NSG 120
NURSING PATHIOPHYSIOLOGY
Full Mock Exam
Questions & Answers
2025
,How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) result in increased blood volume and
increased blood pressure?
- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys by low perfusion, which in turn begins to
secrete renin.
Renin then triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, which is converted to Angiotensin I in the
lungs and then angiotensin II by the enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction
which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland to release aldosterone, which acts to increase
sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood volume, while also increased potassium secretion in
urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac arrest?
- Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/dL. Hyperkalemia refers to potassium
levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in muscles. Too low and muscle weakness occurs
,and too much can cause muscle spasms.
, This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Phosphate Buffering System, and Carbonic Acid-
Bicarbonate System to regulate and maintain homeostatic pH, what is the consequence of a pH
imbalance
- Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that can be affected by pH changes. Any increase or
decrease in blood pH can alter the structure of the protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as
well
Describe the laboratory findings associated with metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory
acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. (ie relative pH and CO2 levels).
- Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH: 7.35-7.45 PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg
HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are marked by changes in PCO2. Higher = acidosis and lower =
alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are caused by something other than abnormal CO2 levels. This could include
toxicity, diabetes, renal failure or excessive GI losses.
NURSING PATHIOPHYSIOLOGY
Full Mock Exam
Questions & Answers
2025
,How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) result in increased blood volume and
increased blood pressure?
- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys by low perfusion, which in turn begins to
secrete renin.
Renin then triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, which is converted to Angiotensin I in the
lungs and then angiotensin II by the enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction
which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland to release aldosterone, which acts to increase
sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood volume, while also increased potassium secretion in
urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac arrest?
- Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/dL. Hyperkalemia refers to potassium
levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in muscles. Too low and muscle weakness occurs
,and too much can cause muscle spasms.
, This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Phosphate Buffering System, and Carbonic Acid-
Bicarbonate System to regulate and maintain homeostatic pH, what is the consequence of a pH
imbalance
- Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that can be affected by pH changes. Any increase or
decrease in blood pH can alter the structure of the protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as
well
Describe the laboratory findings associated with metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory
acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. (ie relative pH and CO2 levels).
- Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH: 7.35-7.45 PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg
HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are marked by changes in PCO2. Higher = acidosis and lower =
alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are caused by something other than abnormal CO2 levels. This could include
toxicity, diabetes, renal failure or excessive GI losses.
