Genetics
What chromosome problem causes Down Syndrome?
Trisomy 21 (extra chromosome 21)
Normal sodium level?
135–145 mEq/L.
Normal blood pH?
7.35–7.45.
Normal cell death?
Apoptosis
Vitamin deficiency linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff?
Thiamine (B1).
if one parent has an autosomal dominant gene and the other is normal, what’s the child’s chance of having the disease?
50%
If sodium is low, do cells swell or shrink?
Swell (water goes into cells).
Normal HCO₃⁻ level?
22–28 mEq/L.
What enzyme rises in the blood after a heart attack
troponin (also CK, myoglobin).
Which electrolyte imbalance causes bradycardia, weakness, and confusion?
Hypercalcemia OR hypokalemia (both → hyporesponsive).
What type of inheritance is sickle cell anemia?
Autosomal recessive.
What hormone helps raise blood pressure by holding onto sodium and water?
Aldosterone (RAAS system).
What acidosis happens with hypoventilation (too much CO₂)?
Respiratory acidosis
Why does carbon monoxide cause hypoxia?
CO binds hemoglobin, blocking O₂.
What is the name of the water hormone that causes retention and low sodium?
ADH (SIADH causes water overload).
Which chromosome change is linked to chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML)?
Philadelphia chromosome (translocation).
What electrolyte imbalance causes twitching, tetany, and positive Chvostek’s sign?
Hypocalcemia.
In DKA, how do the lungs compensate?
Kussmaul respirations (hyperventilation to blow off CO₂).
Benign vs malignant tumors — give 1 difference.
Benign don’t spread; malignant invade/metastasize.
What’s it called when cells increase in size due to stress (ex: HTN heart muscle)?
Hypertrophy.
Why do sickled RBCs cause pain?
They can’t carry oxygen well and get stuck in capillaries → ischemic pain.
A patient with liver failure and low albumin develops edema. Why?
Low protein lowers oncotic pressure → fluid shifts from blood to tissue.
pH 7.30, HCO₃⁻ 18. What’s the disorder?
Metabolic acidosis.
What do free radicals do to cells?
Damage DNA, proteins, and membranes (oxidative stress).
Why does immobility cause pressure ulcers?
Constant pressure → ischemia → necrosis (cell death).