AANPCB Pathophysiology Flashcards

Which pathophysiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Answer: Insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency

Type 2 diabetes results from peripheral insulin resistance combined with progressive beta-cell dysfunction leading to relative insulin deficiency.

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which compensatory mechanism initially maintains cardiac output but ultimately worsens the condition?

Answer: Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

RAAS activation causes sodium and water retention increasing preload and afterload, which provides short-term compensation but leads to long-term cardiac remodeling and deterioration.

Which pathophysiological change underlies the development of hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Answer: Sodium and water retention due to reduced GFR

Reduced glomerular filtration rate in CKD impairs sodium and water excretion, leading to volume expansion and elevated blood pressure.

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism in asthma that leads to airflow obstruction?

Answer: Bronchospasm, mucosal edema, and mucus hypersecretion

Asthma is characterized by reversible airflow obstruction caused by bronchospasm, airway inflammation with mucosal edema, and excessive mucus production.

In atherosclerosis, which event initiates plaque formation in arterial walls?

Answer: Endothelial injury and LDL oxidation in the intima

Atherosclerosis begins with endothelial dysfunction and oxidized LDL accumulation in the arterial intima, triggering an inflammatory cascade that leads to plaque development.

Which pathophysiological change is most responsible for the polyuria seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus?

Answer: Osmotic diuresis due to glucosuria

When blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold, glucose spills into urine and causes osmotic diuresis, drawing water with it and producing large urine volumes.