NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 1 V3 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is diagnosed with cellular atrophy. Which of the following best describes this
process?
A. An increase in cell size due to increased workload
B. A decrease in cell size caused by aging or disuse
C. An increase in the number of cells in an organ
D. The replacement of one mature cell type by another
Answer: B
Rationale: Cellular atrophy refers to a decrease in cell size, which often leads to a
reduction in the size of the organ. Common causes include disuse, denervation, loss of
endocrine stimulation, and ischemia. This process is distinct from hypertrophy, which is an
increase in cell size.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
Chvostek and Trousseau signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by lowering the threshold
for action potentials. The Chvostek sign involves facial twitching when the facial nerve is
tapped, while the Trousseau sign involves carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is
inflated. These clinical indicators are vital for identifying low serum calcium levels in
practice.
3. In the process of transcription, what is the primary function of RNA polymerase?
A. To synthesize proteins from mRNA
B. To repair double-stranded DNA breaks
C. To replicate the entire DNA genome
D. To bind to a promoter sequence and synthesize mRNA from a DNA template
Answer: D
Rationale: RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for reading the DNA template and
assembling the complementary mRNA strand. Transcription occurs in the nucleus before
the mRNA is transported to the cytoplasm for translation. This is a critical step in gene
expression and protein synthesis.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with severe peripheral edema. Which mechanism most likely
explains the fluid shift into the interstitial space?
A. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
, B. Decreased capillary permeability
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Improved lymphatic drainage
Answer: C
Rationale: Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, often caused by venous obstruction or
sodium and water retention, pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the tissues. This is one
of the four main mechanisms of edema formation. Other causes include decreased plasma
oncotic pressure and increased capillary permeability.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered when an
antigen reacts with IgE bound to mast cells. This interaction causes degranulation and the
release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. Examples include anaphylaxis, asthma,
and seasonal allergies.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is diagnosed with cellular atrophy. Which of the following best describes this
process?
A. An increase in cell size due to increased workload
B. A decrease in cell size caused by aging or disuse
C. An increase in the number of cells in an organ
D. The replacement of one mature cell type by another
Answer: B
Rationale: Cellular atrophy refers to a decrease in cell size, which often leads to a
reduction in the size of the organ. Common causes include disuse, denervation, loss of
endocrine stimulation, and ischemia. This process is distinct from hypertrophy, which is an
increase in cell size.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
Chvostek and Trousseau signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability by lowering the threshold
for action potentials. The Chvostek sign involves facial twitching when the facial nerve is
tapped, while the Trousseau sign involves carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is
inflated. These clinical indicators are vital for identifying low serum calcium levels in
practice.
3. In the process of transcription, what is the primary function of RNA polymerase?
A. To synthesize proteins from mRNA
B. To repair double-stranded DNA breaks
C. To replicate the entire DNA genome
D. To bind to a promoter sequence and synthesize mRNA from a DNA template
Answer: D
Rationale: RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for reading the DNA template and
assembling the complementary mRNA strand. Transcription occurs in the nucleus before
the mRNA is transported to the cytoplasm for translation. This is a critical step in gene
expression and protein synthesis.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with severe peripheral edema. Which mechanism most likely
explains the fluid shift into the interstitial space?
A. Increased plasma oncotic pressure
, B. Decreased capillary permeability
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Improved lymphatic drainage
Answer: C
Rationale: Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, often caused by venous obstruction or
sodium and water retention, pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the tissues. This is one
of the four main mechanisms of edema formation. Other causes include decreased plasma
oncotic pressure and increased capillary permeability.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered when an
antigen reacts with IgE bound to mast cells. This interaction causes degranulation and the
release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. Examples include anaphylaxis, asthma,
and seasonal allergies.
