NSG 530 EXAM 4 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Nephrotic Syndrome distinguishing it
from Nephritic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and RBC casts
B. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day
C. Systemic hypertension and oliguria
D. Presence of inflammatory cellular infiltration in the glomerulus
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5g/day) due to podocyte injury, leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema, whereas
nephritic syndrome is defined by inflammation and hematuria.
2. In the pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), what is the typical alteration
in the LH to FSH ratio?
A. Increased FSH with decreased LH
,B. Decreased LH and decreased FSH
C. Normalization of both hormones through insulin sensitivity
D. Increased LH relative to FSH
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PCOS often involves an elevated LH to FSH ratio (often 2:1 or
3:1), which stimulates the theca cells to produce excess androgens.
3. Which mechanism best explains the development of prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma by toxins
B. Obstruction of the urinary outflow tract
C. Autoimmune destruction of the basement membrane
D. Reduced renal perfusion due to systemic hypotension or hypovolemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that decrease blood flow to the
kidneys, such as dehydration, heart failure, or shock, without initial direct damage to the
kidney tissue.
4. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What is the underlying cause?
A. Hyperphosphatemia and decreased activation of Vitamin D
B. Excessive excretion of calcium by the kidneys
, C. Primary adenoma of the parathyroid gland
D. Increased intestinal absorption of calcium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, the kidneys fail to excrete phosphate and activate
Vitamin D (calcitriol). Low calcium and high phosphate stimulate the parathyroid glands to
overproduce PTH.
5. Which pathophysiological process is characteristic of Crohn’s Disease but not Ulcerative
Colitis?
A. Continuous lesions starting in the rectum
B. Mucosal and submucosal inflammation only
C. High risk of toxic megacolon
D. Transmural inflammation and skip lesions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Crohn’s disease involves transmural inflammation (entire wall
thickness) and skip lesions (discontinuous segments), whereas UC is continuous and
limited to the mucosa.
6. How does H. pylori infection contribute to the development of peptic ulcers?
A. By decreasing the pH of the stomach acid directly
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of Nephrotic Syndrome distinguishing it
from Nephritic Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria and RBC casts
B. Proteinuria exceeding 3.5 grams per day
C. Systemic hypertension and oliguria
D. Presence of inflammatory cellular infiltration in the glomerulus
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria
(>3.5g/day) due to podocyte injury, leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema, whereas
nephritic syndrome is defined by inflammation and hematuria.
2. In the pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), what is the typical alteration
in the LH to FSH ratio?
A. Increased FSH with decreased LH
,B. Decreased LH and decreased FSH
C. Normalization of both hormones through insulin sensitivity
D. Increased LH relative to FSH
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PCOS often involves an elevated LH to FSH ratio (often 2:1 or
3:1), which stimulates the theca cells to produce excess androgens.
3. Which mechanism best explains the development of prerenal Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
A. Direct damage to the renal parenchyma by toxins
B. Obstruction of the urinary outflow tract
C. Autoimmune destruction of the basement membrane
D. Reduced renal perfusion due to systemic hypotension or hypovolemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Prerenal AKI is caused by factors that decrease blood flow to the
kidneys, such as dehydration, heart failure, or shock, without initial direct damage to the
kidney tissue.
4. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What is the underlying cause?
A. Hyperphosphatemia and decreased activation of Vitamin D
B. Excessive excretion of calcium by the kidneys
, C. Primary adenoma of the parathyroid gland
D. Increased intestinal absorption of calcium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In CKD, the kidneys fail to excrete phosphate and activate
Vitamin D (calcitriol). Low calcium and high phosphate stimulate the parathyroid glands to
overproduce PTH.
5. Which pathophysiological process is characteristic of Crohn’s Disease but not Ulcerative
Colitis?
A. Continuous lesions starting in the rectum
B. Mucosal and submucosal inflammation only
C. High risk of toxic megacolon
D. Transmural inflammation and skip lesions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Crohn’s disease involves transmural inflammation (entire wall
thickness) and skip lesions (discontinuous segments), whereas UC is continuous and
limited to the mucosa.
6. How does H. pylori infection contribute to the development of peptic ulcers?
A. By decreasing the pH of the stomach acid directly
