NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 1 V1 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is characterized by an increase in the number of
cells resulting from an increased rate of cellular division?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or
tissue. It occurs in response to a stimulus such as hormonal stimulation or compensatory
needs. This process is distinct from hypertrophy, which involves an increase in cell size
rather than number.
2. A 55-year-old male smoker presents with a cough. A biopsy of his bronchial lining reveals
that the normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells have been replaced by stratified squamous
epithelial cells. This is an example of:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
,C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less differentiated cell type. In smokers, the fragile ciliated columnar cells of the
bronchial airways are often replaced by tougher stratified squamous cells to withstand
irritation. While this adaptation provides protection, it results in the loss of vital functions
like mucus secretion and ciliary clearance.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by ‘cellular suicide’ and does not typically trigger
an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Apoptosis
C. Autophagy
D. Caseous necrosis
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that allows the body to
eliminate unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, the cell membrane remains intact,
and the cell breaks into fragments called apoptotic bodies. Because these fragments are
quickly phagocytized, there is no leakage of intracellular contents and thus no
inflammatory response.
, 4. A patient is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, an autosomal dominant disorder. If one
parent is heterozygous for the gene and the other is unaffected, what is the probability that
their child will inherit the disease?
A. 25%
B. 100%
C. 75%
D. 50%
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In autosomal dominant inheritance, only one copy of the mutated
gene is necessary for the disease to be expressed. If a parent is heterozygous (Aa) and the
other is unaffected (aa), the Punnett square yields a 50% chance of offspring inheriting the
‘A’ allele. This statistical probability remains constant for each individual pregnancy
regardless of previous outcomes.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a flattened T wave and the
presence of a U wave on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is characterized by an increase in the number of
cells resulting from an increased rate of cellular division?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or
tissue. It occurs in response to a stimulus such as hormonal stimulation or compensatory
needs. This process is distinct from hypertrophy, which involves an increase in cell size
rather than number.
2. A 55-year-old male smoker presents with a cough. A biopsy of his bronchial lining reveals
that the normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells have been replaced by stratified squamous
epithelial cells. This is an example of:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
,C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less differentiated cell type. In smokers, the fragile ciliated columnar cells of the
bronchial airways are often replaced by tougher stratified squamous cells to withstand
irritation. While this adaptation provides protection, it results in the loss of vital functions
like mucus secretion and ciliary clearance.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by ‘cellular suicide’ and does not typically trigger
an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Apoptosis
C. Autophagy
D. Caseous necrosis
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that allows the body to
eliminate unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, the cell membrane remains intact,
and the cell breaks into fragments called apoptotic bodies. Because these fragments are
quickly phagocytized, there is no leakage of intracellular contents and thus no
inflammatory response.
, 4. A patient is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, an autosomal dominant disorder. If one
parent is heterozygous for the gene and the other is unaffected, what is the probability that
their child will inherit the disease?
A. 25%
B. 100%
C. 75%
D. 50%
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In autosomal dominant inheritance, only one copy of the mutated
gene is necessary for the disease to be expressed. If a parent is heterozygous (Aa) and the
other is unaffected (aa), the Punnett square yields a 50% chance of offspring inheriting the
‘A’ allele. This statistical probability remains constant for each individual pregnancy
regardless of previous outcomes.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a flattened T wave and the
presence of a U wave on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
