NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Review 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Review 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 Review 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Which term describes a decrease in cellular size?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size often due to disuse or reduced blood supply. 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. What is the replacement of one mature cell type by another?
A. Metaplasia
B. Neoplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type by another. 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.
3. Which process refers to programmed cell death?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Apoptosis
D. Infarction
Answer: C
Rationale: Apoptosis is an active process of cellular self-destruction. 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 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Review 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury?
A. Radiation
B. Genetic defects
C. Chemical agents
D. Hypoxia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, is the leading cause of cellular injury. 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.
5. Which cellular adaptation is considered precancerous?
A. Atrophy
B. Dysplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: B
Rationale: Dysplasia involves abnormal changes in size, shape, and organization, often preceding cancer.
This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) 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.
6. What is the primary extracellular cation?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Sodium
D. Calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid. 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 Review 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 Review 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Which term describes a decrease in cellular size?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size often due to disuse or reduced blood supply. 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. What is the replacement of one mature cell type by another?
A. Metaplasia
B. Neoplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Answer: A
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type by another. 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.
3. Which process refers to programmed cell death?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Apoptosis
D. Infarction
Answer: C
Rationale: Apoptosis is an active process of cellular self-destruction. 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 2
, NUR 376 Applied Pathophysiology Review 2026 UPDATE 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. What is the most common cause of cellular injury?
A. Radiation
B. Genetic defects
C. Chemical agents
D. Hypoxia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, is the leading cause of cellular injury. 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.
5. Which cellular adaptation is considered precancerous?
A. Atrophy
B. Dysplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: B
Rationale: Dysplasia involves abnormal changes in size, shape, and organization, often preceding cancer.
This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) 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.
6. What is the primary extracellular cation?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Sodium
D. Calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid. 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
