NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice 2026 UP… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice 2026 UP… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another less differentiated cell
type, frequently seen in the respiratory tract of smokers. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
2. An increase in the size of cells in the heart in response to high blood pressure is an example
of:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Neoplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells, resulting in an increase in the size of the organ,
common in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by cellular swelling, rupture of membranes, and an
inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
B. Autophagy
C. Necrosis
D. Phagocytosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Necrosis is accidental cell death that triggers inflammation due to the release of intracellular
contents into the surrounding tissue. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate
complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice 2026 UP… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient with chronic lung disease has a pH of 7.25 and a CO2 level of 55 mmHg. This is
classified as:
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: A low pH (acidosis) combined with an elevated CO2 (respiratory component) indicates respiratory
acidosis. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. What is the primary extracellular cation responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid and is the primary determinant of
plasma osmolality. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause cardiac arrhythmias and T-wave changes
on an EKG?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium levels significantly affect cardiac resting membrane potential; hyperkalemia can lead to
peaked T-waves and lethal arrhythmias. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct
answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice 2026 UP… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another less differentiated cell
type, frequently seen in the respiratory tract of smokers. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge
in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
2. An increase in the size of cells in the heart in response to high blood pressure is an example
of:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Neoplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells, resulting in an increase in the size of the organ,
common in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because
selecting the correct answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing
implications.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by cellular swelling, rupture of membranes, and an
inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
B. Autophagy
C. Necrosis
D. Phagocytosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Necrosis is accidental cell death that triggers inflammation due to the release of intracellular
contents into the surrounding tissue. Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate
complications, and provide accurate patient education. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this
concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Exam 1 Practice 2026 UP… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. A patient with chronic lung disease has a pH of 7.25 and a CO2 level of 55 mmHg. This is
classified as:
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: A low pH (acidosis) combined with an elevated CO2 (respiratory component) indicates respiratory
acidosis. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors,
making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe,
evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. What is the primary extracellular cation responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid and is the primary determinant of
plasma osmolality. Exam questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related
distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports
safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause cardiac arrhythmias and T-wave changes
on an EKG?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium levels significantly affect cardiac resting membrane potential; hyperkalemia can lead to
peaked T-waves and lethal arrhythmias. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct
answer (C) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
