Portage Learning Pathophysiology NURS 231 /
BIOD 331 Final Exam Practice 2026 Comprehensive
Practice Exam With Answers and Rationales
Cell Injury and Inflammation
1. Which process occurs when cells swell due to failure of the sodium-potassium
pump?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Cellular injury
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer:
C. Cellular injury
Rationale:
Failure of the sodium-potassium pump causes sodium and water accumulation
inside cells, resulting in swelling.
2. Apoptosis is best described as:
A. Uncontrolled inflammation
B. Programmed cell death
C. Cellular swelling
D. Malignant transformation
Correct Answer:
B. Programmed cell death
,Rationale:
Apoptosis is a controlled process of cell death without triggering inflammation.
3. Which sign is a classic indicator of inflammation?
A. Cyanosis
B. Pallor
C. Redness
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer:
C. Redness
Rationale:
Inflammation classically presents with redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of
function.
4. Histamine release during inflammation causes:
A. Vasoconstriction
B. Increased vascular permeability
C. Decreased blood flow
D. Platelet destruction
Correct Answer:
B. Increased vascular permeability
Rationale:
Histamine dilates vessels and increases permeability, allowing immune cells to
enter tissues.
Fluid and Electrolytes
, 5. Which electrolyte imbalance commonly causes cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer:
B. Hypokalemia
Rationale:
Low potassium disrupts cardiac conduction.
6. Which finding is expected in dehydration?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Tachycardia
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer:
C. Tachycardia
Rationale:
Fluid loss leads to compensatory tachycardia.
7. Hyponatremia is defined as:
A. Excess potassium
B. Low sodium concentration
C. High calcium levels
D. Low chloride levels
Correct Answer:
BIOD 331 Final Exam Practice 2026 Comprehensive
Practice Exam With Answers and Rationales
Cell Injury and Inflammation
1. Which process occurs when cells swell due to failure of the sodium-potassium
pump?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Cellular injury
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer:
C. Cellular injury
Rationale:
Failure of the sodium-potassium pump causes sodium and water accumulation
inside cells, resulting in swelling.
2. Apoptosis is best described as:
A. Uncontrolled inflammation
B. Programmed cell death
C. Cellular swelling
D. Malignant transformation
Correct Answer:
B. Programmed cell death
,Rationale:
Apoptosis is a controlled process of cell death without triggering inflammation.
3. Which sign is a classic indicator of inflammation?
A. Cyanosis
B. Pallor
C. Redness
D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer:
C. Redness
Rationale:
Inflammation classically presents with redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of
function.
4. Histamine release during inflammation causes:
A. Vasoconstriction
B. Increased vascular permeability
C. Decreased blood flow
D. Platelet destruction
Correct Answer:
B. Increased vascular permeability
Rationale:
Histamine dilates vessels and increases permeability, allowing immune cells to
enter tissues.
Fluid and Electrolytes
, 5. Which electrolyte imbalance commonly causes cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer:
B. Hypokalemia
Rationale:
Low potassium disrupts cardiac conduction.
6. Which finding is expected in dehydration?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Tachycardia
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer:
C. Tachycardia
Rationale:
Fluid loss leads to compensatory tachycardia.
7. Hyponatremia is defined as:
A. Excess potassium
B. Low sodium concentration
C. High calcium levels
D. Low chloride levels
Correct Answer:
