NUR 555 ADVANCED CLINICAL
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Metaplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, such as the change from ciliated columnar epithelium to squamous epithelium
in the airways of smokers.
2. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary mechanism of reperfusion injury?
A. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
B. Lactic acid accumulation
C. Lysosomal enzyme release
,D. Cellular swelling due to sodium influx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reperfusion injury occurs when oxygen is restored to ischemic
tissues, leading to the massive production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that
cause further membrane damage.
3. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the degranulation
of mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE antibodies binding to mast cells, triggering histamine release.
4. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prolonged QT interval
C. Prominent U waves
, D. ST-segment depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K > 5.5) typically presents with tall, peaked T
waves on an EKG due to faster repolarization.
5. What is the hallmark physiological defect in Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
B. Degeneration of the lower motor neurons
C. Demyelination of central nervous system neurons
D. Insufficient production of dopamine in the substantia nigra
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies
block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular
junction.
6. In the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, what does the term ‘insulin resistance’
primarily refer to?
A. Decreased responsiveness of peripheral tissues to insulin
B. Complete absence of insulin production
C. Destruction of beta cells by T-cells
D. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Metaplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, such as the change from ciliated columnar epithelium to squamous epithelium
in the airways of smokers.
2. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary mechanism of reperfusion injury?
A. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
B. Lactic acid accumulation
C. Lysosomal enzyme release
,D. Cellular swelling due to sodium influx
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reperfusion injury occurs when oxygen is restored to ischemic
tissues, leading to the massive production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that
cause further membrane damage.
3. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the degranulation
of mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE antibodies binding to mast cells, triggering histamine release.
4. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prolonged QT interval
C. Prominent U waves
, D. ST-segment depression
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K > 5.5) typically presents with tall, peaked T
waves on an EKG due to faster repolarization.
5. What is the hallmark physiological defect in Myasthenia Gravis?
A. Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
B. Degeneration of the lower motor neurons
C. Demyelination of central nervous system neurons
D. Insufficient production of dopamine in the substantia nigra
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies
block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the postsynaptic neuromuscular
junction.
6. In the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, what does the term ‘insulin resistance’
primarily refer to?
A. Decreased responsiveness of peripheral tissues to insulin
B. Complete absence of insulin production
C. Destruction of beta cells by T-cells
D. Overproduction of glucagon by alpha cells
