PATHOPHYSIOLOGY NURSING EXAMINATION
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉Atrophy . Answer: -decreased size and functional capacity
-decrease use causes decreased size of cells
examples: occurs in muscles, brain, and kidneys
physiologic-uterus shrinkage post partum
◉Hyperplasia . Answer: increase in number of cells...leads to increase
in size of the organ
physiologic-breasts and uterus during pregnancy; scar tissue in wound
healing
nonphysiologic-due to excessive hormonal stimulation-
thyroid/endometrial, benign prostatic; skin warts and calluses
◉metaplasia . Answer: A reversible change of type of cell or
replacement of one cell type to another cell type
-reprogramming of undifferentiated stem cells-substitution of cells better
equipped to survive
-may be due to chronic irritation and inflammation
,may precede the development of cancer
Ex: lungs, cervix
◉Dysplasia . Answer: -deranged or disorderly overgrowth of cells
-results in cells that vary in size, shape and appearance
-minor degrees associated with chronic inflammation/irritation
-pre-malignant
reversible
examples: squamous epithelium of respiratory tract or uterus (pap
smear)
◉Role of cortisol in the stress response . Answer: Antagonizes the
effects of insulin to maintain BS level; enhances the effects of
catecholamines; suppresses osteoblast activity; suppresses the immune
response.
-Raises your glucose levels because it is thinking fight or flight.
-Too much-constant high level of sugar. Risk for diabetes with chronic
stress
-Released by adrenal cortex
◉Regulation of the neuroendocrine response to stress . Answer: -
Regulated by the HPA axis which consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, and the adrenal cortex. The axis is stimulated during the
generalized stress response.
, ◉Physiological response of catecholamines in response to stress .
Answer: Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released with the activation
of the sympathetic nervous system. Effects include increased
BP/HR/RR, pupils dilate, contractility increases, selective bloodflow to
vital organs (Heart, brain, muscles). Decreased blood flow to the rest
(GI, GU, Skin)
◉Stage 1 of GAS-Alarm stage . Answer: Recognition of danger and
preparation to deal with the threat (Aka fight or flight)
Short term response to stress or trauma
If this energy is repeatedly not used by physical activity, it can become
harmful
Also called the generalized stress response
Stimulation of the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal
cortex)
-Sympathetic nervous system stimulates catecholamines
-Corticotropin releasing hormone production(cortisol)
◉Stage 2 of GAS-Resistance stage . Answer: -the source of stress
begins to resolve. Homeostasis begins restoring balance and period of
recovery for repair and renewal takes place
-Stress hormone levels may return to normal but there are still some
present. The body adapts by a continued effort in resistance and remains
in a state of arousal
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉Atrophy . Answer: -decreased size and functional capacity
-decrease use causes decreased size of cells
examples: occurs in muscles, brain, and kidneys
physiologic-uterus shrinkage post partum
◉Hyperplasia . Answer: increase in number of cells...leads to increase
in size of the organ
physiologic-breasts and uterus during pregnancy; scar tissue in wound
healing
nonphysiologic-due to excessive hormonal stimulation-
thyroid/endometrial, benign prostatic; skin warts and calluses
◉metaplasia . Answer: A reversible change of type of cell or
replacement of one cell type to another cell type
-reprogramming of undifferentiated stem cells-substitution of cells better
equipped to survive
-may be due to chronic irritation and inflammation
,may precede the development of cancer
Ex: lungs, cervix
◉Dysplasia . Answer: -deranged or disorderly overgrowth of cells
-results in cells that vary in size, shape and appearance
-minor degrees associated with chronic inflammation/irritation
-pre-malignant
reversible
examples: squamous epithelium of respiratory tract or uterus (pap
smear)
◉Role of cortisol in the stress response . Answer: Antagonizes the
effects of insulin to maintain BS level; enhances the effects of
catecholamines; suppresses osteoblast activity; suppresses the immune
response.
-Raises your glucose levels because it is thinking fight or flight.
-Too much-constant high level of sugar. Risk for diabetes with chronic
stress
-Released by adrenal cortex
◉Regulation of the neuroendocrine response to stress . Answer: -
Regulated by the HPA axis which consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, and the adrenal cortex. The axis is stimulated during the
generalized stress response.
, ◉Physiological response of catecholamines in response to stress .
Answer: Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released with the activation
of the sympathetic nervous system. Effects include increased
BP/HR/RR, pupils dilate, contractility increases, selective bloodflow to
vital organs (Heart, brain, muscles). Decreased blood flow to the rest
(GI, GU, Skin)
◉Stage 1 of GAS-Alarm stage . Answer: Recognition of danger and
preparation to deal with the threat (Aka fight or flight)
Short term response to stress or trauma
If this energy is repeatedly not used by physical activity, it can become
harmful
Also called the generalized stress response
Stimulation of the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal
cortex)
-Sympathetic nervous system stimulates catecholamines
-Corticotropin releasing hormone production(cortisol)
◉Stage 2 of GAS-Resistance stage . Answer: -the source of stress
begins to resolve. Homeostasis begins restoring balance and period of
recovery for repair and renewal takes place
-Stress hormone levels may return to normal but there are still some
present. The body adapts by a continued effort in resistance and remains
in a state of arousal
