NUR2063/NUR 2063 Exam 1 V1 |
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exhibits a change in the
esophageal lining from stratified squamous to columnar epithelium. Which cellular
adaptation has occurred?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the replacement of one differentiated cell type with another cell
type better suited to handle a specific stressor. In this case, the esophageal lining adapts to
chronic acid exposure by changing its cell structure. This is a reversible process if the
irritating stimulus is removed.
2. According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is
characterized by the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Alarm stage
B. Resistance stage
,C. Exhaustion stage
D. Allostatic load stage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The alarm stage is the body’s initial reaction to a stressor, activating the
sympathetic nervous system. During this phase, catecholamines like epinephrine and
norepinephrine are released to increase heart rate and blood pressure. This stage prepares
the body for immediate physical action.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of a patient with hyperkalemia?
A. Flattened T-waves on an ECG
B. Presence of a U-wave
C. Peaked T-waves on an ECG
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, or high serum potassium, significantly affects cardiac electrical
conduction. Peaked T-waves are one of the earliest and most diagnostic ECG changes
associated with this condition. Failure to treat hyperkalemia can lead to lethal cardiac
arrhythmias.
, 4. A nurse observes a patient’s facial muscles twitching after tapping on the facial nerve. This
finding is known as:
A. Chvostek sign
B. Kernig sign
C. Trousseau sign
D. Babinski sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chvostek sign is an indicator of neuromuscular irritability typically caused by
hypocalcemia. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the earlobe. A
positive result is seen as a twitch of the nose or lip on the same side.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III (Immune Complex)
B. Type II (Cytotoxic)
C. Type I (Immediate)
D. Type IV (Delayed)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction that occurs upon re-
exposure to an allergen. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells, leading to degranulation and the
Essentials of Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exhibits a change in the
esophageal lining from stratified squamous to columnar epithelium. Which cellular
adaptation has occurred?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the replacement of one differentiated cell type with another cell
type better suited to handle a specific stressor. In this case, the esophageal lining adapts to
chronic acid exposure by changing its cell structure. This is a reversible process if the
irritating stimulus is removed.
2. According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is
characterized by the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Alarm stage
B. Resistance stage
,C. Exhaustion stage
D. Allostatic load stage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The alarm stage is the body’s initial reaction to a stressor, activating the
sympathetic nervous system. During this phase, catecholamines like epinephrine and
norepinephrine are released to increase heart rate and blood pressure. This stage prepares
the body for immediate physical action.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of a patient with hyperkalemia?
A. Flattened T-waves on an ECG
B. Presence of a U-wave
C. Peaked T-waves on an ECG
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, or high serum potassium, significantly affects cardiac electrical
conduction. Peaked T-waves are one of the earliest and most diagnostic ECG changes
associated with this condition. Failure to treat hyperkalemia can lead to lethal cardiac
arrhythmias.
, 4. A nurse observes a patient’s facial muscles twitching after tapping on the facial nerve. This
finding is known as:
A. Chvostek sign
B. Kernig sign
C. Trousseau sign
D. Babinski sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chvostek sign is an indicator of neuromuscular irritability typically caused by
hypocalcemia. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve just anterior to the earlobe. A
positive result is seen as a twitch of the nose or lip on the same side.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III (Immune Complex)
B. Type II (Cytotoxic)
C. Type I (Immediate)
D. Type IV (Delayed)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction that occurs upon re-
exposure to an allergen. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells, leading to degranulation and the
