Pathophysiology Questions with Verified Correct Answers
1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI)?
• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypophosphatemia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Reduced renal excretion causes potassium retention in AKI.
2. The hallmark mechanism of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is:
• A. T-cell depletion
• B. Autoantibody production against nuclear antigens
• C. Excess histamine release
• D. Platelet destruction only
Answer: B. Autoantibody production against nuclear antigens
Rationale: ANA and immune-complex deposition drive tissue inflammation in SLE.
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis primarily results from:
• A. Excess insulin
• B. Insulin deficiency
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Aldosterone excess
Answer: B. Insulin deficiency
Rationale: Lack of insulin promotes lipolysis and ketone production, causing metabolic acidosis.
4. Which acid-base imbalance is expected in severe vomiting?
• A. Metabolic acidosis
, • B. Respiratory acidosis
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C. Metabolic alkalosis
Rationale: Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid increases serum bicarbonate.
5. The most common cause of myocardial infarction is:
• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Coronary artery occlusion from thrombosis
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Valve prolapse
Answer: B. Coronary artery occlusion from thrombosis.
Here are 150 original NR507 Advanced Pathophysiology–style practice questions with answers and
brief rationales (NCLEX/graduate level). These are designed for study—not actual exam content.
NR507 Advanced Pathophysiology Practice (150 Questions)
Cell Injury, Adaptation, Inflammation
1. Cellular swelling occurs due to failure of:
Answer: Na+/K+ pump
Rationale: ATP depletion disrupts ion balance.
2. Hypertrophy refers to:
Answer: Increased cell size
Rationale: Not increase in number (hyperplasia).
3. Hyperplasia is:
Answer: Increased cell number
Rationale: Common in hormone-stimulated tissues.
4. Metaplasia is:
Answer: Reversible change of one cell type to another
Rationale: Often due to chronic irritation.
5. Dysplasia indicates:
Answer: Precancerous abnormal cell growth
Rationale: Disorganized but reversible early.
6. Apoptosis is:
Answer: Programmed cell death
Rationale: Controlled, not inflammatory.
, 7. Necrosis results in:
Answer: Inflammation
Rationale: Uncontrolled cell death.
8. Main cause of irreversible cell injury:
Answer: Severe ATP depletion
Rationale: Mitochondrial failure.
9. First step in acute inflammation:
Answer: Vasodilation
Rationale: Increases blood flow.
10. Histamine is released by:
Answer: Mast cells
Rationale: Triggers vasodilation.
Immune System
11. Adaptive immunity is mediated by:
Answer: B and T cells
Rationale: Specific immune response.
12. Antibodies are produced by:
Answer: Plasma cells
Rationale: Differentiated B cells.
13. Autoimmune disease involves:
Answer: Loss of self-tolerance
Rationale: Immune attacks self.
14. SLE is characterized by:
Answer: Immune complex deposition
Rationale: Systemic inflammation.
15. Type I hypersensitivity is:
Answer: IgE-mediated
Rationale: Allergic reactions.
16. Anaphylaxis involves:
Answer: Massive histamine release
Rationale: Systemic vasodilation.
17. HIV primarily targets:
Answer: CD4 T cells
Rationale: Leads to immunosuppression.