UExcel Pathophysiology 2

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)?

Accepted Answer

Widespread, dysregulated inflammation affecting multiple organ systems following infection or injury

Answer

SIRS is a widespread inflammatory response to infection, trauma, or other insults that can progress to sepsis and multi-organ failure.

Question 2

Which mechanism best explains edema formation in inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Increased capillary permeability allows fluid and proteins to leak into interstitial spaces

Answer

Inflammatory mediators increase capillary permeability, causing protein-rich fluid to move from capillaries into interstitial tissue.

Question 3

What occurs during a myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery occlusion causes ischemia and necrosis of myocardial tissue

Answer

A myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery is blocked (usually by plaque rupture and thrombosis), causing ischemic death of heart muscle.

Question 4

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily causes:

Accepted Answer

Airflow obstruction due to airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and alveolar destruction

Answer

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causes obstructive airflow limitation and is strongly associated with cigarette smoking.

Question 5

What is the pathophysiological basis for hypertension-related end organ damage?

Accepted Answer

Chronically elevated pressure damages arterial walls and increases the workload on the heart and kidneys

Answer

Sustained high blood pressure damages blood vessel walls, leading to arteriosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, renal damage, and cerebrovascular disease.

UExcel Practice Test

UExcel Practice Test

UExcel Pathophysiology 2