NURS 231/NURS231 Final Exam V1 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a lack of use or
stimulation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy occurs when cells shrink in size due to reduced functional demand or
adverse environmental conditions. This process is common in skeletal muscle that is
immobilized or in organs experiencing decreased hormonal stimulation. It represents a
survival mechanism where the cell reduces its metabolic needs to avoid death.
2. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Chemical agents
B. Hypoxia
C. Genetic defects
D. Infectious agents
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia, or lack of sufficient oxygen, is the leading cause of cellular injury and
death. It typically results from ischemia, which is a reduced blood supply to tissues.
Without oxygen, oxidative phosphorylation fails, leading to a decrease in ATP production
and subsequent cellular dysfunction.
3. A patient with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) shows a change in the lining
of the esophagus from squamous to columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. In the case of GERD, the esophageal lining changes to better
withstand the acidic environment. While protective in the short term, metaplasia can
predispose the tissue to malignant transformation if the stimulus persists.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
cardiac dysrhythmias and peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hypomagnesemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia involves an elevated level of potassium in the blood, which
significantly impacts cardiac electrical activity. The elevated potassium levels lead to a
more positive resting membrane potential, affecting repolarization and causing peaked T-
waves. Severe hyperkalemia is a medical emergency because it can lead to ventricular
fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
5. During the inflammatory response, which chemical mediator is primarily responsible for
increasing capillary permeability and vasodilation?
A. Interleukin-1
B. Leukotrienes
C. Histamine
D. Complement C5a
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Histamine is released by mast cells in response to tissue injury or allergic
triggers. It acts rapidly to dilate local blood vessels and increase the permeability of the
capillaries. This allow fluids, proteins, and white blood cells to migrate from the blood into
the interstitial space to begin the healing process.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a lack of use or
stimulation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy occurs when cells shrink in size due to reduced functional demand or
adverse environmental conditions. This process is common in skeletal muscle that is
immobilized or in organs experiencing decreased hormonal stimulation. It represents a
survival mechanism where the cell reduces its metabolic needs to avoid death.
2. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Chemical agents
B. Hypoxia
C. Genetic defects
D. Infectious agents
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia, or lack of sufficient oxygen, is the leading cause of cellular injury and
death. It typically results from ischemia, which is a reduced blood supply to tissues.
Without oxygen, oxidative phosphorylation fails, leading to a decrease in ATP production
and subsequent cellular dysfunction.
3. A patient with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) shows a change in the lining
of the esophagus from squamous to columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. In the case of GERD, the esophageal lining changes to better
withstand the acidic environment. While protective in the short term, metaplasia can
predispose the tissue to malignant transformation if the stimulus persists.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
cardiac dysrhythmias and peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hypomagnesemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia involves an elevated level of potassium in the blood, which
significantly impacts cardiac electrical activity. The elevated potassium levels lead to a
more positive resting membrane potential, affecting repolarization and causing peaked T-
waves. Severe hyperkalemia is a medical emergency because it can lead to ventricular
fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
5. During the inflammatory response, which chemical mediator is primarily responsible for
increasing capillary permeability and vasodilation?
A. Interleukin-1
B. Leukotrienes
C. Histamine
D. Complement C5a
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Histamine is released by mast cells in response to tissue injury or allergic
triggers. It acts rapidly to dilate local blood vessels and increase the permeability of the
capillaries. This allow fluids, proteins, and white blood cells to migrate from the blood into
the interstitial space to begin the healing process.
