NRS 455 Exam 1 V2 | NRS 455
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS455 Exam 1) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient who has smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 20 years exhibits a change in
the cells of the bronchial lining, where stratified squamous epithelial cells replace normal
ciliated columnar epithelial cells. Which cellular adaptation is this?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often less differentiated, cell type. This occurs in response to chronic irritation or
inflammation, such as cigarette smoke. The new cell type is often better able to survive the
harsh environment but lacks the specialized functions of the original tissue.
,2. When assessing a patient with chronic hypertension, the nurse notes that the left
ventricular wall of the heart has increased in thickness. This is an example of which cellular
process?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Atrophy
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells in response to mechanical stimuli,
such as increased workload in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia, the number of cells does
not increase; rather, the cellular components expand to meet functional demands. This
adaptation is commonly seen in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue.
3. A client presents with an ankle injury. The nurse notes redness, heat, and significant
swelling at the site. Which of the following are the primary cardinal signs of local
inflammation? (Select all that apply)
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
, E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Fever
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The classic signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, and
pain, as described by Celsus. Galen later added ‘loss of function’ as the fifth cardinal sign.
Fever is a systemic manifestation of inflammation rather than a local sign, occurring
through the action of pyrogens on the hypothalamus.
4. A patient is experiencing abdominal pain and an ultrasound reveals a decrease in the size
of the liver. Which cellular adaptation does this represent?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease or shrinkage in cellular size, leading to the shrinkage of
the organ. It can be caused by disuse, denervation, loss of endocrine stimulation, or
ischemia. In this case, the reduction in organ size is a pathologic response to underlying
stressors or lack of nutrients.
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS455 Exam 1) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient who has smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 20 years exhibits a change in
the cells of the bronchial lining, where stratified squamous epithelial cells replace normal
ciliated columnar epithelial cells. Which cellular adaptation is this?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often less differentiated, cell type. This occurs in response to chronic irritation or
inflammation, such as cigarette smoke. The new cell type is often better able to survive the
harsh environment but lacks the specialized functions of the original tissue.
,2. When assessing a patient with chronic hypertension, the nurse notes that the left
ventricular wall of the heart has increased in thickness. This is an example of which cellular
process?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Atrophy
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells in response to mechanical stimuli,
such as increased workload in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia, the number of cells does
not increase; rather, the cellular components expand to meet functional demands. This
adaptation is commonly seen in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue.
3. A client presents with an ankle injury. The nurse notes redness, heat, and significant
swelling at the site. Which of the following are the primary cardinal signs of local
inflammation? (Select all that apply)
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
, E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Fever
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The classic signs of acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, and
pain, as described by Celsus. Galen later added ‘loss of function’ as the fifth cardinal sign.
Fever is a systemic manifestation of inflammation rather than a local sign, occurring
through the action of pyrogens on the hypothalamus.
4. A patient is experiencing abdominal pain and an ultrasound reveals a decrease in the size
of the liver. Which cellular adaptation does this represent?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease or shrinkage in cellular size, leading to the shrinkage of
the organ. It can be caused by disuse, denervation, loss of endocrine stimulation, or
ischemia. In this case, the reduction in organ size is a pathologic response to underlying
stressors or lack of nutrients.
