Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing Lack of ability to produce sufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
hypoxia related to lung disease. The client reports extreme
fatigue and weakness. Which pathological condition does
the nurse suspect to be occurring at a cellular level?
The nurse is providing care for a client who recently had a Examined cells are poorly differentiated
skin lesion surgically removed. Which information in the
histology report indicates the lesion is malignant?
A client is diagnosed with impairment of cellular apoptosis. Cancer at the location of the process
Which disease can this condition cause?
What is the microscope study of tissues and cells that Histology
identifies distinct disease processes that help clinicians
diagnose?
Which process is present with oxidative stress? Cells undergo transient ischemia with subsequent resumption of circulation.
A client is being treated for atherosclerosis. Which options Hypertension, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposition
are directly detrimental to the client's condition? Select all
that apply.
During fertilization each parent contributes to the DNA The sex of the offspring
being passed on to the offspring. Which genetic
expression in the offspring is the best validation of the
genetic contribution by a parent?
A newborn exhibits the manifestations of a genetic An alteration that most likely occurred spontaneously
disorder. A five-generation family history of each parent
does not indicate the presence of the disorder. Which type
of mutation does the nurse recognize?
Which of the following defines translation in the regulation Process of protein synthesis from RNA
of gene expression?
Which of the following diseases are a result of aneuploidy? Down's Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter's Syndrome
(select all that apply)
Damage to DNA potentially results in defective protein Cystic Fibrosis
production and therefore disease. Which of the following is
a common disorder that involves a defect in a protein that
functions as a chloride channel regulator in epithelial cells?
Which of the following conditions can aid in the Development of oncogenes, Inhibition of tumor suppressor genes
explanation of uncontrolled cellular growth seen in
cancers? (select all that apply)
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder Children are at risk for early acute myocardial infarction
characterized by a high cholesterol level. Which statement
is true regarding the condition?
In the alarm stage of Selye's General Adaptation Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in fight or flight response.
Syndrome, which of the following nervous and endocrine Hypothalamus triggers anterior pituitary and ultimately the adrenal cortex to release
system changes occur? (select all that apply) cortisol resulting in increased blood glucose levels.
Posterior pituitary releases ADH to promote water reabsorption and increase BP.
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine to potentiate the sympathetic nervous
system response.
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse works in a community clinic and assists a An older adult client whose spouse has severe dementia and has been cared for in
variety of clients. According to McEwen's stress response the home for several years. Recently the client has been diagnosed and treated for
theory, which client does the nurse identify as being at hypertension and cardiac rhythm disturbances.
greatest risk for allostatic overload?
Which nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation occurs in the Increase in myocardial perfusion
coronary arteries with exercise?
A client is hospitalized due to complications of immobility. Open pressure injury
The laboratory results indicate the client has developed
septicemia. Which factor does the nurse recognize as
directly causing septicemia?
Immobility has an overall negative effect on health and well Parathyroid hormones increase, stimulating osteoblast activity.
being. Which of the following is NOT correct in this regard?
A client displays behaviors that involve a desire for Anorexia nervosa
perfection and success in academics, psychiatric
characteristics of being socially isolated and emotional,
and having a severely restricted diet. Which possible
eating disorder does the nurse identify as most likely in this
client?
An adult client has a body mass index (BMI) of 45. The Gastric bypass surgery is done by surgically restructuring the upper portion of the
client wants to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Which stomach.
statements by the nurse would justify the advantages of Gastric bypass surgery alters the ability of the stomach and small bowel to absorb
the surgery? (select all that apply) calories and nutrients.
Gastric bypass surgery limits the volume of food consumed to 1/2 to 1 ounce.
A client undergoes gastric bypass surgery and reports Abdominal cramps
symptoms postsurgery. Which symptoms are interpreted Diarrhea
by the nurse as being consistent with dumping syndrome? Severe hypotension
(select all that apply)
The nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology connected to Leptin
obesity. With regard to adipokines secreted by adipocytes,
the nurse is aware that some are "bad" and others are
"good." Which of the following is considered a "good"
adipokine that obese individuals are considered to be
resistant to?
All of the following are potential causes of secondary Hyperlipidemia
obesity EXCEPT:
Which statements are true about pharmacological Pharmacological weight loss is usually for a brief period of time.
interventions for weight loss? (select all that apply) These products are for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater and
concurrent obesity-related medical problems.
Over-the-counter appetite suppressants have sympathomimetic side effects.
An adult client experiences problems such as Chronic pain
sleeplessness, fear, irritability, anxiety, and stress. The
client has pain lasting longer than 6 months that has
assumed a disproportionate amount of time and attention.
Which type of pain can be diagnosed from the symptoms?
Which statement is NOT true concerning gate control Explains chronic pain or phantom limb pain well
theory?
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing pain Nonpharmacological treatments activate the body's own endorphins and
who wishes to manage the pain without medication. Which enkephalins.
explanation of the process by which the body responds to
nonpharmacological treatments does the nurse provide?
The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client after Medicates for pain and anxiety at bedtime
a lower limb amputation. The client reports having pain as
severe as the pain prior to the amputation. Which action
does the nurse take to promote comfort for this client?
The patient with gallbladder disease is experiencing pain Referred
in the shoulder. The best description of this type of pain is:
A client comes in with stabbing electric shock pain in the Neuropathic, anticonvulsants
facial area. What type of pain is this and which treatment
option is the best choice for the client?
Which pain tract signals the sensation up to the brain? Spinothalamic
The nurse is providing care for a client with cerebral Hypertonic solution
edema. Which IV does the nurse expect to be prescribed?
A client's laboratory test results show overproduction of Provide spironolactone, a diuretic
aldosterone. Which is the best nursing intervention to
maintain serum electrolyte levels in the client?
A client has +3 pitting edema on the feet and ascites. Serum albumin level
Which is the most important laboratory value to be
monitored by the nurse given this condition?
An adult client who has hypervolemia reports a headache, Hyponatremia
muscle cramps, and vomiting. The nurse notices
confusion. Which condition has the client most likely
developed?
During evaluation of a client who has undergone extensive Dehydration
surgery, the nurse finds that the client has an abnormally
rapid heartbeat and hypotension. Which condition has the
client most likely developed?
A registered nurse is teaching a student nurse about the Natriuresis refers to the excretion of large amounts of water and sodium in response
reason for the development of natriuresis. Which to fluid overload."
statement made by the student nurse indicates effective
teaching?
A client has increased serum phosphorus levels. Which Hypocalcemia
condition often co-existing with hyperphosphatemia would
the nurse expect to find in the client?
A client has chronically elevated serum calcium Osteopenia
concentration. Which condition is likely to occur in the
client?
The nurse suspects a client has pseudohypocalcemia. Hypoalbuminemia
Which laboratory result does the nurse monitor as a
probable cause of this condition?
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
A client is running a high temperature and is found to have Dark urine with high specific gravity
fluid volume deficit. Which signs and symptoms are likely Poor skin turgor
to appear in the client because of fluid volume deficit? Orthostatic hypotension
Select all that apply.
The nurse is analyzing an arterial blood gas report of a The kidneys will retain bicarbonate.
client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and
respiratory acidosis. Which compensation mechanism is
likely to occur?
The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed The client breathes rapidly to eliminate carbon dioxide.
with metabolic acidosis due to renal failure. Which
mechanism of compensation for the acid-base disturbance
does the nurse recognize in the client?
A nurse is caring for a client who is anxious and dizzy after Encourage the client to breathe into a paper bag
a traumatic experience. The arterial blood gas findings
include a pH level of 7.5, partial pressure of oxygen at 110,
partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 25, and bicarbonate
at 20. Which initial intervention does the nurse implement?
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client, Hypercapnia
which are blood pH 7.36, PCO2 48 mm Hg, PO2 96 mm
Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, and SaO2 98% on room air. Which
condition does the nurse recognize based on the displayed
values?
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing Kidney compensation for acidosis is a slow process requiring more immediate
respiratory acidosis. The health-care provider prescribes interventions
that the client be placed on mechanical ventilation and be
administered sodium bicarbonate. Which understanding
does the nurse have regarding the prescribed treatment?
Arterial blood gas values of a patient with nausea and The blood is alkaline.
vomiting for 3 days due to a viral infection are documented The lungs are not responsible for the alkalosis.
as shown. The origin of the condition is related to the illness.
Blood pH The condition is uncompensated alkalosis.
7.61
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
49 mm Hg
Partial pressure of oxygen
99 mm Hg
Bicarbonate concentration
18 mEq/L
Oxygen saturation
99%
Which of the following conditions could result in a primary Status asthmaticus
respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply. Upper thoracic spinal cord injury
Opioid overdose
client who is unconscious due to drug toxicity is brought to Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
the emergency room. The client's vital signs include a
body temperature of 97.8°F, pulse rate of 90 beats/minute,
respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute, and blood pressure
of 100/70 mm Hg. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values of
the client are also documented as shown.
Blood pH
7.29
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
32 mm Hg
Partial pressure of oxygen
95 mm Hg
Bicarbonate concentration
17 mEq/L
Oxygen saturation
98%
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing Lack of ability to produce sufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
hypoxia related to lung disease. The client reports extreme
fatigue and weakness. Which pathological condition does
the nurse suspect to be occurring at a cellular level?
The nurse is providing care for a client who recently had a Examined cells are poorly differentiated
skin lesion surgically removed. Which information in the
histology report indicates the lesion is malignant?
A client is diagnosed with impairment of cellular apoptosis. Cancer at the location of the process
Which disease can this condition cause?
What is the microscope study of tissues and cells that Histology
identifies distinct disease processes that help clinicians
diagnose?
Which process is present with oxidative stress? Cells undergo transient ischemia with subsequent resumption of circulation.
A client is being treated for atherosclerosis. Which options Hypertension, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposition
are directly detrimental to the client's condition? Select all
that apply.
During fertilization each parent contributes to the DNA The sex of the offspring
being passed on to the offspring. Which genetic
expression in the offspring is the best validation of the
genetic contribution by a parent?
A newborn exhibits the manifestations of a genetic An alteration that most likely occurred spontaneously
disorder. A five-generation family history of each parent
does not indicate the presence of the disorder. Which type
of mutation does the nurse recognize?
Which of the following defines translation in the regulation Process of protein synthesis from RNA
of gene expression?
Which of the following diseases are a result of aneuploidy? Down's Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter's Syndrome
(select all that apply)
Damage to DNA potentially results in defective protein Cystic Fibrosis
production and therefore disease. Which of the following is
a common disorder that involves a defect in a protein that
functions as a chloride channel regulator in epithelial cells?
Which of the following conditions can aid in the Development of oncogenes, Inhibition of tumor suppressor genes
explanation of uncontrolled cellular growth seen in
cancers? (select all that apply)
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder Children are at risk for early acute myocardial infarction
characterized by a high cholesterol level. Which statement
is true regarding the condition?
In the alarm stage of Selye's General Adaptation Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in fight or flight response.
Syndrome, which of the following nervous and endocrine Hypothalamus triggers anterior pituitary and ultimately the adrenal cortex to release
system changes occur? (select all that apply) cortisol resulting in increased blood glucose levels.
Posterior pituitary releases ADH to promote water reabsorption and increase BP.
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine to potentiate the sympathetic nervous
system response.
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse works in a community clinic and assists a An older adult client whose spouse has severe dementia and has been cared for in
variety of clients. According to McEwen's stress response the home for several years. Recently the client has been diagnosed and treated for
theory, which client does the nurse identify as being at hypertension and cardiac rhythm disturbances.
greatest risk for allostatic overload?
Which nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation occurs in the Increase in myocardial perfusion
coronary arteries with exercise?
A client is hospitalized due to complications of immobility. Open pressure injury
The laboratory results indicate the client has developed
septicemia. Which factor does the nurse recognize as
directly causing septicemia?
Immobility has an overall negative effect on health and well Parathyroid hormones increase, stimulating osteoblast activity.
being. Which of the following is NOT correct in this regard?
A client displays behaviors that involve a desire for Anorexia nervosa
perfection and success in academics, psychiatric
characteristics of being socially isolated and emotional,
and having a severely restricted diet. Which possible
eating disorder does the nurse identify as most likely in this
client?
An adult client has a body mass index (BMI) of 45. The Gastric bypass surgery is done by surgically restructuring the upper portion of the
client wants to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Which stomach.
statements by the nurse would justify the advantages of Gastric bypass surgery alters the ability of the stomach and small bowel to absorb
the surgery? (select all that apply) calories and nutrients.
Gastric bypass surgery limits the volume of food consumed to 1/2 to 1 ounce.
A client undergoes gastric bypass surgery and reports Abdominal cramps
symptoms postsurgery. Which symptoms are interpreted Diarrhea
by the nurse as being consistent with dumping syndrome? Severe hypotension
(select all that apply)
The nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology connected to Leptin
obesity. With regard to adipokines secreted by adipocytes,
the nurse is aware that some are "bad" and others are
"good." Which of the following is considered a "good"
adipokine that obese individuals are considered to be
resistant to?
All of the following are potential causes of secondary Hyperlipidemia
obesity EXCEPT:
Which statements are true about pharmacological Pharmacological weight loss is usually for a brief period of time.
interventions for weight loss? (select all that apply) These products are for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater and
concurrent obesity-related medical problems.
Over-the-counter appetite suppressants have sympathomimetic side effects.
An adult client experiences problems such as Chronic pain
sleeplessness, fear, irritability, anxiety, and stress. The
client has pain lasting longer than 6 months that has
assumed a disproportionate amount of time and attention.
Which type of pain can be diagnosed from the symptoms?
Which statement is NOT true concerning gate control Explains chronic pain or phantom limb pain well
theory?
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing pain Nonpharmacological treatments activate the body's own endorphins and
who wishes to manage the pain without medication. Which enkephalins.
explanation of the process by which the body responds to
nonpharmacological treatments does the nurse provide?
The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client after Medicates for pain and anxiety at bedtime
a lower limb amputation. The client reports having pain as
severe as the pain prior to the amputation. Which action
does the nurse take to promote comfort for this client?
The patient with gallbladder disease is experiencing pain Referred
in the shoulder. The best description of this type of pain is:
A client comes in with stabbing electric shock pain in the Neuropathic, anticonvulsants
facial area. What type of pain is this and which treatment
option is the best choice for the client?
Which pain tract signals the sensation up to the brain? Spinothalamic
The nurse is providing care for a client with cerebral Hypertonic solution
edema. Which IV does the nurse expect to be prescribed?
A client's laboratory test results show overproduction of Provide spironolactone, a diuretic
aldosterone. Which is the best nursing intervention to
maintain serum electrolyte levels in the client?
A client has +3 pitting edema on the feet and ascites. Serum albumin level
Which is the most important laboratory value to be
monitored by the nurse given this condition?
An adult client who has hypervolemia reports a headache, Hyponatremia
muscle cramps, and vomiting. The nurse notices
confusion. Which condition has the client most likely
developed?
During evaluation of a client who has undergone extensive Dehydration
surgery, the nurse finds that the client has an abnormally
rapid heartbeat and hypotension. Which condition has the
client most likely developed?
A registered nurse is teaching a student nurse about the Natriuresis refers to the excretion of large amounts of water and sodium in response
reason for the development of natriuresis. Which to fluid overload."
statement made by the student nurse indicates effective
teaching?
A client has increased serum phosphorus levels. Which Hypocalcemia
condition often co-existing with hyperphosphatemia would
the nurse expect to find in the client?
A client has chronically elevated serum calcium Osteopenia
concentration. Which condition is likely to occur in the
client?
The nurse suspects a client has pseudohypocalcemia. Hypoalbuminemia
Which laboratory result does the nurse monitor as a
probable cause of this condition?
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
, Nursing Pathophysiology Final - Exam Questions & Verified Answers
A client is running a high temperature and is found to have Dark urine with high specific gravity
fluid volume deficit. Which signs and symptoms are likely Poor skin turgor
to appear in the client because of fluid volume deficit? Orthostatic hypotension
Select all that apply.
The nurse is analyzing an arterial blood gas report of a The kidneys will retain bicarbonate.
client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and
respiratory acidosis. Which compensation mechanism is
likely to occur?
The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed The client breathes rapidly to eliminate carbon dioxide.
with metabolic acidosis due to renal failure. Which
mechanism of compensation for the acid-base disturbance
does the nurse recognize in the client?
A nurse is caring for a client who is anxious and dizzy after Encourage the client to breathe into a paper bag
a traumatic experience. The arterial blood gas findings
include a pH level of 7.5, partial pressure of oxygen at 110,
partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 25, and bicarbonate
at 20. Which initial intervention does the nurse implement?
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client, Hypercapnia
which are blood pH 7.36, PCO2 48 mm Hg, PO2 96 mm
Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, and SaO2 98% on room air. Which
condition does the nurse recognize based on the displayed
values?
The nurse is providing care for a client experiencing Kidney compensation for acidosis is a slow process requiring more immediate
respiratory acidosis. The health-care provider prescribes interventions
that the client be placed on mechanical ventilation and be
administered sodium bicarbonate. Which understanding
does the nurse have regarding the prescribed treatment?
Arterial blood gas values of a patient with nausea and The blood is alkaline.
vomiting for 3 days due to a viral infection are documented The lungs are not responsible for the alkalosis.
as shown. The origin of the condition is related to the illness.
Blood pH The condition is uncompensated alkalosis.
7.61
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
49 mm Hg
Partial pressure of oxygen
99 mm Hg
Bicarbonate concentration
18 mEq/L
Oxygen saturation
99%
Which of the following conditions could result in a primary Status asthmaticus
respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply. Upper thoracic spinal cord injury
Opioid overdose
client who is unconscious due to drug toxicity is brought to Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
the emergency room. The client's vital signs include a
body temperature of 97.8°F, pulse rate of 90 beats/minute,
respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute, and blood pressure
of 100/70 mm Hg. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values of
the client are also documented as shown.
Blood pH
7.29
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
32 mm Hg
Partial pressure of oxygen
95 mm Hg
Bicarbonate concentration
17 mEq/L
Oxygen saturation
98%
Stuvia 2026-2027 | Latest Version
