NR-283 Final Exam: Pathophysiology V3 Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an
organ or tissue?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Ans: B
Rationale: Hyperplasia refers specifically to the increase in the number of cells within a tissue. This
process often occurs in response to hormonal stimulation or chronic irritation. It differs from
hypertrophy, which is an increase in individual cell size. Physiological hyperplasia can be seen in the
uterine lining during the menstrual cycle. Pathological hyperplasia may predispose a tissue to cancerous
changes over time. Understanding these distinctions is vital for diagnosing various proliferative disorders
in patients.
,2. What is the primary cause of edema in a patient with liver failure?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Ans: A
Rationale: Liver failure leads to a significant reduction in the production of plasma proteins like albumin.
Albumin is the primary driver of capillary oncotic pressure which holds fluid inside vessels. When these
levels drop, fluid leaks into the interstitial space causing systemic edema. This mechanism is common in
chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Clinical management often involves administering IV albumin to
restore osmotic balance. Monitoring fluid status is a priority for nurses caring for these patients.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the development of
Trousseau’s sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Ans: A
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by lowering the threshold for nerve
stimulation. Trousseau’s sign is an involuntary carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff.
,This clinical finding indicates significant irritability of the peripheral nerves. It serves as a classic physical
assessment tool for detecting low calcium levels. Nurses must also watch for Chvostek’s sign in these
same patients. Prompt replacement of calcium is necessary to prevent seizures or tetany.
4. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. What is
the interpretation?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Ans: B
Rationale: The pH of 7.25 indicates that the patient is currently in an acidotic state. A PaCO2 level of 55
mmHg is elevated, which suggests a respiratory origin for the acidity. Because the bicarbonate level is
within the normal range, the condition is uncompensated. This pattern is commonly seen in patients with
hypoventilation or obstructive lung diseases. The primary goal of treatment is to improve alveolar
ventilation and gas exchange. Closely monitoring the patient’s respiratory rate and depth is essential
during recovery.
, 5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves mast
cell degranulation?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Ans: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is also known as an immediate or allergic reaction. It occurs when an
allergen binds to IgE antibodies already fixed to mast cells. This binding triggers the rapid release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Symptoms can range from mild hives to life-threatening
systemic anaphylaxis. Avoidance of known triggers is the most effective long-term management strategy.
Epinephrine is the emergency drug of choice for severe reactions like airway obstruction.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in a patient with emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production
B. Infection of the pleural space
C. Reversible airway bronchospasm
D. Destruction of alveolar walls
Ans: D
Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the permanent enlargement and destruction of the alveoli.
This loss of surface area severely impairs the efficiency of gas exchange. Elastic recoil is also diminished,
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an
organ or tissue?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Ans: B
Rationale: Hyperplasia refers specifically to the increase in the number of cells within a tissue. This
process often occurs in response to hormonal stimulation or chronic irritation. It differs from
hypertrophy, which is an increase in individual cell size. Physiological hyperplasia can be seen in the
uterine lining during the menstrual cycle. Pathological hyperplasia may predispose a tissue to cancerous
changes over time. Understanding these distinctions is vital for diagnosing various proliferative disorders
in patients.
,2. What is the primary cause of edema in a patient with liver failure?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Ans: A
Rationale: Liver failure leads to a significant reduction in the production of plasma proteins like albumin.
Albumin is the primary driver of capillary oncotic pressure which holds fluid inside vessels. When these
levels drop, fluid leaks into the interstitial space causing systemic edema. This mechanism is common in
chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Clinical management often involves administering IV albumin to
restore osmotic balance. Monitoring fluid status is a priority for nurses caring for these patients.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the development of
Trousseau’s sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Ans: A
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by lowering the threshold for nerve
stimulation. Trousseau’s sign is an involuntary carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff.
,This clinical finding indicates significant irritability of the peripheral nerves. It serves as a classic physical
assessment tool for detecting low calcium levels. Nurses must also watch for Chvostek’s sign in these
same patients. Prompt replacement of calcium is necessary to prevent seizures or tetany.
4. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. What is
the interpretation?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Ans: B
Rationale: The pH of 7.25 indicates that the patient is currently in an acidotic state. A PaCO2 level of 55
mmHg is elevated, which suggests a respiratory origin for the acidity. Because the bicarbonate level is
within the normal range, the condition is uncompensated. This pattern is commonly seen in patients with
hypoventilation or obstructive lung diseases. The primary goal of treatment is to improve alveolar
ventilation and gas exchange. Closely monitoring the patient’s respiratory rate and depth is essential
during recovery.
, 5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves mast
cell degranulation?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Ans: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is also known as an immediate or allergic reaction. It occurs when an
allergen binds to IgE antibodies already fixed to mast cells. This binding triggers the rapid release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Symptoms can range from mild hives to life-threatening
systemic anaphylaxis. Avoidance of known triggers is the most effective long-term management strategy.
Epinephrine is the emergency drug of choice for severe reactions like airway obstruction.
6. What is the hallmark physiological change in a patient with emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production
B. Infection of the pleural space
C. Reversible airway bronchospasm
D. Destruction of alveolar walls
Ans: D
Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the permanent enlargement and destruction of the alveoli.
This loss of surface area severely impairs the efficiency of gas exchange. Elastic recoil is also diminished,
