NUR 631/NUR631 Final Exam V3 |
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Q&A with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size and function?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by loss of cell substance. It can be
physiological, such as the shrinkage of the thymus gland, or pathological, such as muscle
wasting from disuse. When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire organ
diminishes in size.
2. What is the primary characteristic of Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
B. Immune complex deposition
C. T-cell mediated cytotoxicity
D. IgG-mediated cytotoxic response
,Answer: A
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction involving IgE
antibodies. These antibodies bind to mast cells, and subsequent exposure to the allergen
triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is
responsible for conditions like asthma, hay fever, and anaphylaxis.
3. In the TNM staging system for cancer, what does the ‘N’ represent?
A. Number of tumors
B. Necrosis level
C. Neoplasm grade
D. Node involvement
Answer: D
Rationale: The TNM system is used to determine the extent of cancer spread. ‘T’ refers to
the size and extent of the primary tumor, while ‘N’ specifically identifies the involvement of
regional lymph nodes. ‘M’ describes whether the cancer has metastasized to distant parts of
the body.
4. Which acid-base imbalance is typically compensated for by Kussmaul respirations?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
, D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis involves a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in
nonvolatile acids. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that represent the body’s
attempt to blow off carbon dioxide to raise the pH. This respiratory compensation is a
hallmark sign of severe metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a widened QRS complex
and peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood which affects
cardiac conduction. Peaked T-waves are often the first sign, followed by QRS widening as
levels continue to rise. If left untreated, this can lead to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac
arrest.
6. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Demyelination of central nervous system neurons
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Q&A with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size and function?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by loss of cell substance. It can be
physiological, such as the shrinkage of the thymus gland, or pathological, such as muscle
wasting from disuse. When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire organ
diminishes in size.
2. What is the primary characteristic of Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
B. Immune complex deposition
C. T-cell mediated cytotoxicity
D. IgG-mediated cytotoxic response
,Answer: A
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction involving IgE
antibodies. These antibodies bind to mast cells, and subsequent exposure to the allergen
triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is
responsible for conditions like asthma, hay fever, and anaphylaxis.
3. In the TNM staging system for cancer, what does the ‘N’ represent?
A. Number of tumors
B. Necrosis level
C. Neoplasm grade
D. Node involvement
Answer: D
Rationale: The TNM system is used to determine the extent of cancer spread. ‘T’ refers to
the size and extent of the primary tumor, while ‘N’ specifically identifies the involvement of
regional lymph nodes. ‘M’ describes whether the cancer has metastasized to distant parts of
the body.
4. Which acid-base imbalance is typically compensated for by Kussmaul respirations?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
, D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis involves a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in
nonvolatile acids. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that represent the body’s
attempt to blow off carbon dioxide to raise the pH. This respiratory compensation is a
hallmark sign of severe metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a widened QRS complex
and peaked T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood which affects
cardiac conduction. Peaked T-waves are often the first sign, followed by QRS widening as
levels continue to rise. If left untreated, this can lead to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac
arrest.
6. What is the underlying pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Demyelination of central nervous system neurons
