NURS 231/NURS231 Module 1 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with a decrease in muscle size in their left leg after being in a cast for six
weeks. Which cellular adaptation has occurred?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to a decrease in work demand or adverse
environmental conditions. In this case, the lack of muscle use while in a cast led to disuse
atrophy. This process allows the cell to survive by reducing its metabolic needs to a more
sustainable level.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, such as the enlargement of the
female breast during pregnancy, is known as:
A. Neoplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
,D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue
that is still capable of mitotic division. This can be a physiological response, such as
hormonal stimulation during pregnancy or compensatory regeneration after liver
resection. It is distinct from hypertrophy, which refers only to an increase in the size of
existing cells.
3. Which cellular adaptation is most likely to occur in the respiratory tract of a chronic
cigarette smoker?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type to better withstand chronic irritation. In smokers, the ciliated
columnar epithelium of the trachea is often replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
While this provides protection, the loss of cilia impairs the clearance of microorganisms
and debris.
, 4. A biopsy reveals deranged cell growth with varying sizes, shapes, and organization. The
provider explains this is a precursor to cancer. What is this called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dysplasia is characterized by deranged cell growth that results in cells of
varying size, shape, and appearance. It is often associated with chronic irritation or
inflammation and is frequently observed in the cervix or respiratory tract. Although
dysplasia is potentially reversible, it is considered a strong precursor to malignant
transformation.
5. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Hypoxia
B. Chemical agents
C. Genetic defects
D. Nutritional imbalances
Correct Answer: A
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with a decrease in muscle size in their left leg after being in a cast for six
weeks. Which cellular adaptation has occurred?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to a decrease in work demand or adverse
environmental conditions. In this case, the lack of muscle use while in a cast led to disuse
atrophy. This process allows the cell to survive by reducing its metabolic needs to a more
sustainable level.
2. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, such as the enlargement of the
female breast during pregnancy, is known as:
A. Neoplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
,D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue
that is still capable of mitotic division. This can be a physiological response, such as
hormonal stimulation during pregnancy or compensatory regeneration after liver
resection. It is distinct from hypertrophy, which refers only to an increase in the size of
existing cells.
3. Which cellular adaptation is most likely to occur in the respiratory tract of a chronic
cigarette smoker?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type to better withstand chronic irritation. In smokers, the ciliated
columnar epithelium of the trachea is often replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
While this provides protection, the loss of cilia impairs the clearance of microorganisms
and debris.
, 4. A biopsy reveals deranged cell growth with varying sizes, shapes, and organization. The
provider explains this is a precursor to cancer. What is this called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dysplasia is characterized by deranged cell growth that results in cells of
varying size, shape, and appearance. It is often associated with chronic irritation or
inflammation and is frequently observed in the cervix or respiratory tract. Although
dysplasia is potentially reversible, it is considered a strong precursor to malignant
transformation.
5. What is the most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice?
A. Hypoxia
B. Chemical agents
C. Genetic defects
D. Nutritional imbalances
Correct Answer: A
