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PATHO 313 – Exam 1 Study Prep:
Pathophysiology Questions with Complete
Solutions (2026/2027).
1. The nurse is reviewing a client's chart. Which of the following findings
documented by the nurse is a clinical sign?
A. Nausea
B. Headache
C. Bruise
D. Anxiety
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A sign is an objective, observable manifestation of disease. A
bruise can be seen and measured by the nurse. Nausea, headache, and
anxiety are subjective symptoms reported by the patient.
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2. A client is experiencing the "fight-or-flight" stress response. Which of the
following physiologic responses should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased heart rate
B. Increased urine output
C. Increased respiration
D. Decreased blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
during the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome stimulates the
sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased respiratory rate, heart
rate, and blood pressure, while suppressing non-essential functions like
digestion and urination.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about cellular function. Which organelle
should the nurse describe as the "powerhouse of the cell" responsible for
producing ATP?
A. Nucleus
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B. Mitochondria
C. Ribosome
D. Golgi apparatus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles where cellular respiration occurs,
generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy currency.
4. A client presents with acute urticaria and wheezing after a bee sting. The
nurse recognizes this reaction is primarily mediated by which mechanism?
A. Cytotoxic T-cells
B. Immune complex deposition
C. Mast cells and IgE production
D. Delayed hypersensitivity
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions are immediate and
involve antigen binding to IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils,
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triggering degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators like
histamine.
5. The nurse is assessing a client with a new tumor diagnosis. Which
characteristic best describes a malignant tumor?
A. Growth is localized and slow.
B. It is generally curable.
C. It closely resembles original tissue.
D. It has a greater degree of anaplasia.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Malignant tumors are characterized by anaplasia, meaning the
cells are poorly differentiated and look different from normal cells. They also
grow rapidly, invade surrounding tissue, and metastasize.
6. A client is diagnosed with tinea corporis. Which area is affected and
which organism causes this disorder?
A. Scalp; virus
B. Foot; bacterium
PATHO 313 – Exam 1 Study Prep:
Pathophysiology Questions with Complete
Solutions (2026/2027).
1. The nurse is reviewing a client's chart. Which of the following findings
documented by the nurse is a clinical sign?
A. Nausea
B. Headache
C. Bruise
D. Anxiety
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A sign is an objective, observable manifestation of disease. A
bruise can be seen and measured by the nurse. Nausea, headache, and
anxiety are subjective symptoms reported by the patient.
,2|Page
2. A client is experiencing the "fight-or-flight" stress response. Which of the
following physiologic responses should the nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased heart rate
B. Increased urine output
C. Increased respiration
D. Decreased blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
during the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome stimulates the
sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased respiratory rate, heart
rate, and blood pressure, while suppressing non-essential functions like
digestion and urination.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about cellular function. Which organelle
should the nurse describe as the "powerhouse of the cell" responsible for
producing ATP?
A. Nucleus
,3|Page
B. Mitochondria
C. Ribosome
D. Golgi apparatus
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles where cellular respiration occurs,
generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's primary energy currency.
4. A client presents with acute urticaria and wheezing after a bee sting. The
nurse recognizes this reaction is primarily mediated by which mechanism?
A. Cytotoxic T-cells
B. Immune complex deposition
C. Mast cells and IgE production
D. Delayed hypersensitivity
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions are immediate and
involve antigen binding to IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils,
, 4|Page
triggering degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators like
histamine.
5. The nurse is assessing a client with a new tumor diagnosis. Which
characteristic best describes a malignant tumor?
A. Growth is localized and slow.
B. It is generally curable.
C. It closely resembles original tissue.
D. It has a greater degree of anaplasia.
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Malignant tumors are characterized by anaplasia, meaning the
cells are poorly differentiated and look different from normal cells. They also
grow rapidly, invade surrounding tissue, and metastasize.
6. A client is diagnosed with tinea corporis. Which area is affected and
which organism causes this disorder?
A. Scalp; virus
B. Foot; bacterium
