NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 1 V3 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient presents with enlargement of the left ventricle due to chronic hypertension. This
cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of cells, which leads to
an increase in the size of the organ. In chronic hypertension, the heart muscle must work
harder to pump blood, resulting in larger cardiocytes. This is a common compensatory
mechanism in cardiac pathophysiology to handle increased afterload.
2. Which of the following describes the programmed process of cell death that does not cause
inflammation?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Autolysis
,D. Infarction
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of cell death that is often referred to as
cellular suicide. It is a highly regulated process that eliminates unwanted or damaged cells
without spilling cellular contents into the interstitial space. Unlike necrosis, it does not
trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues.
3. A patient with chronic smoking shows a change in the bronchial lining where ciliated
columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is called:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another mature cell type. In smokers, the delicate ciliated cells are replaced by tougher
squamous cells to withstand the irritation of smoke. While protective in the short term, this
change results in the loss of vital functions like mucus clearance.
4. What is the primary electrolyte imbalance associated with the development of Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypernatremia
, B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by decreasing the
threshold for nerve stimulation. Trousseau’s sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure
cuff, which causes carpal spasms. This clinical indicator is essential for identifying patients
at risk for tetany or seizures.
5. A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 24. How would you interpret
these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated
above 45 mmHg, which is the respiratory component. Since the bicarbonate level is within
the normal range, this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This condition often results
from hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange in the lungs.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient presents with enlargement of the left ventricle due to chronic hypertension. This
cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of cells, which leads to
an increase in the size of the organ. In chronic hypertension, the heart muscle must work
harder to pump blood, resulting in larger cardiocytes. This is a common compensatory
mechanism in cardiac pathophysiology to handle increased afterload.
2. Which of the following describes the programmed process of cell death that does not cause
inflammation?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Autolysis
,D. Infarction
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of cell death that is often referred to as
cellular suicide. It is a highly regulated process that eliminates unwanted or damaged cells
without spilling cellular contents into the interstitial space. Unlike necrosis, it does not
trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues.
3. A patient with chronic smoking shows a change in the bronchial lining where ciliated
columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is called:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another mature cell type. In smokers, the delicate ciliated cells are replaced by tougher
squamous cells to withstand the irritation of smoke. While protective in the short term, this
change results in the loss of vital functions like mucus clearance.
4. What is the primary electrolyte imbalance associated with the development of Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypernatremia
, B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by decreasing the
threshold for nerve stimulation. Trousseau’s sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure
cuff, which causes carpal spasms. This clinical indicator is essential for identifying patients
at risk for tetany or seizures.
5. A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 24. How would you interpret
these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated
above 45 mmHg, which is the respiratory component. Since the bicarbonate level is within
the normal range, this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This condition often results
from hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange in the lungs.
