NUR2063: Essentials of
Pathophysiology Exam 2
1. Question:
A patient presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at the site of injury.
Which physiologic process is most responsible for these symptoms?
Answer:
Increased vascular permeability and vasodilation caused by inflammatory mediators
(e.g., histamine, prostaglandins) leading to localized edema and hyperemia.
2. Question:
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction involves IgE antibodies and mast cell
degranulation?
Answer:
Type I hypersensitivity reaction (immediate allergic reaction).
3. Question:
In left-sided heart failure, which symptom is most likely to be present first?
Answer:
Pulmonary congestion leading to dyspnea and orthopnea.
4. Question:
Which laboratory finding is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
,Answer:
Elevated troponin I or T levels.
5. Question:
A patient with chronic bronchitis will typically have which arterial blood gas pattern?
Answer:
Respiratory acidosis with hypoxemia (low PaO₂, high PaCO₂, low pH).
6. Question:
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with chronic kidney
disease (CKD)?
Answer:
Hyperkalemia due to impaired renal excretion.
7. Question:
Why does nephrotic syndrome lead to generalized edema?
Answer:
Loss of plasma proteins (especially albumin) in urine reduces oncotic pressure,
leading to fluid shift into interstitial spaces.
8. Question:
What is the primary difference between stable angina and unstable angina?
Answer:
Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest/nitroglycerin;
unstable angina is unpredictable, may occur at rest, and is a sign of impending
myocardial infarction.
, 9. Question:
In asthma, airway obstruction is primarily caused by which three pathophysiologic
mechanisms?
Answer:
Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production.
10. Question:
Which pathophysiologic mechanism underlies the development of a deep vein
thrombosis (DVT)?
Answer:
Virchow’s triad: venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.
11. Question:
Why does emphysema cause a “barrel chest” appearance?
Answer:
Air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs increase the anteroposterior diameter of
the chest.
12. Question:
Which cardiac rhythm is most common after a massive pulmonary embolism?
Answer:
Sinus tachycardia due to hypoxemia and increased sympathetic stimulation.
13. Question:
Why does uncontrolled hypertension lead to left ventricular hypertrophy?
Answer:
Pathophysiology Exam 2
1. Question:
A patient presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at the site of injury.
Which physiologic process is most responsible for these symptoms?
Answer:
Increased vascular permeability and vasodilation caused by inflammatory mediators
(e.g., histamine, prostaglandins) leading to localized edema and hyperemia.
2. Question:
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction involves IgE antibodies and mast cell
degranulation?
Answer:
Type I hypersensitivity reaction (immediate allergic reaction).
3. Question:
In left-sided heart failure, which symptom is most likely to be present first?
Answer:
Pulmonary congestion leading to dyspnea and orthopnea.
4. Question:
Which laboratory finding is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
,Answer:
Elevated troponin I or T levels.
5. Question:
A patient with chronic bronchitis will typically have which arterial blood gas pattern?
Answer:
Respiratory acidosis with hypoxemia (low PaO₂, high PaCO₂, low pH).
6. Question:
Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with chronic kidney
disease (CKD)?
Answer:
Hyperkalemia due to impaired renal excretion.
7. Question:
Why does nephrotic syndrome lead to generalized edema?
Answer:
Loss of plasma proteins (especially albumin) in urine reduces oncotic pressure,
leading to fluid shift into interstitial spaces.
8. Question:
What is the primary difference between stable angina and unstable angina?
Answer:
Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest/nitroglycerin;
unstable angina is unpredictable, may occur at rest, and is a sign of impending
myocardial infarction.
, 9. Question:
In asthma, airway obstruction is primarily caused by which three pathophysiologic
mechanisms?
Answer:
Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production.
10. Question:
Which pathophysiologic mechanism underlies the development of a deep vein
thrombosis (DVT)?
Answer:
Virchow’s triad: venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.
11. Question:
Why does emphysema cause a “barrel chest” appearance?
Answer:
Air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs increase the anteroposterior diameter of
the chest.
12. Question:
Which cardiac rhythm is most common after a massive pulmonary embolism?
Answer:
Sinus tachycardia due to hypoxemia and increased sympathetic stimulation.
13. Question:
Why does uncontrolled hypertension lead to left ventricular hypertrophy?
Answer:
