Decreased serum cholesterol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by heavy proteinuria
(massively increased glomerular permeability to protein), hypoalbuminemia, and edema.
6. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of stable angina?
A. Chest pain occurring at rest due to coronary artery vasospasm
B. Total occlusion of a coronary artery leading to tissue necrosis
PRACTICE - CARDIOVASCULAR,
RESPIRATORY, AND RENAL SYSTEMS.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
B. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
C. Ascites and weight gain
D. Dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles in the lungs
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion because
the left ventricle cannot effectively pump blood into the systemic circulation, causing blood
to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries.
2. Which of the following is the primary pathophysiological mechanism behind the
development of emphysema?
A. Permanent enlargement of gas-exchange airways and destruction of alveolar walls
,B. Hypersecretion of mucus in the large airways
C. Reversible bronchospasm caused by environmental allergens
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls
and loss of elastic recoil, leading to permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the
terminal bronchioles.
3. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect of
Angiotensin II on the blood vessels?
A. Vasodilation to decrease blood pressure
B. Increased permeability to allow fluid exit
C. Vasoconstriction to increase systemic vascular resistance
D. Inhibition of sympathetic nervous system activity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance (afterload), which in turn raises blood pressure.
4. A patient is diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) due to severe hemorrhage. This
would be classified as which type of AKI?
A. Intrarenal
, B. Postrenal
C. Prerenal
D. Intrinsic
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that reduce systemic
circulation, causing a decrease in renal blood flow (e.g., hemorrhage, dehydration, or heart
failure).
5. What is the hallmark physiological finding in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and hypertension
B. Elevated serum albumin levels
C. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day
D. Decreased serum cholesterol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by heavy proteinuria
(massively increased glomerular permeability to protein), hypoalbuminemia, and edema.
6. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of stable angina?
A. Chest pain occurring at rest due to coronary artery vasospasm
B. Total occlusion of a coronary artery leading to tissue necrosis
