COMAT Pathophysiology and Disease Processes Flashcards

Which pathophysiologic process underlies the conversion of stable atherosclerotic plaque to an acute coronary syndrome?

Answer: Plaque rupture or erosion triggering thrombus formation

ACS is precipitated by disruption of an atherosclerotic plaque's fibrous cap, exposing thrombogenic material and triggering platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.

Hyponatremia in a patient with SIADH is best explained by which mechanism?

Answer: Excess free water retention due to inappropriate ADH secretion

SIADH causes inappropriate retention of free water by the kidneys, diluting serum sodium concentration despite normal or increased total body water.

Which cell type is primarily responsible for the airway hyperresponsiveness seen in asthma?

Answer: Eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 lymphocytes

Asthma involves a Th2-driven eosinophilic inflammation with mast cell degranulation releasing histamine and leukotrienes, causing bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Deep venous thrombosis is classically associated with which triad of risk factors?

Answer: Virchow's triad: stasis, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability

Virchow's triad — venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulable state — describes the three main factors predisposing to DVT formation.

A patient with Cushing's syndrome will most likely display which metabolic abnormality?

Answer: Hyperglycemia due to cortisol-induced gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance

Excess cortisol promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis and peripheral insulin resistance, commonly causing hyperglycemia and secondary diabetes mellitus.

The hallmark laboratory finding in hemolytic anemia compared to blood loss anemia is which result?

Answer: Elevated indirect bilirubin and elevated LDH in hemolysis

Hemolysis releases intracellular LDH and hemoglobin (converted to indirect bilirubin), elevating both markers, which distinguishes hemolytic from blood loss anemia.