NURS 231/NURS231 Module 2 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient with long-standing hypertension shows an increase in the size of the left
ventricular myocytes. This change is best described as:
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy represents an increase in cell size and with it an increase in the
amount of functioning tissue mass. It results from an increased workload imposed on an
organ or body part, such as the heart or skeletal muscle. This is a compensatory mechanism
used by cells that cannot increase their number through mitotic division.
2. The replacement of normal ciliated columnar epithelium in the bronchial lining with
stratified squamous epithelium in a chronic smoker is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. It usually occurs in response to chronic irritation and inflammation.
While the new cell type may survive better under harsh conditions, the functional
protection of the original tissue, such as mucus secretion, is often lost.
3. Which of the following processes is characterized by programmed cell death that does not
elicit an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Apoptosis
D. Caseous necrosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly selective process that eliminates injured and aged cells,
thereby controlling tissue regeneration. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the rupture of
the cell membrane or the release of intracellular contents. This lack of leakage prevents the
activation of the inflammatory cascade in the surrounding tissue.
4. A 55-year-old male experiences a myocardial infarction. The tissue death that follows in
the heart muscle is typically which type of necrosis?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
, B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Coagulative necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis is the primary pattern of cell death associated with
hypoxic injury in most organs except the brain. It is characterized by the preservation of
the basic structural outline of the dead cells for several days. This allows the body time to
initiate repair mechanisms while maintaining temporary structural integrity.
5. During the cellular stage of acute inflammation, which cells are the first to arrive at the site
of injury?
A. Macrophages
B. Lymphocytes
C. Basophils
D. Neutrophils
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neutrophils are the primary early responders in the acute inflammatory
process, typically arriving within 90 minutes of injury. They are highly mobile and
equipped with phagocytic capabilities to neutralize pathogens. Their presence is a hallmark
of acute rather than chronic inflammation.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient with long-standing hypertension shows an increase in the size of the left
ventricular myocytes. This change is best described as:
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy represents an increase in cell size and with it an increase in the
amount of functioning tissue mass. It results from an increased workload imposed on an
organ or body part, such as the heart or skeletal muscle. This is a compensatory mechanism
used by cells that cannot increase their number through mitotic division.
2. The replacement of normal ciliated columnar epithelium in the bronchial lining with
stratified squamous epithelium in a chronic smoker is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. It usually occurs in response to chronic irritation and inflammation.
While the new cell type may survive better under harsh conditions, the functional
protection of the original tissue, such as mucus secretion, is often lost.
3. Which of the following processes is characterized by programmed cell death that does not
elicit an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Apoptosis
D. Caseous necrosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly selective process that eliminates injured and aged cells,
thereby controlling tissue regeneration. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the rupture of
the cell membrane or the release of intracellular contents. This lack of leakage prevents the
activation of the inflammatory cascade in the surrounding tissue.
4. A 55-year-old male experiences a myocardial infarction. The tissue death that follows in
the heart muscle is typically which type of necrosis?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
, B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Coagulative necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis is the primary pattern of cell death associated with
hypoxic injury in most organs except the brain. It is characterized by the preservation of
the basic structural outline of the dead cells for several days. This allows the body time to
initiate repair mechanisms while maintaining temporary structural integrity.
5. During the cellular stage of acute inflammation, which cells are the first to arrive at the site
of injury?
A. Macrophages
B. Lymphocytes
C. Basophils
D. Neutrophils
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neutrophils are the primary early responders in the acute inflammatory
process, typically arriving within 90 minutes of injury. They are highly mobile and
equipped with phagocytic capabilities to neutralize pathogens. Their presence is a hallmark
of acute rather than chronic inflammation.
