NR 507 Exam 1: Advanced Pathophysiology V2 -
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in the size of cells?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Ans: A
Explanation: Atrophy is defined as the reduction in cellular size due to loss of substance. This process
often occurs in response to decreased workload or loss of innervation. It allows the cell to survive under
conditions of decreased nutrient supply. This adaptation is common in skeletal muscle that is not being
used. Clinicians monitor this to understand the functional status of tissues.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue is known as:
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Hyperplasia
Ans: D
Explanation: Hyperplasia refers specifically to the increase in the number of cells resulting from
increased cell division. This can be a physiological response, such as hormonal growth in the breast
during pregnancy. It can also be a pathological response to excessive hormonal stimulation. Unlike
,hypertrophy, it only occurs in tissues capable of mitotic division. This distinction is vital for accurate
pathological diagnosis.
3. Which process involves the replacement of one mature cell type by another mature cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Ans: A
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another. This
usually occurs in response to chronic irritation or inflammation. A common example is the change in
respiratory epithelium due to cigarette smoking. The new cell type is better suited to handle the
environmental stress. However, if the stimulus persists, it may lead to cancerous changes.
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury?
A. Chemical agents
B. Genetic defects
C. Infectious agents
D. Hypoxia
Ans: D
Explanation: Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, is the single most common cause of cellular injury. It
interferes with oxidative phosphorylation and the production of ATP. Without ATP, the cell cannot
maintain essential metabolic functions or ionic gradients. This lead to cellular swelling and potential
, necrosis if not corrected. Understanding hypoxia is fundamental to managing cardiac and respiratory
diseases.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of apoptosis?
A. Programmed cell death
B. Cellular swelling
C. Inflammatory response
D. Random DNA degradation
Ans: A
Explanation: Apoptosis is an energy-dependent, programmed process of cell self-destruction. Unlike
necrosis, it does not typically trigger an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues. The cell shrinks
and its DNA is fragmented in a highly regulated manner. This process is essential for normal development
and the elimination of damaged cells. It maintains the overall health and balance of the organism.
6. What type of necrosis is typically seen in the brain following an ischemic injury?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Ans: C
Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the central nervous system due to the high lipid content of
brain cells. Digestive enzymes turn the dead tissue into a soft, liquid mass. This process results in the
Chamberlain University Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in the size of cells?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Ans: A
Explanation: Atrophy is defined as the reduction in cellular size due to loss of substance. This process
often occurs in response to decreased workload or loss of innervation. It allows the cell to survive under
conditions of decreased nutrient supply. This adaptation is common in skeletal muscle that is not being
used. Clinicians monitor this to understand the functional status of tissues.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue is known as:
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Hyperplasia
Ans: D
Explanation: Hyperplasia refers specifically to the increase in the number of cells resulting from
increased cell division. This can be a physiological response, such as hormonal growth in the breast
during pregnancy. It can also be a pathological response to excessive hormonal stimulation. Unlike
,hypertrophy, it only occurs in tissues capable of mitotic division. This distinction is vital for accurate
pathological diagnosis.
3. Which process involves the replacement of one mature cell type by another mature cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Ans: A
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another. This
usually occurs in response to chronic irritation or inflammation. A common example is the change in
respiratory epithelium due to cigarette smoking. The new cell type is better suited to handle the
environmental stress. However, if the stimulus persists, it may lead to cancerous changes.
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury?
A. Chemical agents
B. Genetic defects
C. Infectious agents
D. Hypoxia
Ans: D
Explanation: Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, is the single most common cause of cellular injury. It
interferes with oxidative phosphorylation and the production of ATP. Without ATP, the cell cannot
maintain essential metabolic functions or ionic gradients. This lead to cellular swelling and potential
, necrosis if not corrected. Understanding hypoxia is fundamental to managing cardiac and respiratory
diseases.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of apoptosis?
A. Programmed cell death
B. Cellular swelling
C. Inflammatory response
D. Random DNA degradation
Ans: A
Explanation: Apoptosis is an energy-dependent, programmed process of cell self-destruction. Unlike
necrosis, it does not typically trigger an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues. The cell shrinks
and its DNA is fragmented in a highly regulated manner. This process is essential for normal development
and the elimination of damaged cells. It maintains the overall health and balance of the organism.
6. What type of necrosis is typically seen in the brain following an ischemic injury?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Ans: C
Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the central nervous system due to the high lipid content of
brain cells. Digestive enzymes turn the dead tissue into a soft, liquid mass. This process results in the
