ACSM-EP Pathophysiology 2

Question 1

Which pathophysiological mechanism primarily underlies type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Accepted Answer

Insulin resistance combined with relative insulin deficiency

Answer

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance combined with progressive beta-cell dysfunction leading to relative insulin deficiency.

Question 2

A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is most at risk for sudden cardiac death during exercise due to which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ventricular arrhythmias

Answer

HCM can cause dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and fatal ventricular arrhythmias during high-intensity exercise.

Question 3

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which pathological process is responsible for air trapping and hyperinflation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of elastic recoil in alveolar walls due to emphysema

Answer

Destruction of alveolar walls in emphysema eliminates elastic recoil, causing airways to collapse during expiration and trap air.

Question 4

Which finding is most consistent with left ventricular heart failure during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

Answer

Left heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, elevating pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Question 5

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes exercise-induced leg pain (claudication) primarily through which pathophysiological mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Ischemia distal to atherosclerotic arterial stenosis

Answer

Atherosclerotic plaques narrow arterial lumen, limiting blood flow to exercising muscles and causing ischemic pain that resolves with rest.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Pathophysiology 2