Cellular Adaptation, Genetics, Fluid/Electrolytes, Immunity | Q&A | Grade A |
100% Correct (Verified Answers)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOUNDATIONS REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Pathophysiology / Cellular Biology / NR 283 Exam 1 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
Genetics
Q1
What is the definition of etiology in pathophysiology?
A The story of how a disease develops
B The cause of a particular disease on a microscopic level
C The structural changes caused by a disease
D The clinical manifestations of a disease
CORRECT ANSWER B. The cause of a particular disease on a microscopic level
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Etiology refers to the initiating cause or origin of a disease, whether genetic, infectious, environmental, or
idiopathic.
● Pathogenesis describes the progression or development of the disease process over time.
● Understanding etiology helps guide prevention and treatment strategies.
Q2
What is the definition of pathogenesis?
A The cause of a particular disease
B The story of how a disease develops
C The study of tissue specimens
D The microscopic examination of cells
CORRECT ANSWER B. The story of how a disease develops
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Pathogenesis describes the sequence of cellular and tissue events from initial cause to disease manifestation.
● Understanding pathogenesis guides clinical decision-making and treatment timing.
● Pathogenesis includes mechanisms of cellular injury, repair, and adaptation.
, Q3
What is atrophy?
A Increase in cell size resulting in enlarged tissue mass
B Increase in number of cells resulting in enlarged tissue mass
C Decrease in cell size resulting in reduced tissue mass
D Replacement of one mature cell type with another
CORRECT ANSWER C. Decrease in cell size resulting in reduced tissue mass
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Atrophy can be physiologic (thymus gland in aging) or pathologic (disuse atrophy of muscles in immobilization).
● Causes include decreased workload, loss of innervation, reduced blood supply, inadequate nutrition, or
hormonal changes.
● Cellular shrinkage results from decreased protein synthesis and increased protein degradation.
Q4
What is hypertrophy?
A Increase in cell size resulting in enlarged tissue mass
B Increase in number of cells resulting in enlarged tissue mass
C Decrease in cell size resulting in reduced tissue mass
D Replacement of one mature cell type with another
CORRECT ANSWER A. Increase in cell size resulting in enlarged tissue mass
CLINICAL RATIONALE
● Hypertrophy occurs in response to increased workload (e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy from hypertension).
● Unlike hyperplasia, hypertrophy does not involve increased cell division; existing cells enlarge.
● Cardiac and skeletal muscle undergo hypertrophy but cannot undergo hyperplasia.