NR283 EXAM 3 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
MASTERY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a urine specific gravity of 1.001.
Which condition is most likely responsible for these findings?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
B. SIADH
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
D. Conn’s Syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a
decreased renal response to ADH, leading to the inability to concentrate urine, resulting in
low specific gravity and high volume output.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)?
A. Severe bradycardia
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypotension and lethargy
D. Hyperthermia and tachycardia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Thyroid storm is an acute, life-threatening exacerbation of
hyperthyroidism presenting with extreme tachycardia, high fever (hyperthermia), and
cardiovascular collapse.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL. What is
the primary pathophysiological cause of this anemia?
A. Iron deficiency due to poor diet
B. Chronic blood loss during dialysis
C. Shortened lifespan of red blood cells
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin; in CKD, the reduction in
functional renal mass leads to decreased erythropoietin production, resulting in
normocytic, normochromic anemia.
4. In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), why do Kussmaul respirations occur?
A. To compensate for respiratory alkalosis
B. Due to fluid overload in the lungs
C. To compensate for metabolic acidosis by blowing off CO2
D. As a result of hypoglycemia-induced brain stem irritation
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a
compensatory mechanism to decrease Paco2 levels in response to metabolic acidosis
(ketosis).
5. Which hormone is excessively secreted in Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Growth Hormone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess
glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, regardless of the cause.
6. A patient is diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Which electrolyte imbalance should the
nurse expect?
A. Hypernatremia and hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia
C. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
MASTERY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with extreme thirst, polyuria, and a urine specific gravity of 1.001.
Which condition is most likely responsible for these findings?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
B. SIADH
C. Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
D. Conn’s Syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH or a
decreased renal response to ADH, leading to the inability to concentrate urine, resulting in
low specific gravity and high volume output.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)?
A. Severe bradycardia
B. Hypothermia
C. Hypotension and lethargy
D. Hyperthermia and tachycardia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Thyroid storm is an acute, life-threatening exacerbation of
hyperthyroidism presenting with extreme tachycardia, high fever (hyperthermia), and
cardiovascular collapse.
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a hemoglobin level of 8.2 g/dL. What is
the primary pathophysiological cause of this anemia?
A. Iron deficiency due to poor diet
B. Chronic blood loss during dialysis
C. Shortened lifespan of red blood cells
D. Inadequate production of erythropoietin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys produce erythropoietin; in CKD, the reduction in
functional renal mass leads to decreased erythropoietin production, resulting in
normocytic, normochromic anemia.
4. In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), why do Kussmaul respirations occur?
A. To compensate for respiratory alkalosis
B. Due to fluid overload in the lungs
C. To compensate for metabolic acidosis by blowing off CO2
D. As a result of hypoglycemia-induced brain stem irritation
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a
compensatory mechanism to decrease Paco2 levels in response to metabolic acidosis
(ketosis).
5. Which hormone is excessively secreted in Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Aldosterone
B. Cortisol
C. Epinephrine
D. Growth Hormone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess
glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, regardless of the cause.
6. A patient is diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Which electrolyte imbalance should the
nurse expect?
A. Hypernatremia and hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia
C. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
