NURS 6501 Advanced Pathophysiology Midterm Exam
- Walden University MSN 2026-2027 - 60 Items | 100%
Mechanistic Analysis | 2-Hour Exam Guide
MODULE 1 Cellular Processes & Systemic Homeostasis (Q 1 – 15)
Q1
Severe sepsis → hypotension, anasarca, ARDS, hypoalbuminemia. Edema primary
mechanism?
A. ↑ capillary hydrostatic (vasoconstriction)
B. ↓ interstitial oncotic (protein wasting)
C. ↑ capillary permeability (endothelial activation)
D. ↓ capillary oncotic (albumin loss)
Answer: C – cytokine-mediated leak is inciting event; protein extravasates → ↑
interstitial π → fluid shift.
Q2
Neuronal TDP-43 inclusions place mechanism in same class as:
A. Alzheimer (Aβ)
B. Parkinson (α-syn)
C. FTD-TDP & ALS
,D. Huntingtin (polyQ)
Answer: C – TDP-43 proteinopathy spectrum.
Q3
Patient with mutant TP53, whole-genome doubling, chromothripsis. Which hallmark
enabled?
A. Immune evasion
B. Genome instability & mutation
C. Sustained proliferative signaling
D. Deregulated energetics
Answer: B – massive chromosomal chaos.
Q4
Which cell death pathway MOST contributes to septic organ failure?
A. Apoptosis (caspase-3)
B. Necroptosis (RIPK3-MLKL)
C. Pyroptosis (caspase-1-GSDMD)
D. Autophagy
Answer: C – inflammasome → pore formation, IL-1β release.
Q5
Hypoxic-ischaemic AKI shows proximal-tubule brush-border loss within 30 min due to:
, A. ATP depletion → actin-cytoskeleton collapse
B. Caspase activation
C. Ferroptosis
D. Complement deposition
Answer: A – energy failure disrupts membrane integrity.
Q6
Which electrolyte shift occurs FIRST in diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Hyperkalaemia (K⁺ moves out)
B. Hypokalaemia
C. Hypophosphataemia
D. Hypomagnesaemia
Answer: A – insulin lack & acidosis drive K⁺ efflux immediately.
Q7
Mixed acid-base: pH 7.02, pCO₂ 70 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 38 mmol/L. Primary disorder?
A. Respiratory acidosis + metabolic compensation
B. Metabolic alkalosis + respiratory compensation
C. Respiratory + metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory + metabolic alkalosis
- Walden University MSN 2026-2027 - 60 Items | 100%
Mechanistic Analysis | 2-Hour Exam Guide
MODULE 1 Cellular Processes & Systemic Homeostasis (Q 1 – 15)
Q1
Severe sepsis → hypotension, anasarca, ARDS, hypoalbuminemia. Edema primary
mechanism?
A. ↑ capillary hydrostatic (vasoconstriction)
B. ↓ interstitial oncotic (protein wasting)
C. ↑ capillary permeability (endothelial activation)
D. ↓ capillary oncotic (albumin loss)
Answer: C – cytokine-mediated leak is inciting event; protein extravasates → ↑
interstitial π → fluid shift.
Q2
Neuronal TDP-43 inclusions place mechanism in same class as:
A. Alzheimer (Aβ)
B. Parkinson (α-syn)
C. FTD-TDP & ALS
,D. Huntingtin (polyQ)
Answer: C – TDP-43 proteinopathy spectrum.
Q3
Patient with mutant TP53, whole-genome doubling, chromothripsis. Which hallmark
enabled?
A. Immune evasion
B. Genome instability & mutation
C. Sustained proliferative signaling
D. Deregulated energetics
Answer: B – massive chromosomal chaos.
Q4
Which cell death pathway MOST contributes to septic organ failure?
A. Apoptosis (caspase-3)
B. Necroptosis (RIPK3-MLKL)
C. Pyroptosis (caspase-1-GSDMD)
D. Autophagy
Answer: C – inflammasome → pore formation, IL-1β release.
Q5
Hypoxic-ischaemic AKI shows proximal-tubule brush-border loss within 30 min due to:
, A. ATP depletion → actin-cytoskeleton collapse
B. Caspase activation
C. Ferroptosis
D. Complement deposition
Answer: A – energy failure disrupts membrane integrity.
Q6
Which electrolyte shift occurs FIRST in diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Hyperkalaemia (K⁺ moves out)
B. Hypokalaemia
C. Hypophosphataemia
D. Hypomagnesaemia
Answer: A – insulin lack & acidosis drive K⁺ efflux immediately.
Q7
Mixed acid-base: pH 7.02, pCO₂ 70 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 38 mmol/L. Primary disorder?
A. Respiratory acidosis + metabolic compensation
B. Metabolic alkalosis + respiratory compensation
C. Respiratory + metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory + metabolic alkalosis
