NR 283 Exam 2: Pathophysiology V1 Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the size of cells resulting in an
enlarged organ?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Ans: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy is the increase in the size of individual cells in response to mechanical or
chemical stimuli. This process is commonly seen in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. Unlike hyperplasia,
there is no increase in the total number of cells. This adaptation allows the organ to meet increased
functional demands. It can be a normal physiological response or a pathological one. If the workload is
removed, the cells may return to their original size.
,2. A patient’s biopsy reveals that normal ciliated columnar epithelial cells have been
replaced by stratified squamous cells. What is this called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Ans: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by another cell type. It
usually occurs as a protective response to chronic irritation or inflammation in the tissue. A classic
clinical example is the change in the airway lining of chronic smokers. While the new squamous cells are
more durable, they lack the protective cilia of the original cells. This adaptation can increase the risk of
infection due to the loss of mucus clearance. Long-term metaplasia may eventually progress to dysplasia
or malignancy if the irritation persists.
3. Which process describes programmed cell death that is a normal part of development and
homeostasis?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Ischemia
D. Autophagy
Ans: A
,Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly regulated and programmed form of cellular suicide. It is essential for
removing old, damaged, or unnecessary cells without harming neighboring tissue. Unlike necrosis,
apoptosis does not typically trigger an inflammatory response. This process occurs during
embryogenesis and throughout an individual’s lifespan to maintain health. Dysregulation of apoptosis is
linked to conditions like cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. It is characterized by cell shrinkage and
the fragmentation of DNA into smaller pieces.
4. What is the primary cause of cellular injury resulting from a lack of oxygen?
A. Hyperemia
B. Ischemia
C. Hypoxia
D. Infarction
Ans: C
Rationale: Hypoxia is a condition where there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the cells. It is the
most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice. Without oxygen, cells cannot produce enough
ATP to maintain essential metabolic functions. This leads to the failure of the sodium-potassium pump
and cellular swelling. Common causes of hypoxia include respiratory disease, anemia, and reduced blood
flow. If oxygen is not restored quickly, the injury may become irreversible and lead to cell death.
, 5. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with a myocardial infarction?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Liquefactive necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Ans: A
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis occurs primarily in the heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It is
characterized by the preservation of the cell’s basic structural outline for several days. This process
results from protein denaturation, which prevents the cell from being digested immediately. It is usually
caused by severe ischemia or chemical injury to the tissue. In the heart, this area will eventually be
replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This type of necrosis is distinct from liquefactive necrosis found in the
brain.
6. A patient presents with peripheral edema. Which physiological mechanism most likely
contributes to this condition?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Decreased capillary permeability
Ans: A
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Chamberlain University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the size of cells resulting in an
enlarged organ?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Ans: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy is the increase in the size of individual cells in response to mechanical or
chemical stimuli. This process is commonly seen in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. Unlike hyperplasia,
there is no increase in the total number of cells. This adaptation allows the organ to meet increased
functional demands. It can be a normal physiological response or a pathological one. If the workload is
removed, the cells may return to their original size.
,2. A patient’s biopsy reveals that normal ciliated columnar epithelial cells have been
replaced by stratified squamous cells. What is this called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Ans: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is a reversible change where one adult cell type is replaced by another cell type. It
usually occurs as a protective response to chronic irritation or inflammation in the tissue. A classic
clinical example is the change in the airway lining of chronic smokers. While the new squamous cells are
more durable, they lack the protective cilia of the original cells. This adaptation can increase the risk of
infection due to the loss of mucus clearance. Long-term metaplasia may eventually progress to dysplasia
or malignancy if the irritation persists.
3. Which process describes programmed cell death that is a normal part of development and
homeostasis?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Ischemia
D. Autophagy
Ans: A
,Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly regulated and programmed form of cellular suicide. It is essential for
removing old, damaged, or unnecessary cells without harming neighboring tissue. Unlike necrosis,
apoptosis does not typically trigger an inflammatory response. This process occurs during
embryogenesis and throughout an individual’s lifespan to maintain health. Dysregulation of apoptosis is
linked to conditions like cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. It is characterized by cell shrinkage and
the fragmentation of DNA into smaller pieces.
4. What is the primary cause of cellular injury resulting from a lack of oxygen?
A. Hyperemia
B. Ischemia
C. Hypoxia
D. Infarction
Ans: C
Rationale: Hypoxia is a condition where there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the cells. It is the
most common cause of cellular injury in clinical practice. Without oxygen, cells cannot produce enough
ATP to maintain essential metabolic functions. This leads to the failure of the sodium-potassium pump
and cellular swelling. Common causes of hypoxia include respiratory disease, anemia, and reduced blood
flow. If oxygen is not restored quickly, the injury may become irreversible and lead to cell death.
, 5. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with a myocardial infarction?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Liquefactive necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Ans: A
Rationale: Coagulative necrosis occurs primarily in the heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It is
characterized by the preservation of the cell’s basic structural outline for several days. This process
results from protein denaturation, which prevents the cell from being digested immediately. It is usually
caused by severe ischemia or chemical injury to the tissue. In the heart, this area will eventually be
replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This type of necrosis is distinct from liquefactive necrosis found in the
brain.
6. A patient presents with peripheral edema. Which physiological mechanism most likely
contributes to this condition?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Decreased capillary permeability
Ans: A
