NUR 2063 – PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
PROCTORED FINAL EXAM: (LATEST 2026–
2027 UPDATE), WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
AT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
ESSENTIALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
EXAM
PROCTORED FINAL EXAM
SECTION 1 — QUESTIONS 1–50
pathophysiology focus
Multiple choice
One correct answer
Sequential rationales
Question 1
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs due to multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. Which of the
following is a serious potential complication of chronic GERD?
A. Chronic cough
B. Heartburn
C. Diarrhea
D. Esophageal cancer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 1:
Chronic exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid leads to inflammation, Barrett’s esophagus, and increased
risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Cough and heartburn are symptoms, not complications.
,Question 2
Hyperemesis gravidarum causes excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. If left untreated, what
complication is the mother most likely to develop?
A. Dehydration and diabetes
B. Dehydration and cold extremities
C. Electrolyte imbalances and polyuria
D. Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 2:
Persistent vomiting causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration, hypokalemia, metabolic
alkalosis, and potential maternal–fetal complications.
Question 3
Hyperglycemia becomes dangerous when metabolic complications occur. Which disorder results from the
breakdown of fats for energy in patients with type 1 diabetes?
A. Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
B. Hyperglycemic lipid syndrome
C. Diabetic ketoacidosis
D. Lipidosis hyperosmolar ketosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 3:
In type 1 diabetes, insulin deficiency forces cells to metabolize fat, producing ketones and leading to
metabolic acidosis (DKA).
Question 4
Which symptom best describes a complication of compartment syndrome?
A. Increased limb function
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Hemorrhage
D. Pain and tissue damage
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale 4:
Increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment reduces perfusion, causing ischemia, severe pain,
nerve injury, and tissue necrosis.
Question 5
A client with heart failure reports dizziness upon standing. This sensation is best described as which of the
following?
A. Objective data
B. A sign
C. A contradiction
D. A symptom
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 5:
Dizziness is a subjective experience reported by the patient, making it a symptom rather than an objective
sign.
Question 6
Pyelonephritis is an infection of which anatomical structure?
A. Bladder
B. Ureter
C. Kidney
D. Urethra
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 6:
Pyelonephritis is a upper urinary tract infection involving the renal pelvis and kidney parenchyma.
Question 7
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is associated with which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
, C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 7:
Excess ADH causes water retention, diluting serum sodium levels and leading to hyponatremia.
Question 8
What should a client expect when infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)?
A. Immunity after the first exposure
B. No pain during outbreaks
C. A vaginal birth during outbreaks
D. Recurrence of symptoms periodically
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 8:
HSV establishes latency in nerve ganglia, leading to periodic reactivation and recurrent outbreaks.
Question 9
A client with recurrent cystitis asks why the condition frequently recurs. Which statement is correct?
A. It is more common in men due to sexual practices
B. It occurs less often in women due to a shorter urethra
C. There are typically no symptoms
D. Most cases are caused by Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 9:
E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract commonly ascends the urethra, especially in women due to anatomical
proximity.
Question 10
Which clinical manifestations are associated with hypothyroidism? (Select all that apply)
PROCTORED FINAL EXAM: (LATEST 2026–
2027 UPDATE), WITH CORRECT/ACCURATE
ANSWERS
AT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
ESSENTIALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
EXAM
PROCTORED FINAL EXAM
SECTION 1 — QUESTIONS 1–50
pathophysiology focus
Multiple choice
One correct answer
Sequential rationales
Question 1
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs due to multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. Which of the
following is a serious potential complication of chronic GERD?
A. Chronic cough
B. Heartburn
C. Diarrhea
D. Esophageal cancer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 1:
Chronic exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid leads to inflammation, Barrett’s esophagus, and increased
risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Cough and heartburn are symptoms, not complications.
,Question 2
Hyperemesis gravidarum causes excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. If left untreated, what
complication is the mother most likely to develop?
A. Dehydration and diabetes
B. Dehydration and cold extremities
C. Electrolyte imbalances and polyuria
D. Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 2:
Persistent vomiting causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration, hypokalemia, metabolic
alkalosis, and potential maternal–fetal complications.
Question 3
Hyperglycemia becomes dangerous when metabolic complications occur. Which disorder results from the
breakdown of fats for energy in patients with type 1 diabetes?
A. Nonketotic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
B. Hyperglycemic lipid syndrome
C. Diabetic ketoacidosis
D. Lipidosis hyperosmolar ketosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 3:
In type 1 diabetes, insulin deficiency forces cells to metabolize fat, producing ketones and leading to
metabolic acidosis (DKA).
Question 4
Which symptom best describes a complication of compartment syndrome?
A. Increased limb function
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Hemorrhage
D. Pain and tissue damage
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale 4:
Increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment reduces perfusion, causing ischemia, severe pain,
nerve injury, and tissue necrosis.
Question 5
A client with heart failure reports dizziness upon standing. This sensation is best described as which of the
following?
A. Objective data
B. A sign
C. A contradiction
D. A symptom
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 5:
Dizziness is a subjective experience reported by the patient, making it a symptom rather than an objective
sign.
Question 6
Pyelonephritis is an infection of which anatomical structure?
A. Bladder
B. Ureter
C. Kidney
D. Urethra
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 6:
Pyelonephritis is a upper urinary tract infection involving the renal pelvis and kidney parenchyma.
Question 7
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is associated with which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
, C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 7:
Excess ADH causes water retention, diluting serum sodium levels and leading to hyponatremia.
Question 8
What should a client expect when infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2)?
A. Immunity after the first exposure
B. No pain during outbreaks
C. A vaginal birth during outbreaks
D. Recurrence of symptoms periodically
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 8:
HSV establishes latency in nerve ganglia, leading to periodic reactivation and recurrent outbreaks.
Question 9
A client with recurrent cystitis asks why the condition frequently recurs. Which statement is correct?
A. It is more common in men due to sexual practices
B. It occurs less often in women due to a shorter urethra
C. There are typically no symptoms
D. Most cases are caused by Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: D
Rationale 9:
E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract commonly ascends the urethra, especially in women due to anatomical
proximity.
Question 10
Which clinical manifestations are associated with hypothyroidism? (Select all that apply)
