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NURS 5315 Advanced Pathophysiology Test Bank 2025–2026 | 120+
Exam Questions with Answers & Rationales | UTA A+ Study
Resource
Question 1
A 58-year-old male presents with chronic hypertension and signs of left ventricular hypertrophy.
As part of your pathophysiology review, which of the following best describes the underlying
cellular adaptation occurring in his myocardium?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C. Hypertrophy
Rationale: In response to chronic high blood pressure, the left ventricular muscle fibers
increase in size to overcome increased systemic vascular resistance. This is a classic example of
hypertrophy, a reversible adaptation where cells increase in size without an increase in cell
number. This differs from hyperplasia (increase in number), metaplasia (change in cell type), and
,2
dysplasia (abnormal cell growth).
📚 McCance & Huether, Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and
Children, 8th ed.
Question 2
A patient experiences tissue damage following ischemia to the lower limb. Upon biopsy, cells
show swelling, plasma membrane rupture, and enzyme leakage. What type of cellular injury is
most likely occurring?
A. Apoptosis
B. Coagulative necrosis
C. Atrophy
D. Fatty degeneration
Correct Answer: B. Coagulative necrosis
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis commonly results from ischemic injury, especially in the
heart, kidneys, and limbs. It is characterized by protein denaturation, enzyme inactivation, and
preservation of tissue architecture initially. The process is different from apoptosis (programmed
cell death), atrophy (cell shrinkage), or fatty degeneration (seen in liver injury).
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Chapter 2: Cellular Injury, Adaptation, and Maladaptive
Changes
,3
Question 3
A 45-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presents with joint pain, fatigue, and
skin rashes. Which immune mechanism is most responsible for her pathophysiology?
A. Type I hypersensitivity
B. Type II hypersensitivity
C. Type III hypersensitivity
D. Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: C. Type III hypersensitivity
Rationale: Type III hypersensitivity is immune complex-mediated. In lupus, antigen-
antibody complexes deposit in tissues, triggering complement activation and inflammation.
This leads to tissue damage in joints, skin, kidneys, and more. Type I is IgE-mediated (allergic
reactions), Type II involves cytotoxic antibodies, and Type IV is T-cell mediated.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 8: Immunity and Abnormal Immune Responses
Question 4
A nurse practitioner is assessing a client with chronic alcoholism. The liver appears enlarged
and greasy. Which type of cellular accumulation is most likely?
A. Glycogen
B. Fat
C. Water
D. Protein
, 4
Correct Answer: B. Fat
Rationale: Chronic alcohol intake leads to fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) due to disrupted lipid
metabolism in hepatocytes. Fat accumulates in cells, causing liver enlargement. This is a
common reversible injury. Glycogen is seen in glycogen storage disorders; water causes cellular
swelling; protein accumulations are seen in some degenerative disorders.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 2: Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death
Question 5
A patient with hypovolemic shock is found to have a serum pH of 7.18, pCO₂ of 33 mmHg, and
HCO₃⁻ of 15 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is this?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: D. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: A low pH (<7.35) with a low HCO₃⁻ indicates metabolic acidosis. The slightly low
pCO₂ suggests respiratory compensation. Causes include lactic acid buildup from poor
perfusion in shock.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 5: Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance
NURS 5315 Advanced Pathophysiology Test Bank 2025–2026 | 120+
Exam Questions with Answers & Rationales | UTA A+ Study
Resource
Question 1
A 58-year-old male presents with chronic hypertension and signs of left ventricular hypertrophy.
As part of your pathophysiology review, which of the following best describes the underlying
cellular adaptation occurring in his myocardium?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C. Hypertrophy
Rationale: In response to chronic high blood pressure, the left ventricular muscle fibers
increase in size to overcome increased systemic vascular resistance. This is a classic example of
hypertrophy, a reversible adaptation where cells increase in size without an increase in cell
number. This differs from hyperplasia (increase in number), metaplasia (change in cell type), and
,2
dysplasia (abnormal cell growth).
📚 McCance & Huether, Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and
Children, 8th ed.
Question 2
A patient experiences tissue damage following ischemia to the lower limb. Upon biopsy, cells
show swelling, plasma membrane rupture, and enzyme leakage. What type of cellular injury is
most likely occurring?
A. Apoptosis
B. Coagulative necrosis
C. Atrophy
D. Fatty degeneration
Correct Answer: B. Coagulative necrosis
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis commonly results from ischemic injury, especially in the
heart, kidneys, and limbs. It is characterized by protein denaturation, enzyme inactivation, and
preservation of tissue architecture initially. The process is different from apoptosis (programmed
cell death), atrophy (cell shrinkage), or fatty degeneration (seen in liver injury).
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Chapter 2: Cellular Injury, Adaptation, and Maladaptive
Changes
,3
Question 3
A 45-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presents with joint pain, fatigue, and
skin rashes. Which immune mechanism is most responsible for her pathophysiology?
A. Type I hypersensitivity
B. Type II hypersensitivity
C. Type III hypersensitivity
D. Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: C. Type III hypersensitivity
Rationale: Type III hypersensitivity is immune complex-mediated. In lupus, antigen-
antibody complexes deposit in tissues, triggering complement activation and inflammation.
This leads to tissue damage in joints, skin, kidneys, and more. Type I is IgE-mediated (allergic
reactions), Type II involves cytotoxic antibodies, and Type IV is T-cell mediated.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 8: Immunity and Abnormal Immune Responses
Question 4
A nurse practitioner is assessing a client with chronic alcoholism. The liver appears enlarged
and greasy. Which type of cellular accumulation is most likely?
A. Glycogen
B. Fat
C. Water
D. Protein
, 4
Correct Answer: B. Fat
Rationale: Chronic alcohol intake leads to fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) due to disrupted lipid
metabolism in hepatocytes. Fat accumulates in cells, causing liver enlargement. This is a
common reversible injury. Glycogen is seen in glycogen storage disorders; water causes cellular
swelling; protein accumulations are seen in some degenerative disorders.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 2: Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death
Question 5
A patient with hypovolemic shock is found to have a serum pH of 7.18, pCO₂ of 33 mmHg, and
HCO₃⁻ of 15 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is this?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: D. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: A low pH (<7.35) with a low HCO₃⁻ indicates metabolic acidosis. The slightly low
pCO₂ suggests respiratory compensation. Causes include lactic acid buildup from poor
perfusion in shock.
📚 McCance & Huether, 8th ed., Ch. 5: Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance
