NURS 231/NURS231 Module 1 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following cellular organelles is primarily responsible for the synthesis of
proteins through the translation of mRNA?
A. Ribosomes
B. Lysosomes
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis where amino acids are assembled
into proteins based on mRNA sequences. They can be found either floating freely in the
cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. This process is a fundamental
aspect of cellular function and gene expression.
2. A patient is diagnosed with cardiac hypertrophy. This condition is best described as which
of the following?
A. An increase in the total number of myocardial cells.
B. An increase in the size of individual myocardial cells.
C. The replacement of muscle cells with fibrous connective tissue.
,D. The presence of abnormal, undifferentiated cell growth.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in cell size, leading to an increase in the
overall size of the organ. In the heart, this often occurs due to increased hemodynamic
workload, such as in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia, hypertrophy does not involve the
creation of new cells.
3. Which process describes the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
less mature or different cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible cellular adaptation where one adult cell type is
replaced by another cell type that is better suited to withstand environmental stress. A
classic example is the change of ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous
epithelium in the airways of smokers. If the irritating stimulus is removed, the tissue can
often revert to its original state.
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury seen in clinical practice?
A. Chemical poisoning
, B. Genetic defects
C. Hypoxia
D. Infectious agents
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, is the most common cause of cellular injury
and death. It can result from reduced oxygen in the air, loss of hemoglobin, or decreased
blood flow (ischemia). Without oxygen, the cell cannot produce sufficient ATP, leading to
failure of the sodium-potassium pump and cellular swelling.
5. During hypoxic injury, why does the cell undergo swelling (oncosis)?
A. Increased protein synthesis draws water into the cell.
B. Increased aerobic metabolism produces excess metabolic water.
C. The release of lysosomal enzymes increases osmotic pressure.
D. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump leads to intracellular sodium accumulation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reduced ATP production during hypoxia impairs the sodium-potassium pump,
which normally maintains electrolyte balance. As sodium stays inside the cell, it creates an
osmotic gradient that pulls water into the cell. This resulting cellular swelling is one of the
earliest signs of reversible cell injury.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following cellular organelles is primarily responsible for the synthesis of
proteins through the translation of mRNA?
A. Ribosomes
B. Lysosomes
C. Mitochondria
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis where amino acids are assembled
into proteins based on mRNA sequences. They can be found either floating freely in the
cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. This process is a fundamental
aspect of cellular function and gene expression.
2. A patient is diagnosed with cardiac hypertrophy. This condition is best described as which
of the following?
A. An increase in the total number of myocardial cells.
B. An increase in the size of individual myocardial cells.
C. The replacement of muscle cells with fibrous connective tissue.
,D. The presence of abnormal, undifferentiated cell growth.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy refers to an increase in cell size, leading to an increase in the
overall size of the organ. In the heart, this often occurs due to increased hemodynamic
workload, such as in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia, hypertrophy does not involve the
creation of new cells.
3. Which process describes the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
less mature or different cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible cellular adaptation where one adult cell type is
replaced by another cell type that is better suited to withstand environmental stress. A
classic example is the change of ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous
epithelium in the airways of smokers. If the irritating stimulus is removed, the tissue can
often revert to its original state.
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury seen in clinical practice?
A. Chemical poisoning
, B. Genetic defects
C. Hypoxia
D. Infectious agents
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, is the most common cause of cellular injury
and death. It can result from reduced oxygen in the air, loss of hemoglobin, or decreased
blood flow (ischemia). Without oxygen, the cell cannot produce sufficient ATP, leading to
failure of the sodium-potassium pump and cellular swelling.
5. During hypoxic injury, why does the cell undergo swelling (oncosis)?
A. Increased protein synthesis draws water into the cell.
B. Increased aerobic metabolism produces excess metabolic water.
C. The release of lysosomal enzymes increases osmotic pressure.
D. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump leads to intracellular sodium accumulation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reduced ATP production during hypoxia impairs the sodium-potassium pump,
which normally maintains electrolyte balance. As sodium stays inside the cell, it creates an
osmotic gradient that pulls water into the cell. This resulting cellular swelling is one of the
earliest signs of reversible cell injury.
