NSG 3850: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR
NURSES II COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following findings is most characteristic of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
(HHS) rather than Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Elevated serum ketone levels
B. Presence of Kussmaul respirations
C. Significant metabolic acidosis with a low pH
D. Blood glucose levels typically exceeding 600 mg/dL
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: HHS is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia (often >600
mg/dL) and profound dehydration without significant ketosis, as there is enough insulin to
prevent lipolysis but not enough to control glucose.
2. In a patient with SIADH, which electrolyte imbalance is the primary concern for the nurse?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Dilutional hyponatremia
,C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention due to high levels of
ADH, leading to dilutional hyponatremia as the extracellular fluid volume increases.
3. A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is likely to demonstrate which of the following
physiological changes?
A. Hypotension and weight loss
B. Negative nitrogen balance and muscle wasting
C. Hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia
D. Excessive growth of long bones
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Excess cortisol in Cushing’s Syndrome causes catabolism of
proteins, leading to muscle wasting, thin skin, and a negative nitrogen balance.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid tissue by T-cells
B. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
C. Autoantibodies mimicking TSH to stimulate the thyroid
, D. Pituitary adenoma secreting excess TSH
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where Thyroid-
Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI) bind to TSH receptors, causing hyperthyroidism.
5. A patient presents with hypotension, hyperpigmentation, and hyperkalemia. Which
condition should be suspected?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Diabetes Insipidus
D. Conn’s Syndrome
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addison’s disease involves adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol
and aldosterone), leading to salt wasting, hyperkalemia, and bronze skin pigmentation.
6. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Cushing’s Triad, indicating increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
B. High fever, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia
C. Miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis
D. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
NURSES II COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following findings is most characteristic of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
(HHS) rather than Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A. Elevated serum ketone levels
B. Presence of Kussmaul respirations
C. Significant metabolic acidosis with a low pH
D. Blood glucose levels typically exceeding 600 mg/dL
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: HHS is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia (often >600
mg/dL) and profound dehydration without significant ketosis, as there is enough insulin to
prevent lipolysis but not enough to control glucose.
2. In a patient with SIADH, which electrolyte imbalance is the primary concern for the nurse?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Dilutional hyponatremia
,C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention due to high levels of
ADH, leading to dilutional hyponatremia as the extracellular fluid volume increases.
3. A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is likely to demonstrate which of the following
physiological changes?
A. Hypotension and weight loss
B. Negative nitrogen balance and muscle wasting
C. Hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia
D. Excessive growth of long bones
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Excess cortisol in Cushing’s Syndrome causes catabolism of
proteins, leading to muscle wasting, thin skin, and a negative nitrogen balance.
4. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ Disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid tissue by T-cells
B. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
C. Autoantibodies mimicking TSH to stimulate the thyroid
, D. Pituitary adenoma secreting excess TSH
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder where Thyroid-
Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI) bind to TSH receptors, causing hyperthyroidism.
5. A patient presents with hypotension, hyperpigmentation, and hyperkalemia. Which
condition should be suspected?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Addison’s Disease
C. Diabetes Insipidus
D. Conn’s Syndrome
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addison’s disease involves adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol
and aldosterone), leading to salt wasting, hyperkalemia, and bronze skin pigmentation.
6. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of Cushing’s Triad, indicating increased
intracranial pressure?
A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
B. High fever, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia
C. Miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis
D. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
