NU606 | NU606 Advanced Pathophysiology Exam 1
Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular components?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size caused by factors such as
disuse, aging, or decreased blood supply. This process allows cells to survive in
adverse environments by reducing their metabolic requirements. It is distinct from
hypertrophy, which involves an increase in cell size without an increase in number.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue is known as:
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Neoplasia
D. Hyperplasia
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells
resulting from an increased rate of cellular division. It can be a physiologic response,
such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, or a pathologic response to excessive
stimulation. This process differs from hypertrophy, which only involves the
enlargement of existing cells.
3. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the
brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs when powerful hydrolytic
enzymes digest cells, transforming them into a liquid mass. This is characteristic of
ischemic injury to the central nervous system because the brain is rich in digestive
enzymes and lipids. In contrast, coagulative necrosis is more common in solid
organs like the heart or kidneys.
,4. The replacement of one mature cell type by another mature cell type in response to
chronic irritation is:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one differentiated cell
type is replaced by another cell type that is better able to withstand environmental
stress. A classic example is the change from ciliated columnar epithelium to
squamous epithelium in the airways of smokers. While adaptive, the new cells often
lose the specialized functions of the original tissue.
5. Which electrolyte abnormality is typically associated with the development of tall,
peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
, Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia, or elevated serum potassium, significantly
affects the electrical activity of the heart. Peaked T waves are often the earliest ECG
manifestation of rising potassium levels as it alters the repolarization phase. This
condition is a medical emergency because it can progress to cardiac arrest or fatal
arrhythmias.
6. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury during hypoxia?
A. Increased ATP production
B. Decreased intracellular calcium levels
C. Cellular dehydration
D. Decreased ATP production and sodium-potassium pump failure
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypoxia leads to a decrease in mitochondrial oxygenation,
which results in reduced ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation. Without
sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium membrane pump fails, causing sodium to
accumulate inside the cell. This lead to osmotic pressure changes that cause water
to enter the cell, resulting in cellular swelling.
Version 1 | Questions with Correct Answers and
Expert Explanation for Each Question | Regis
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular components?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size caused by factors such as
disuse, aging, or decreased blood supply. This process allows cells to survive in
adverse environments by reducing their metabolic requirements. It is distinct from
hypertrophy, which involves an increase in cell size without an increase in number.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue is known as:
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Neoplasia
D. Hyperplasia
,Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells
resulting from an increased rate of cellular division. It can be a physiologic response,
such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, or a pathologic response to excessive
stimulation. This process differs from hypertrophy, which only involves the
enlargement of existing cells.
3. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the
brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs when powerful hydrolytic
enzymes digest cells, transforming them into a liquid mass. This is characteristic of
ischemic injury to the central nervous system because the brain is rich in digestive
enzymes and lipids. In contrast, coagulative necrosis is more common in solid
organs like the heart or kidneys.
,4. The replacement of one mature cell type by another mature cell type in response to
chronic irritation is:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one differentiated cell
type is replaced by another cell type that is better able to withstand environmental
stress. A classic example is the change from ciliated columnar epithelium to
squamous epithelium in the airways of smokers. While adaptive, the new cells often
lose the specialized functions of the original tissue.
5. Which electrolyte abnormality is typically associated with the development of tall,
peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
, Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia, or elevated serum potassium, significantly
affects the electrical activity of the heart. Peaked T waves are often the earliest ECG
manifestation of rising potassium levels as it alters the repolarization phase. This
condition is a medical emergency because it can progress to cardiac arrest or fatal
arrhythmias.
6. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury during hypoxia?
A. Increased ATP production
B. Decreased intracellular calcium levels
C. Cellular dehydration
D. Decreased ATP production and sodium-potassium pump failure
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypoxia leads to a decrease in mitochondrial oxygenation,
which results in reduced ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation. Without
sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium membrane pump fails, causing sodium to
accumulate inside the cell. This lead to osmotic pressure changes that cause water
to enter the cell, resulting in cellular swelling.
