Prepare with confidence for the BIOD 331 / NURS 231 Pathophysiology Module 2 Exam, Version 2, at Portage Learning using this comprehensive study guide. This resource features verified exam-style multiple-choice and true/false questions with detailed expert rationales, updated for the 2025/2026 academic year.
This guide is designed to help nursing and biology students master key neoplasia, cancer pathophysiology, cellular proliferation, and clinical oncology concepts. The resource includes two complete exam versions (Version 1 and Version 2) plus a detailed study guide, fully aligned with the Pathophysiology curriculum at Portage Learning.
Key topics covered in Module 2 include:
Cancer & Neoplasia – Cancer is defined as the unregulated growth of abnormal cells; neoplasia is the process of uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues
Signs & Symptoms of Cancer – Local signs include bleeding, non-healing sores, pleural or pericardial effusions, chest pain, cough, abdominal swelling, or presence of a mass/lump; systemic manifestations include unintentional weight loss, cachexia (wasting of fat and muscle tissue), generalized weakness, anorexia, anemia, persistent fatigue, and sleep disturbances
Goals of Cancer Treatment – Curative, control, and palliative
Tumor Suppressor Genes & Proto-oncogenes – Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins that inhibit cell growth and signal apoptosis; proto-oncogenes encode proteins that signal the cell to proliferate
Polyp Definition – Abnormal growths on mucosal surfaces (intestinal, vaginal, oral, or nasal linings); may be benign or malignant, though most are benign
Cancer Cell Immortality – Achieved by upregulating telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomere length
Adult Stem Cells – Epithelial tissues have high cellular turnover, sustained by resident adult stem cells
Metastasis & TNM Staging
Sample Question: How do cancer cells achieve immortality?
Correct Answer: By upregulating telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomere length, allowing cells to divide indefinitely.
Designed for nursing and pre-health students at Portage Learning, this Q&A guide is an essential study tool to reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and prepare effectively for the proctored exam. Available as an instant PDF download for the 2025/2026 exam cycle
Content preview
,Inside you will get:
➢ Updated 2 Version Exam + Study Guide
➢ True & False Questions
➢ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
➢ Expert-Verified Explanations
Table of Contents
BIOD 331 MODULE 2 EXAM VERSION 1 ............................................ 2
BIOD 331 MODULE 2 EXAM VERSION 2 .......................................... 14
BIOD 331 MODULE 2 EXAM STUDY GUIDE ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
BIOD 331 MODULE 2 EXAM VERSION 1
1. Define neoplasia and neoplasm.
Answer:
, Neoplasia refers to the process characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth
and differentiation, deviating from normal regulatory mechanisms. A neoplasm, on the
other hand, denotes the actual resultant mass or lesion of this abnormal proliferation,
commonly referred to as a "new growth" or tumor.
Verified Rationale:
Neoplasia involves alterations in the genetic and cellular pathways that normally govern
cellular replication and differentiation. The resultant neoplasm can be benign (non-
invasive and localized) or malignant (invasive and capable of metastasis). The study of
neoplasia is fundamental to understanding cancer biology.
---
2. Define proliferation and differentiation.
Answer:
Proliferation is the process of cell division leading to an increase in cell number, crucial
both for normal tissue growth and the replacement of lost cells. Differentiation refers to
the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function
through changes in gene expression.
Verified Rationale:
Cell proliferation enables tissue renewal and repair. Differentiation ensures that cells
acquire specific structures and functions necessary for the diverse activities within
tissues and organ systems. Pathologic disturbances in either proliferation or
differentiation are central to neoplastic disorders.
---
3. Name and explain the three main groups of cells as categorized by their
proliferative activity.