G R A D U AT E S C H O O L O F N U R S I N G
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 530 - Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Comprehensive Question Bank - Verified Answers
Question 1
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur in preparation for
mitosis?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Interphase
D. Anaphase
CORRECT ANSWER C. Interphase
RATIONALE
Interphase is the period when the cell feeds, metabolizes, grows, and replicates DNA in
preparation for mitosis. Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are stages of mitosis
where chromosome separation occurs.
, Question 2
A nurse is reviewing cellular adaptation. A patient whose leg was in a cast for 6 weeks
now has a noticeably smaller left calf compared to the right. This change is best
described as:
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
CORRECT ANSWER C. Atrophy
RATIONALE
Atrophy is a decrease in cell size. Disuse atrophy occurs when a limb is immobilized (e.g., in a
cast), leading to decreased muscle fiber size due to reduced functional demand. The cells shrink
but do not decrease in number.
Question 3
A pathologist examining cervical cells from a Pap smear notes cells with abnormal
variations in size, shape, and arrangement but that are not yet cancerous. This finding is
classified as:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Atrophy
CORRECT ANSWER B. Dysplasia
RATIONALE
Dysplasia is characterized by disorganized appearance of cells with abnormal variations in size,
shape, and arrangement. It is considered atypical hyperplasia and has significant potential to
transform into cancerous cells (preneoplastic lesions). Pap smears classify cervical dysplasia as
low-grade or high-grade.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 530 - Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Comprehensive Question Bank - Verified Answers
Question 1
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur in preparation for
mitosis?
A. Prophase
B. Metaphase
C. Interphase
D. Anaphase
CORRECT ANSWER C. Interphase
RATIONALE
Interphase is the period when the cell feeds, metabolizes, grows, and replicates DNA in
preparation for mitosis. Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are stages of mitosis
where chromosome separation occurs.
, Question 2
A nurse is reviewing cellular adaptation. A patient whose leg was in a cast for 6 weeks
now has a noticeably smaller left calf compared to the right. This change is best
described as:
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
CORRECT ANSWER C. Atrophy
RATIONALE
Atrophy is a decrease in cell size. Disuse atrophy occurs when a limb is immobilized (e.g., in a
cast), leading to decreased muscle fiber size due to reduced functional demand. The cells shrink
but do not decrease in number.
Question 3
A pathologist examining cervical cells from a Pap smear notes cells with abnormal
variations in size, shape, and arrangement but that are not yet cancerous. This finding is
classified as:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Atrophy
CORRECT ANSWER B. Dysplasia
RATIONALE
Dysplasia is characterized by disorganized appearance of cells with abnormal variations in size,
shape, and arrangement. It is considered atypical hyperplasia and has significant potential to
transform into cancerous cells (preneoplastic lesions). Pap smears classify cervical dysplasia as
low-grade or high-grade.
