NSG530 Exam 1 V2 | NSG 530 Advanced
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. A patient is experiencing cellular injury due to hypoxia. Which of the following is the
primary mechanism leading to cellular swelling?
A. Increased protein synthesis
B. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
C. Decreased intracellular osmotic pressure
D. Activation of the complement system
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia leads to a decrease in ATP production because aerobic respiration is
impaired. Without sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails to maintain the
electrochemical gradient. This leads to an accumulation of intracellular sodium, which
draws water into the cell via osmosis, causing swelling.
2. Which type of cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type with another mature cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. This often occurs in response to chronic irritation or inflammation,
such as in the airways of smokers. This adaptation allows the tissue to better withstand the
environmental stressor, though it may lose original functional capabilities.
3. In the process of wound healing, what is the primary role of fibroblasts during the
proliferative phase?
A. Phagocytosis of bacteria
B. Secretion of collagen
C. Vasoconstriction of local vessels
D. Release of histamine
Answer: B
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the key cells responsible for synthesizing the extracellular
matrix and collagen during tissue repair. This collagen provides the structural integrity
needed for the wound to close and gain strength. The proliferative phase typically begins a
few days after injury and lasts for several weeks.
4. Which immunoglobulin is primarily involved in Type I hypersensitivity reactions, such as
allergic rhinitis?
A. IgG
, B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells and
basophils. Upon re-exposure to the allergen, these antibodies trigger the release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This process results in the classic symptoms
of allergy, including itching, swelling, and vasodilation.
5. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
most likely to be observed?
A. Hyporeflexia
B. Presence of U waves
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as high serum potassium, affects the cardiac conduction
system significantly. Peaked T waves are one of the earliest and most characteristic
electrocardiogram changes seen in this condition. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can lead
to lethal arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Pathophysiology | Wilkes University
1. A patient is experiencing cellular injury due to hypoxia. Which of the following is the
primary mechanism leading to cellular swelling?
A. Increased protein synthesis
B. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
C. Decreased intracellular osmotic pressure
D. Activation of the complement system
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxia leads to a decrease in ATP production because aerobic respiration is
impaired. Without sufficient ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails to maintain the
electrochemical gradient. This leads to an accumulation of intracellular sodium, which
draws water into the cell via osmosis, causing swelling.
2. Which type of cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type with another mature cell type?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. This often occurs in response to chronic irritation or inflammation,
such as in the airways of smokers. This adaptation allows the tissue to better withstand the
environmental stressor, though it may lose original functional capabilities.
3. In the process of wound healing, what is the primary role of fibroblasts during the
proliferative phase?
A. Phagocytosis of bacteria
B. Secretion of collagen
C. Vasoconstriction of local vessels
D. Release of histamine
Answer: B
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the key cells responsible for synthesizing the extracellular
matrix and collagen during tissue repair. This collagen provides the structural integrity
needed for the wound to close and gain strength. The proliferative phase typically begins a
few days after injury and lasts for several weeks.
4. Which immunoglobulin is primarily involved in Type I hypersensitivity reactions, such as
allergic rhinitis?
A. IgG
, B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells and
basophils. Upon re-exposure to the allergen, these antibodies trigger the release of
histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This process results in the classic symptoms
of allergy, including itching, swelling, and vasodilation.
5. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
most likely to be observed?
A. Hyporeflexia
B. Presence of U waves
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as high serum potassium, affects the cardiac conduction
system significantly. Peaked T waves are one of the earliest and most characteristic
electrocardiogram changes seen in this condition. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can lead
to lethal arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
