NURS 5315 Exam 1 V3 | NURS 5315
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 1) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. A clinician is examining a tissue biopsy and notices a reversible replacement of one mature
cell type by another, less mature cell type. What is the most likely diagnosis for this cellular
adaptation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is characterized by the reprogramming of stem cells to produce a
different cell type that can better withstand environmental stressors. This process is
reversible if the irritating stimulus is removed. It often occurs in the respiratory tract of
smokers where columnar cells are replaced by stratified squamous cells.
2. Which mechanism of cellular injury is primarily responsible for the depletion of ATP and
subsequent swelling of the cell?
A. Chemical toxicity
,B. Genetic mutations
C. Hypoxia
D. Free radical damage
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxia leads to a reduction in aerobic mitochondrial respiration, which causes
a significant drop in ATP production. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails,
leading to an intracellular accumulation of sodium and water. This results in cellular
swelling, also known as oncosis, which is a hallmark of early cell injury.
3. A 55-year-old male has chronic renal failure. Which electrolyte abnormality is he most at
risk for, potentially leading to peaked T waves on an ECG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is common in renal failure because the kidneys are unable to
excrete excess potassium. Elevated potassium levels decrease the resting membrane
potential, making the heart more excitable initially. One of the earliest signs seen on an
electrocardiogram is the appearance of tall, peaked T waves.
, 4. During an inflammatory response, which cell type is the first to arrive at the site of injury to
begin phagocytosis?
A. Neutrophils
B. Lymphocytes
C. Macrophages
D. Monocytes
Answer: A
Rationale: Neutrophils are the primary early responders in acute inflammation, typically
arriving within 6 to 12 hours. They are highly mobile and specialized for the phagocytosis
of bacteria and debris. As they die at the site, they contribute to the formation of purulent
exudate or pus.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 1) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. A clinician is examining a tissue biopsy and notices a reversible replacement of one mature
cell type by another, less mature cell type. What is the most likely diagnosis for this cellular
adaptation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is characterized by the reprogramming of stem cells to produce a
different cell type that can better withstand environmental stressors. This process is
reversible if the irritating stimulus is removed. It often occurs in the respiratory tract of
smokers where columnar cells are replaced by stratified squamous cells.
2. Which mechanism of cellular injury is primarily responsible for the depletion of ATP and
subsequent swelling of the cell?
A. Chemical toxicity
,B. Genetic mutations
C. Hypoxia
D. Free radical damage
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxia leads to a reduction in aerobic mitochondrial respiration, which causes
a significant drop in ATP production. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails,
leading to an intracellular accumulation of sodium and water. This results in cellular
swelling, also known as oncosis, which is a hallmark of early cell injury.
3. A 55-year-old male has chronic renal failure. Which electrolyte abnormality is he most at
risk for, potentially leading to peaked T waves on an ECG?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is common in renal failure because the kidneys are unable to
excrete excess potassium. Elevated potassium levels decrease the resting membrane
potential, making the heart more excitable initially. One of the earliest signs seen on an
electrocardiogram is the appearance of tall, peaked T waves.
, 4. During an inflammatory response, which cell type is the first to arrive at the site of injury to
begin phagocytosis?
A. Neutrophils
B. Lymphocytes
C. Macrophages
D. Monocytes
Answer: A
Rationale: Neutrophils are the primary early responders in acute inflammation, typically
arriving within 6 to 12 hours. They are highly mobile and specialized for the phagocytosis
of bacteria and debris. As they die at the site, they contribute to the formation of purulent
exudate or pus.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
