NRS 455 Final Exam V2 | NRS 455
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS455 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in the size of the muscle cells in their left leg after being in a
cast for six weeks. What is the correct term for this cellular adaptation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size due to a loss of cell substance, often caused
by disuse or decreased workload. In this scenario, the cast prevented movement, leading to
physiological changes in the muscle tissue. This process is distinct from hyperplasia or
hypertrophy, which involve increases in cell number or size, respectively.
2. A nurse is evaluating a patient with a localized infection of the forearm. Which of the
following are considered cardinal signs of acute inflammation? (Select all that apply).
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
,C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Pallor (Paleness)
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The five cardinal signs of inflammation are classic indicators of the body’s
response to injury or infection. Redness and heat are caused by vasodilation, while swelling
is due to increased capillary permeability. Pain and loss of function result from chemical
mediators and physical pressure on nerve endings.
3. Which pathophysiological mechanism best describes the development of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance coupled with a progressive decline in beta-cell insulin secretion.
B. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
C. Excessive production of glucagon from the alpha cells in the pancreas.
D. Destruction of the exocrine pancreas leading to malabsorption.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of the body’s cells resisting the effects
of insulin and the pancreas eventually failing to produce enough insulin to overcome this
resistance. This differs from Type 1, which is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin.
, Management usually focuses on improving insulin sensitivity and supporting remaining
beta-cell function.
4. A patient with chronic hypertension is at risk for heart failure. Which mechanism is
primarily responsible for the hypertrophy of the left ventricle in this patient?
A. Increased afterload requiring the heart to pump against higher resistance.
B. Decreased afterload from peripheral vasodilation.
C. Increased preload due to fluid volume overload.
D. Direct toxic effects of adrenaline on the myocardial cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension increases the afterload, which is the resistance the left ventricle
must overcome to eject blood into the systemic circulation. To compensate for this
increased workload, the myocardium undergoes hypertrophy, thickening the muscle wall.
Over time, this thickening can lead to stiffness and eventual heart failure.
5. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of an asthma attack?
A. Reversible airway obstruction caused by bronchial smooth muscle hyper-
responsiveness and inflammation.
B. Chronic inflammation of the bronchioles with excessive mucus production.
C. Permanent destruction of alveolar walls leading to air trapping.
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space preventing lung expansion.
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NRS455 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in the size of the muscle cells in their left leg after being in a
cast for six weeks. What is the correct term for this cellular adaptation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size due to a loss of cell substance, often caused
by disuse or decreased workload. In this scenario, the cast prevented movement, leading to
physiological changes in the muscle tissue. This process is distinct from hyperplasia or
hypertrophy, which involve increases in cell number or size, respectively.
2. A nurse is evaluating a patient with a localized infection of the forearm. Which of the
following are considered cardinal signs of acute inflammation? (Select all that apply).
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
,C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Pallor (Paleness)
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: The five cardinal signs of inflammation are classic indicators of the body’s
response to injury or infection. Redness and heat are caused by vasodilation, while swelling
is due to increased capillary permeability. Pain and loss of function result from chemical
mediators and physical pressure on nerve endings.
3. Which pathophysiological mechanism best describes the development of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance coupled with a progressive decline in beta-cell insulin secretion.
B. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
C. Excessive production of glucagon from the alpha cells in the pancreas.
D. Destruction of the exocrine pancreas leading to malabsorption.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Type 2 Diabetes involves a combination of the body’s cells resisting the effects
of insulin and the pancreas eventually failing to produce enough insulin to overcome this
resistance. This differs from Type 1, which is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin.
, Management usually focuses on improving insulin sensitivity and supporting remaining
beta-cell function.
4. A patient with chronic hypertension is at risk for heart failure. Which mechanism is
primarily responsible for the hypertrophy of the left ventricle in this patient?
A. Increased afterload requiring the heart to pump against higher resistance.
B. Decreased afterload from peripheral vasodilation.
C. Increased preload due to fluid volume overload.
D. Direct toxic effects of adrenaline on the myocardial cells.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension increases the afterload, which is the resistance the left ventricle
must overcome to eject blood into the systemic circulation. To compensate for this
increased workload, the myocardium undergoes hypertrophy, thickening the muscle wall.
Over time, this thickening can lead to stiffness and eventual heart failure.
5. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of an asthma attack?
A. Reversible airway obstruction caused by bronchial smooth muscle hyper-
responsiveness and inflammation.
B. Chronic inflammation of the bronchioles with excessive mucus production.
C. Permanent destruction of alveolar walls leading to air trapping.
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space preventing lung expansion.
