NSG 5140 WEEK 2 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which electrolyte movement is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an
action potential in a neuron?
A. Sodium influx
B. Potassium efflux
C. Calcium efflux
D. Chloride influx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Depolarization is characterized by the rapid opening of voltage-
gated sodium channels, allowing sodium ions to rush into the cell, making the interior more
positive.
2. In the Monro-Kellie hypothesis, which of the following is NOT one of the three components
that must remain in volume equilibrium within the skull?
A. Brain tissue
,B. Blood
C. Cerebrospinal fluid
D. Interstitial lymph
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the sum of volumes of
brain, CSF, and intracerebral blood is constant. An increase in one should be compensated
by a decrease in others.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily lost in patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Parkinson’s disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-
producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia.
4. What is the hallmark pathological feature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Loss of anterior horn cells
B. Demyelination of central nervous system axons
, C. Amyloid plaque accumulation
D. Degeneration of the neuromuscular junction
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation
and destruction of the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord.
5. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with
spinal cord injuries at or above which level?
A. C3
B. L2
C. T6
D. S1
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomic dysreflexia typically occurs in individuals with spinal
cord injuries at or above the T6 level, triggered by noxious stimuli below the injury.
6. Which type of seizure involves both hemispheres of the brain from the onset and results in
a loss of consciousness?
A. Focal aware seizure
B. Generalized seizure
C. Simple partial seizure
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which electrolyte movement is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an
action potential in a neuron?
A. Sodium influx
B. Potassium efflux
C. Calcium efflux
D. Chloride influx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Depolarization is characterized by the rapid opening of voltage-
gated sodium channels, allowing sodium ions to rush into the cell, making the interior more
positive.
2. In the Monro-Kellie hypothesis, which of the following is NOT one of the three components
that must remain in volume equilibrium within the skull?
A. Brain tissue
,B. Blood
C. Cerebrospinal fluid
D. Interstitial lymph
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis states that the sum of volumes of
brain, CSF, and intracerebral blood is constant. An increase in one should be compensated
by a decrease in others.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily lost in patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Parkinson’s disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-
producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia.
4. What is the hallmark pathological feature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Loss of anterior horn cells
B. Demyelination of central nervous system axons
, C. Amyloid plaque accumulation
D. Degeneration of the neuromuscular junction
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation
and destruction of the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord.
5. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with
spinal cord injuries at or above which level?
A. C3
B. L2
C. T6
D. S1
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomic dysreflexia typically occurs in individuals with spinal
cord injuries at or above the T6 level, triggered by noxious stimuli below the injury.
6. Which type of seizure involves both hemispheres of the brain from the onset and results in
a loss of consciousness?
A. Focal aware seizure
B. Generalized seizure
C. Simple partial seizure
