2025/2026 Pathophysiology HESI Exit Exam Practice
Guide 150 Detailed Questions and Verified
Answers - Pass First Attempt and Avoid Resits (Based on
McCance & Huether 9th Edition)
**Question 1**
Which statement best describes the cellular function of metabolic
absorption?
A) Cells can produce proteins.
B) Cells can secrete digestive enzymes.
C) Cells can take in and use nutrients.
D) Cells can synthesize fats.
**Answer: C) Cells can take in and use nutrients.**
*Rationale*: Metabolic absorption refers to the ability of cells to take in
and use nutrients and other substances from their surroundings .
**Question 2**
Where is most of a cell’s genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleolus
D) Lysosome
,**Answer: C) Nucleolus**
*Rationale*: The nucleolus is the largest structure in the nucleus and
contains DNA, RNA, and ribosomes .
**Question 3**
Which cell component is capable of cellular autodigestion when
released during cell injury?
A) Ribosome
B) Golgi complex
C) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D) Lysosomes
**Answer: D) Lysosomes**
*Rationale*: Disruption of the lysosomal membrane releases digestive
enzymes that cause cellular self-digestion (autolysis) .
**Question 4**
During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA synthesized?
A) G1 phase
B) S phase
C) G2 phase
D) M phase
,**Answer: B) S phase**
*Rationale*: The S phase is when DNA replication occurs .
**Question 5**
What organic compound facilitates transportation across cell
membranes by acting as receptors and transport channels?
A) Lipids
B) Proteases
C) Proteins
D) Carbohydrates
**Answer: C) Proteins**
*Rationale*: Membrane proteins function as receptors, transport
channels, and enzymes .
**Question 6**
A patient with long-standing Type 2 diabetes presents with loss of
sensation in the feet. Which cellular mechanism best explains this?
A) Accelerated glucose metabolism in Schwann cells
B) Mitochondrial dysfunction from chronic hyperglycemia
C) Nuclear fragmentation (karyolysis)
D) Enhanced lysosomal activity
, **Answer: B) Mitochondrial dysfunction from chronic hyperglycemia**
*Rationale*: Chronic hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress and
mitochondrial dysfunction, impairing axonal transport and causing
distal neuropathy .
**Question 7**
A patient with liver cirrhosis develops ascites and edema. Which
Starling force alteration explains this?
A) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to hypoalbuminemia
C) Increased interstitial hydrostatic pressure
D) Decreased capillary permeability
**Answer: B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to
hypoalbuminemia**
*Rationale*: The liver produces albumin; cirrhosis leads to low plasma
proteins, reducing the force that holds fluid in the vascular space .
**Question 8**
A 62-year-old with GERD has endoscopy showing columnar epithelium
replacing squamous mucosa (Barrett esophagus). This is an example of:
A) Hyperplasia
B) Metaplasia
Guide 150 Detailed Questions and Verified
Answers - Pass First Attempt and Avoid Resits (Based on
McCance & Huether 9th Edition)
**Question 1**
Which statement best describes the cellular function of metabolic
absorption?
A) Cells can produce proteins.
B) Cells can secrete digestive enzymes.
C) Cells can take in and use nutrients.
D) Cells can synthesize fats.
**Answer: C) Cells can take in and use nutrients.**
*Rationale*: Metabolic absorption refers to the ability of cells to take in
and use nutrients and other substances from their surroundings .
**Question 2**
Where is most of a cell’s genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleolus
D) Lysosome
,**Answer: C) Nucleolus**
*Rationale*: The nucleolus is the largest structure in the nucleus and
contains DNA, RNA, and ribosomes .
**Question 3**
Which cell component is capable of cellular autodigestion when
released during cell injury?
A) Ribosome
B) Golgi complex
C) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
D) Lysosomes
**Answer: D) Lysosomes**
*Rationale*: Disruption of the lysosomal membrane releases digestive
enzymes that cause cellular self-digestion (autolysis) .
**Question 4**
During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA synthesized?
A) G1 phase
B) S phase
C) G2 phase
D) M phase
,**Answer: B) S phase**
*Rationale*: The S phase is when DNA replication occurs .
**Question 5**
What organic compound facilitates transportation across cell
membranes by acting as receptors and transport channels?
A) Lipids
B) Proteases
C) Proteins
D) Carbohydrates
**Answer: C) Proteins**
*Rationale*: Membrane proteins function as receptors, transport
channels, and enzymes .
**Question 6**
A patient with long-standing Type 2 diabetes presents with loss of
sensation in the feet. Which cellular mechanism best explains this?
A) Accelerated glucose metabolism in Schwann cells
B) Mitochondrial dysfunction from chronic hyperglycemia
C) Nuclear fragmentation (karyolysis)
D) Enhanced lysosomal activity
, **Answer: B) Mitochondrial dysfunction from chronic hyperglycemia**
*Rationale*: Chronic hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress and
mitochondrial dysfunction, impairing axonal transport and causing
distal neuropathy .
**Question 7**
A patient with liver cirrhosis develops ascites and edema. Which
Starling force alteration explains this?
A) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to hypoalbuminemia
C) Increased interstitial hydrostatic pressure
D) Decreased capillary permeability
**Answer: B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure due to
hypoalbuminemia**
*Rationale*: The liver produces albumin; cirrhosis leads to low plasma
proteins, reducing the force that holds fluid in the vascular space .
**Question 8**
A 62-year-old with GERD has endoscopy showing columnar epithelium
replacing squamous mucosa (Barrett esophagus). This is an example of:
A) Hyperplasia
B) Metaplasia
