NUR 546/NUR546 Final Exam V3 |
Advanced Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. What is the primary cellular adaptation seen in the heart of a patient with chronic
untreated hypertension?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cardiac hypertrophy occurs as a compensatory mechanism to the
increased workload caused by high systemic blood pressure. The myocytes increase in size
to generate more force against the peripheral resistance. Long-term, this adaptation can
lead to decreased compliance and eventual heart failure.
2. A patient is found to have a mutation that changes a codon from coding for an amino acid
to a stop codon. This is known as a:
A. Silent mutation
B. Nonsense mutation
C. Missense mutation
,D. Frameshift mutation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A nonsense mutation results in the premature termination of protein
synthesis. This usually leads to a nonfunctional or truncated protein product. It differs from
missense mutations which merely change one amino acid to another.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of tall,
peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia alters the resting membrane potential of cardiac cells,
leading to characteristic EKG changes. The peaked T-wave is an early sign of elevated
serum potassium levels. If left untreated, it can progress to QRS widening and life-
threatening arrhythmias.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves mast cell
degranulation?
A. Type IV
, B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered by
environmental antigens. Upon re-exposure, IgE bound to mast cells causes the release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is responsible for conditions
such as anaphylaxis and allergic rhinitis.
5. What is the hallmark physiological change in distributive shock, such as septic shock?
A. Decreased cardiac contractility
B. Widespread vasodilation
C. Increased systemic vascular resistance
D. Hypovolemia from blood loss
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In distributive shock, the vascular compartment expands significantly
due to massive vasodilation. This leads to a relative hypovolemia even if the actual fluid
volume is normal. Sepsis triggers this through the release of massive amounts of
inflammatory cytokines.
Advanced Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. What is the primary cellular adaptation seen in the heart of a patient with chronic
untreated hypertension?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cardiac hypertrophy occurs as a compensatory mechanism to the
increased workload caused by high systemic blood pressure. The myocytes increase in size
to generate more force against the peripheral resistance. Long-term, this adaptation can
lead to decreased compliance and eventual heart failure.
2. A patient is found to have a mutation that changes a codon from coding for an amino acid
to a stop codon. This is known as a:
A. Silent mutation
B. Nonsense mutation
C. Missense mutation
,D. Frameshift mutation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A nonsense mutation results in the premature termination of protein
synthesis. This usually leads to a nonfunctional or truncated protein product. It differs from
missense mutations which merely change one amino acid to another.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of tall,
peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperkalemia alters the resting membrane potential of cardiac cells,
leading to characteristic EKG changes. The peaked T-wave is an early sign of elevated
serum potassium levels. If left untreated, it can progress to QRS widening and life-
threatening arrhythmias.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves mast cell
degranulation?
A. Type IV
, B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered by
environmental antigens. Upon re-exposure, IgE bound to mast cells causes the release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is responsible for conditions
such as anaphylaxis and allergic rhinitis.
5. What is the hallmark physiological change in distributive shock, such as septic shock?
A. Decreased cardiac contractility
B. Widespread vasodilation
C. Increased systemic vascular resistance
D. Hypovolemia from blood loss
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: In distributive shock, the vascular compartment expands significantly
due to massive vasodilation. This leads to a relative hypovolemia even if the actual fluid
volume is normal. Sepsis triggers this through the release of massive amounts of
inflammatory cytokines.
