NUR 210 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with chronic renal failure presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
ECG change is most indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Shortened PR interval
D. ST-segment depression
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia causes rapid repolarization of the myocardium,
which manifests as tall, peaked T waves on an ECG.
2. Which compensatory mechanism is primarily responsible for maintaining pH during
metabolic acidosis?
A. Hyperventilation to decrease PaCO2
B. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
C. Renal excretion of bicarbonate
D. Decreased renal production of ammonia
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by
increasing the rate and depth of breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to blow off CO2,
thereby increasing pH.
3. The pathogenesis of Type I Hypersensitivity involves which specific immune component?
A. IgG binding to basement membranes
B. Immune complex deposition in tissues
C. IgE binding to mast cells and basophils
D. T-cell mediated cytotoxicity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies that bind
to mast cells, leading to degranulation and release of histamine upon re-exposure to an
allergen.
4. Left-sided heart failure primarily results in which clinical manifestation due to backward
effects?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Pulmonary crackles
C. Jugular venous distension
D. Splenomegaly
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
circulation, increasing hydrostatic pressure and leading to pulmonary edema and crackles.
5. What is the primary underlying cause of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 Diabetes?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Excessive glucose intake exceeding renal threshold
C. Absolute insulin deficiency leading to lipolysis
D. Increased glucagon secretion inhibiting gluconeogenesis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose and breaks down
fats (lipolysis) for energy, producing acidic ketones as a byproduct.
6. Which pathological change is characteristic of emphysema?
A. Hypersecretion of mucus in large airways
B. Fibrosis and granuloma formation in the lung parenchyma
C. Reversible bronchospasm and airway inflammation
D. Permanent enlargement of acini and destruction of alveolar walls
Answer: D
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with chronic renal failure presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
ECG change is most indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Shortened PR interval
D. ST-segment depression
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia causes rapid repolarization of the myocardium,
which manifests as tall, peaked T waves on an ECG.
2. Which compensatory mechanism is primarily responsible for maintaining pH during
metabolic acidosis?
A. Hyperventilation to decrease PaCO2
B. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
C. Renal excretion of bicarbonate
D. Decreased renal production of ammonia
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by
increasing the rate and depth of breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to blow off CO2,
thereby increasing pH.
3. The pathogenesis of Type I Hypersensitivity involves which specific immune component?
A. IgG binding to basement membranes
B. Immune complex deposition in tissues
C. IgE binding to mast cells and basophils
D. T-cell mediated cytotoxicity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies that bind
to mast cells, leading to degranulation and release of histamine upon re-exposure to an
allergen.
4. Left-sided heart failure primarily results in which clinical manifestation due to backward
effects?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Pulmonary crackles
C. Jugular venous distension
D. Splenomegaly
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary
circulation, increasing hydrostatic pressure and leading to pulmonary edema and crackles.
5. What is the primary underlying cause of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 Diabetes?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Excessive glucose intake exceeding renal threshold
C. Absolute insulin deficiency leading to lipolysis
D. Increased glucagon secretion inhibiting gluconeogenesis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose and breaks down
fats (lipolysis) for energy, producing acidic ketones as a byproduct.
6. Which pathological change is characteristic of emphysema?
A. Hypersecretion of mucus in large airways
B. Fibrosis and granuloma formation in the lung parenchyma
C. Reversible bronchospasm and airway inflammation
D. Permanent enlargement of acini and destruction of alveolar walls
Answer: D
