NURS 231/NURS231 Module 2 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in the size of the leg muscles after being in a cast for six
weeks. This cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrophy is defined as the decrease or shrinkage in cellular size, often resulting
from disuse or decreased functional demand. In the case of a limb immobilized by a cast,
the skeletal muscle cells shrink because they are not being actively utilized. This process
allows the body to conserve energy and resources when the workload of the tissue is
significantly reduced.
2. When the heart works harder due to high blood pressure, the myocardial cells increase in
size. This is an example of:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
,C. Dysplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of cells, which consequently
increases the size of the affected organ. This occurs in response to mechanical load or
stress, such as the increased workload placed on the heart by hypertension. Unlike
hyperplasia, hypertrophy involves an increase in cell volume rather than an increase in the
number of cells.
3. A biopsy of the bronchial lining in a long-term smoker reveals that the normal ciliated
columnar epithelium has been replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation. In smokers, the fragile ciliated
columnar cells are replaced by more durable stratified squamous cells to withstand the
smoke. Although this provides protection, the loss of cilia impairs the respiratory system’s
ability to clear mucus and debris.
, 4. Which of the following cellular adaptations is considered ‘atypical hyperplasia’ and is often
a precursor to cancer?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of
mature cells. It is frequently encountered in epithelial tissue and is closely associated with
neoplastic growth, though it is not yet true cancer. If the stimulus causing the dysplasia is
removed, the changes may be reversible, but persistent dysplasia often progresses to
malignancy.
5. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Hypoxia
B. Chemical injury
C. Free radicals
D. Infectious agents
Correct Answer: A
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in the size of the leg muscles after being in a cast for six
weeks. This cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrophy is defined as the decrease or shrinkage in cellular size, often resulting
from disuse or decreased functional demand. In the case of a limb immobilized by a cast,
the skeletal muscle cells shrink because they are not being actively utilized. This process
allows the body to conserve energy and resources when the workload of the tissue is
significantly reduced.
2. When the heart works harder due to high blood pressure, the myocardial cells increase in
size. This is an example of:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
,C. Dysplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of cells, which consequently
increases the size of the affected organ. This occurs in response to mechanical load or
stress, such as the increased workload placed on the heart by hypertension. Unlike
hyperplasia, hypertrophy involves an increase in cell volume rather than an increase in the
number of cells.
3. A biopsy of the bronchial lining in a long-term smoker reveals that the normal ciliated
columnar epithelium has been replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation. In smokers, the fragile ciliated
columnar cells are replaced by more durable stratified squamous cells to withstand the
smoke. Although this provides protection, the loss of cilia impairs the respiratory system’s
ability to clear mucus and debris.
, 4. Which of the following cellular adaptations is considered ‘atypical hyperplasia’ and is often
a precursor to cancer?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of
mature cells. It is frequently encountered in epithelial tissue and is closely associated with
neoplastic growth, though it is not yet true cancer. If the stimulus causing the dysplasia is
removed, the changes may be reversible, but persistent dysplasia often progresses to
malignancy.
5. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Hypoxia
B. Chemical injury
C. Free radicals
D. Infectious agents
Correct Answer: A
