Download Pathophysiology Exam 3 Practice Questions and Answers Latest 2025 Update Complete Test Ban and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
Pathophysiology Exam 3 Practice Questions and Answers
Latest 2025 Update Complete Test Bank
The nurse working in an outpatient nephrology clinic knows that which of the following are primary functions of the kidneys? (Select all that apply.) A. Production of clotting factors B. Homeostasis C. Excretion of metabolic wastes D. Regulation of acid-base balance E. Metabolism of fats - Correct answer B, C, D
The kidneys do not metabolize fats. Production of clotting factors is a primary function of the liver. The kidneys maintain blood pressure using the RAAS and also produce erythropoietin to stimulate RBC production.
In caring for a patient diagnosed with acute kidney injury, the nephrology nurse knows that which of the following tests are specific for renal function? (Select all that apply.) A. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) B. Blood urea nitrogen C. Creatinine D. Glomerular filtration rate E. White blood cell count - Correct answer B, C, D
AST related to LIVER function
In caring for a patient with acute kidney injury the nurse knows that the patient's renal function has returned to normal range when the patient's GFR measures: A. 30-40 mL/min
B. 40-50 mL/min C. 70-90 mL/min D. 90-120 mL/min - Correct answer D
Normal GFR is 90-120 mL/min Normal Creatinine 0.6-1.1 for females and 0.6-1.2 for males Normal BUN is 10-20 mg/dL
*Be sure to know these normal values, you will use them daily as a nurse
The nursing working in a geriatric living facility understands that as patients age, which change in glomerular filtration rate is expected? A. Increased GFR B. Decreased GFR C. Same GFR D. No GFR - Correct answer B
Aging and renal function: Decrease in renal blood flow and GFR → altered sodium and water balance Number of nephrons decrease due to renal vascular and perfusion changes Response to acid-base changes is delayed Increased risk for drug toxicity Alterations in thirst and water intake Get dehydrated very easily; do not recognize thirst and heat Decreased muscle mass may lead to decreased creatinine values
An older patient is experiencing urinary stasis. The registered nurse knows that urinary stasis may lead to which of the following? A. Increased GFR B. Hypocoagulation
the normal creatinine level is 0.6 - 1.
This BUN is within normal range (BUN would be elevated in acute kidney failure)
In caring for a patient experiencing acute kidney injury who has these lab values: urinary output 15 mL/hr, BUN 30 mg/dL, and creatinine 3.5, the nurse knows that the patient is experiencing which phase of acute kidney injury? A. Initiation phase B. Oliguric phase C. Recovery (polyuric) phase D. I don't remember the normal lab values - Correct answer B
Remember that there are phases of acute kidney injury - Initiation phase is when the injury is just beginning and prevention is still possible Next is the oliguric phase where urinary output is decreased and nitrogenous waste products are maintained (BUN and Creatinine) There is also the recovery or polyuric/diuretic phase - diuresis is common and BUN and creatinine decline
A 25-year-old female is diagnosed with urinary tract obstruction. While planning care, the nurse realizes that the patient is expected to have hydronephrosis and a decreased glomerular filtration rate caused by: A. Decreased renal blood flow B. Decreased peritubular capillary pressure C. Dilation of renal pelvis and calyces proximal to blockage D. Stimulation of antidiuretic hormone - Correct answer C
Hydroureter; dilation of ureter
Hydronephrosis: dilation/enlargement of renal pelvis and calyces Ureterohydronephrosis: dilation of ureter AND renal pelvis and calyces
A 55-year-old male presents reporting urinary retention. Tests reveal that he has a lower urinary tract obstruction. Which of the following is of most concern to the nurse? A. Vesicoureteral reflux and pyelonephritis B. Formation of renal calculi C. Glomerulonephritis D. Increased bladder compliance - Correct answer B
urine stasis occurs with urinary tract obstruction and can lead to the formation of renal calculi and UTI
A 75-year-old male reports to his primary care provider loss of urine with cough, sneezing, or laughing. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis the nurse will observe on the chart? A. Urge incontinence B. Overflow incontinence C. Stress incontinence D. Functional incontinence - Correct answer C
Reduced resistance is associated with the symptom of stress incontinence, which is incontinence with coughing or sneezing.
A 29-year-old female presents with cloudy urine, flank pain, hematuria, and fever. Which of the following does the nurse suspect the patient is most likely experiencing? A. Acute cystitis B. Renal calculi C. Chronic renal failure D. Postrenal renal failure - Correct answer A
A 56-year-old male presents with flank pain and polyuria. Tests reveal that he has an enlarged prostate. Which of the following types of renal failure should the nurse monitor for as it is the most likely to occur? A. Prerenal B. Intrarenal C. Extrarenal D. Postrenal - Correct answer D
the patient will experience postrenal renal failure due to obstruction by the prostate.
What if the test revealed acute tubular necrosis? intrarenal
While turning a patient with chronic renal failure, which principle should the nurse recall? Bone fractures are a risk factor in chronic renal failure because: A. Calcium is lost in the urine B. Osteoblast activity is excessive C. The kidneys fail to activate vitamin D D. Autoantibodies to calcium molecules develop - Correct answer C
Hypocalcemia is accelerated by impaired renal synthesis of vitamin D The combined effect of vitamin D deficiency can result in renal osteodystrophies with increased risk for fractures.
A man was mildly confused, and his family brought him to adult day care during the week. He was incontinent there every day until a nurse suggested that they put a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door, and he became continent. What incontinence is this? - Correct answer Functional Incontinence
A woman has a bladder infection and is distressed to have episodes of sudden strong need to urinate that cause her to become incontinent. What incontinence is this? - Correct answer Urge Incontinence
A woman loses a small amount of urine involuntarily every time she sneezes. What incontinence is this? - Correct answer Stress Incontinence
A man with a caudal equine involvement in MS became incontinent when his caregiver was late and was not available to assist with the morning catheterization. What incontinence is this? - Correct answer Overflow Incontinence
A 50-year-old male is experiencing reflux of chyme from the stomach. He is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux. This condition is caused by: A. Fibrosis of lower third of esophagus B. Sympathetic nerve stimulation C. Loss of muscle tone at the lower esophageal sphincter D. Reverse peristalsis of the stomach - Correct answer C
GERD is due to a weak esophageal sphincter
A 22-year-old male underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Following surgery, he experienced a peptic ulcer. His ulcer is referred to as a(n) _____ ulcer. A. Infectious B. Cushing C. Ischemic D. Curling - Correct answer B
Cushing ulcer is a stress ulcer associated with severe head trauma or brain surgery.
A. Thrombosis in the spleen B. Cirrhosis of the liver C. Left ventricular failure D. Renal stenosis - Correct answer B
Portal hypertension occurs secondarily to cirrhosis of the liver.
Manifestations associated with hepatic encephalopathy from chronic liver disease are the result of: A. Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances C. Impaired ammonia metabolism D. Decreased cerebral blood flow - Correct answer C
Impaired ammonia metabolism leads to the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
The icteric phase of hepatitis is characterized by which of the following clinical manifestations? A. Fatigue, malaise, vomiting B. Jaundice, dark urine, enlarged liver C. Resolution of jaundice, liver function returns to normal D. Fulminant liver failure, hepatorenal syndrome - Correct answer B
The icteric phase is manifested by jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools The liver is enlarged, smooth, and tender, and percussion causes pain; this is the actual phase of illness.
A 55-year-old male died in a motor vehicle accident. Autopsy revealed an enlarged liver caused by fatty infiltration, testicular atrophy, and mild jaundice secondary to cirrhosis. The most likely cause of his condition is:
A. Bacterial infection B. Viral infection C. Alcoholism D. Drug overdose - Correct answer C
The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcoholism.
While caring for a patient on a med-surg floor, the nurse notes the presence of bright red stools. How does the nurse document this finding? A. Melena B. Hematochezia C. Hematemesis D. Occult bleeding - Correct answer B
Melena is black tarry stools Occult bleeding is where there are broken down products of blood are present in the stool
While reading a patient's diagnostic evaluation, the nurse notes that the patient's GI tract has a cobblestone appearance. This is present in which disorder? A. Ulcerative colitis B. Irritable bowel disease C. Crohn disease D. Infective enterocolitis - Correct answer C
Note also that ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon or rectum Crohn's disease may occur in various sites of GI tract
While reading the patient's diagnostic evaluation, the nurse reads that the patient has experienced a twisting of the bowel. This type of obstruction is known as:
D. Cerebellar motor syndrome - Correct answer B
Locked-in syndrome occurs when the individual cannot communicate through speech or body movement but is fully conscious, with intact cognitive function
A 65-year-old male recently suffered a cerebral vascular accident. He is now unable to recognize and identify objects by touch because of injury to the sensory cortex. How should the nurse document this finding? A. Hypomimesis B. Agnosia C. Dysphasia D. Echolalia - Correct answer B
Agnosia is the failure to recognize the form and nature of objects
A nurse thinks a patient may be experiencing dementia. Which assessment finding will most help support this diagnosis? A. Violent behavior B. Hyperactivity C. Depression D. Loss of recent and remote memory - Correct answer D
Dementia is characterized by loss of recent and remote memory.
The patient is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure. This increase results in: A. Brain tissue hypoxia B. Intracranial hypotension C. Ventricular swelling D. Expansion of cranial vault - Correct answer A
Brain tissue hypoxia occurs as a result of increased intracranial pressure as it places pressure on the brain
A 51-year-old male is admitted to the neuro ICU with a severe closed head injury. All four extremities are in rigid extension, his forearm is hyperpronated, and his legs are in plantar extension. How should the nurse chart this condition? A. Decorticate posturing B. Decerebrate posturing C. Caloric posturing D. Excitation posturing - Correct answer B
A 20-year-old male is admitted to the neurological critical care unit with a severe closed head injury. When an intraventricular catheter is inserted, the ICP is recorded at 24 mm Hg. How should the nurse interpret this reading? This reading is: A. Higher than normal B. Lower than normal C. Normal D. Borderline - Correct answer A
Normal ICP is 1 to 15 mm Hg
A patient has paralysis of both legs. What type of paralysis does the patient have? A. Paraplegia B. Quadriplegia C. Infraparaplegia D. Paresthesia - Correct answer A
A patient has excessive movement. What disorder will the nurse see documented on the chart? A. Hypokinesia
C. Focal brain injury D. Concussion - Correct answer D
Which assessment finding by the nurse characterizes a mild concussion? A. A brief loss of consciousness B. Significant behavioral change C. Retrograde amnesia D. Permanent confusion - Correct answer C
Mild concussion is characterized by immediate but transitory confusion that lasts for one to several minutes, possibly with amnesia for events preceding the trauma.
brief loss of consciousness may occur with classic concussion More severe DIAs may induce behavioral changes Confusion will be temporary with mild concussion
An initial assessment finding associated with acute spinal cord injury is _____ the injury. A. Pain below the level of B. Loss of autonomic reflexes above C. Loss of voluntary control below D. Hyperactive spinal reflexes below - Correct answer C
Six weeks ago a female patient suffered a T6 spinal cord injury. She then developed a blood pressure of 200/120, a severe headache, blurred vision, and bradycardia. What does the nurse suspect the patient is experiencing? A. Extreme spinal shock B. Acute anxiety C. Autonomic hyperreflexia D. Parasympathetic areflexia - Correct answer C
A 72-year-old male demonstrates left-sided weakness of upper and lower extremities. The symptoms lasted 4 hours and resolved with no evidence of infarction. The patient most likely experienced a(n): A. Stroke in evolution B. AV malformation C. Transient ischemic attack D. Cerebral hemorrhage - Correct answer C
When symptoms resolve with complete recovery, it is a transient ischemic attack
A 60-year-old female with a recent history of head trauma and a long- term history of hypertension presents to the ER for changes in mental status. MRI reveals that she had a hemorrhagic stroke. What does the nurse suspect caused this type of stroke? A. Rheumatic heart disease B. Thrombi C. Hypotension D. Aneurysm - Correct answer D
The primary causative factor of a hemorrhagic stroke is an aneurysm.
A 25-year-old female presents to her primary care provider reporting fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, and decreased consciousness. She was previously treated for sinusitis. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Aseptic meningitis B. Bacterial meningitis C. Fungal meningitis D. Nonpurulent meningitis - Correct answer B
E. Serum hyperalbuminemia - Correct answer A. In a person with nephrotic syndrome there is massive proteinuria (protein in the urine), serum hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema and hyperlipidemia.
An 86-year-old female has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of dehydration and hyponatremia after she decreased her fluid intake to minimize urinary incontinence. The client's admitting laboratory results are suggestive of prerenal failure. The nurse should be assessing this client for which of the following early signs of prerenal injury? A. Sharp decrease in urine output B. Excessive voiding of clear urine C. Acute hypertensive crisis D. Intermittent periods of confusion - Correct answer A. Dehydration and its consequent hypovolemia can result in acute renal failure that is prerenal in etiology. The kidney normally responds to a decrease in GFR with a decrease in urine output. Thus, an early sign of prerenal injury is a sharp decrease in urine output. Post-renal failure is obstructive in etiology, and intrinsic (or intrarenal) renal failure is reflective of deficits in the function of the kidneys themselves.
A nurse is assessing a client for early manifestations of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which would the nurse expect the client to display? A. Hypertension B. Impotence C. Terry nails D. Asterixis - Correct answer A. Hypertension is commonly an early manifestation of CKD. The mechanisms that cause the hypertension are multifactorial; they include increased vascular volume, increased peripheral vascular resistance, decreased levels of renal vasodilator prostaglandins, and increase activity of the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system. Impotence occurs in as many as 56% of males on dialysis. Terry nails are dark band just behind the leading edge of a
fingernail followed by a white band that occur in the late stages. Asterixis, a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, is due to the inability of the liver to metabolize ammonia to urea.
The GFR is considered to be the best measure of renal function. What is used to estimate the GFR? A. BUN B. Serum creatinine C. Albumin level D. Serum protein - Correct answer B. In clinical practice, GFR is usually estimated using the serum creatinine concentration. The other answers are not used to estimate the GFR.
In patients with acute diarrhea, many require no treatment. However, the nurse knows the priority assessment in all patients with diarrhea is which of the following? A. Fluid and electrolyte status B. Skin integrity C. Dietary intake D. Stool specimen - Correct answer A. Although most acute forms of diarrhea are self-limited and require no treatment, diarrhea can be particularly serious in infants and small children, persons with other illnesses, elderly persons, and even previously healthy persons if it continues for any length of time. Thus, the replacement of fluids and electrolytes is considered to be a primary therapeutic goal in the treatment of diarrhea.
Crohn's disease is recognized by sharply demarcated, granulomatous lesions that are surrounded by normal-appearing mucosal tissue. The nurse recognizes these lesions to be defined by which of the following descriptions? A. Mosaic B. Pyramidal
