NURS 6501 Midterm Exam | Advanced
Pathophysiology Exam | Questions and
Verified Answers with Rationale |
Updated 2024/2025
1. A healthcare professional is caring for a patient who has continuous
increases in left ventricular filing pressures. What disorder would the
professional assess the patient for?
a. Mitral regurgitation
b. Mitral stenosis
c. Pulmonary edema
d. Jugular vein distention - Correct Answer - C
Rationale: Pressure changes are important because increased left
ventricular filling pressures back up into the pulmonary circulation, where
they force plasma out through vessel walls, causing fluid to accumulate
in lung tissues (pulmonary edema). Problems such as mitral
regurgitation and mitral stenosis are valve problems, not directly related
to this patient's situation. Jugular vein distention can be a sign of fluid
overload.
2. The resting heart rate in a healthy person is primarily under the control
of which nervous system?
a. Sympathetic
,b. Parasympathetic
c. Somatic
d. Spinal - Correct Answer - B
Rationale: The resting heart rate in healthy individuals is primarily under
the control of parasympathetic stimulation.
3. The Bainbridge reflex is thought to be initiated by sensory neurons in
which cardiac location?
a. Atria
b. Aorta
c. Sinoatrial (SA) node
d. Ventricles
- Correct Answer - A
Rationale: The Bainbridge reflex causes changes in the heart rate after
intravenous infusions of blood or other fluid. The changes in heart rate
are thought to be caused by a reflex mediated by volume receptors
found only in the atria that are innervated by the vagus nerve.
4. A healthcare professional cares for older adults in a skilled nursing
facility. What should the professional assess for in these individuals
related to cardiovascular functioning? a. Increased rate of falling and
dizzy spells
b. Improved exercise tolerance
c. A gradual slowing of the heart rate
, d. Progressive ECG changes
- Correct Answer - A
Rationale: The baroreceptor reflex is important in blood pressure control.
Baroreceptor activity can decrease with age, slowing response to
changes in blood pressure and posture. An older adult may not adjust
rapidly to position changes, leading to falls and dizzy spells.
5. Reflex control of total cardiac output and total peripheral resistance is
controlled by what mechanism?
a. Parasympathetic stimulation of the heart, arterioles, and veins
b. Sympathetic stimulation of the heart, arterioles, and veins
c. Autonomic control of the heart only
d. Somatic control of the heart, arterioles, and veins
- Correct Answer - B
Rationale: Reflex control of total cardiac output and peripheral resistance
includes (1) sympathetic stimulation of the heart, arterioles, and veins;
and (2) parasympathetic stimulation of the heart only. Neither autonomic
nor somatic controls are involved in this process.
6. What is the most important negative inotropic agent?
a. Norepinephrine
b. Epinephrine
c. Acetylcholine
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