NUR 2063 EXAM 1
ESSENTIALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Rasmussen University • Latest Edition
150 Real Exam Questions • Correct Verified Answers • Graded A+
,NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Essentials of Pathophysiology
Rasmussen University College of Nursing
NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Comprehensive Pathophysiology Examination
Content Domains (9 Sections, 150 Questions Total):
• Section 1: Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death (Q1-22)
• Section 2: Inflammation and Tissue Repair (Q23-40)
• Section 3: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances (Q41-60)
• Section 4: Genetics and Genetic Disorders (Q61-75)
• Section 5: Immune System and Immunologic Disorders (Q76-95)
• Section 6: Infectious Diseases (Q96-110)
• Section 7: Neoplasia and Cancer Pathophysiology (Q111-125)
• Section 8: Stress, Coping, and Neuroendocrine Response (Q126-135)
• Section 9: Integrative Pathophysiology (Q136-150)
Question Design:
• 75% scenario-based clinical application
• 25% direct recall / pathophysiology identification
• 4 multiple-choice options (A-D), one correct answer
• Cognitive levels: 30% recall, 50% application, 20% analysis
Each question includes: detailed rationale with Rasmussen NUR 2063
pathophysiology
reasoning (cellular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and nursing implications)
NEW 2026/2027 - Updated with latest patho research, treatment advances,
and current Rasmussen University curriculum standards.
Rasmussen University NUR 2063 • Essentials of Pathophysiology Exam Preparation
Page 2
,NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Section 1: Cellular Adaptation, Reversible/Irreversible Injury, Necrosis,
Apoptosis, & Aging (Q1-22)
Q1: A 65-year-old male with a history of longstanding hypertension presents with an enlarged heart on chest X-ray.
The cardiomyocytes have increased in size to compensate for the increased workload. Which cellular adaptation is
this?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy [CORRECT]
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in cell SIZE in response to increased workload or stress, common in cardiac and skeletal
muscle (which cannot undergo hyperplasia because they are permanent, non-dividing cells). In this case, the cardiomyocytes
have enlarged to compensate for the increased afterload from chronic hypertension. Atrophy is a decrease in cell size;
hyperplasia is an increase in cell NUMBER; metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another. Left
ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a classic example of pathologic hypertrophy that initially compensates but eventually leads to
heart failure if the underlying cause is not corrected.
Q2: A 45-year-old female presents with abnormal cervical cells on a Pap smear showing disordered growth and
irregular nuclear morphology, but the cells have not invaded the basement membrane. Which cellular adaptation is
this?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia [CORRECT]
C. Hypertrophy
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dysplasia is abnormal, disordered cellular growth with changes in cell size, shape, and organization. It is considered
a pre-neoplastic condition that may progress to cancer if the stimulus is not removed. In cervical dysplasia (cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN), the abnormal cells are confined to the epithelium and have not crossed the basement membrane.
Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another (e.g., squamous metaplasia in bronchi of smokers).
Hypertrophy is increased cell size. Anaplasia is lack of differentiation characteristic of malignant cells. Cervical dysplasia is
strongly associated with HPV infection (especially types 16 and 18) and is detectable by Pap smear.
Page 3
, NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Q3: A 55-year-old chronic smoker undergoes bronchoscopy. Biopsy of the bronchial epithelium reveals that the
normal ciliated columnar epithelial cells have been replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells. Which cellular
adaptation has occurred?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another mature cell type. In the bronchi of
chronic smokers, the normal ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium, which
is more resistant to the irritating effects of cigarette smoke but loses the ciliary clearance function. This adaptation is reversible
if the irritant (smoking) is removed. Metaplasia is a protective mechanism but may predispose to malignant transformation.
Other examples: Barrett esophagus (intestinal metaplasia of esophageal squamous epithelium due to chronic GERD). Atrophy is
decrease in cell size; hypertrophy is increase in cell size; hyperplasia is increase in cell number.
Q4: A 70-year-old female who recently had her leg cast removed after 8 weeks of immobilization presents with a
smaller, weaker calf muscle on the affected side. What cellular process is responsible for this finding?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy [CORRECT]
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to decreased use, denervation, ischemia, nutrient deprivation, or reduced
endocrine stimulation. Disuse atrophy occurs in skeletal muscle after prolonged immobilization, as in this patient. The muscle
cells (fibers) shrink but do not die, and the process is reversible with rehabilitation and increased use. Other causes of atrophy
include denervation (e.g., spinal cord injury), ischemia (e.g., atherosclerosis), reduced trophic hormones (e.g., hypopituitarism),
and aging (senile atrophy). Hypertrophy is increased cell size; metaplasia and dysplasia are changes in cell type/organization.
Q5: During wound healing, a 30-year-old female develops excessive collagen deposition at the site of a minor
laceration, producing a raised, nodular scar that extends beyond the original wound boundaries. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Hypertrophic scar
B. Keloid [CORRECT]
C. Contracture
D. Dehiscence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A keloid is a type of excessive scar formation characterized by excessive collagen deposition that extends BEYOND
the boundaries of the original wound. Keloids are more common in African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics, suggesting a
genetic predisposition. They differ from hypertrophic scars, which also have excessive collagen but remain WITHIN the wound
boundaries. Contracture is abnormal shortening of tissue leading to deformity; dehiscence is the separation of wound edges.
Keloids are notoriously difficult to treat and may recur after excision. Treatment options include intralesional corticosteroids,
silicone sheeting, cryotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Page 4
ESSENTIALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Rasmussen University • Latest Edition
150 Real Exam Questions • Correct Verified Answers • Graded A+
,NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Essentials of Pathophysiology
Rasmussen University College of Nursing
NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Comprehensive Pathophysiology Examination
Content Domains (9 Sections, 150 Questions Total):
• Section 1: Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death (Q1-22)
• Section 2: Inflammation and Tissue Repair (Q23-40)
• Section 3: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances (Q41-60)
• Section 4: Genetics and Genetic Disorders (Q61-75)
• Section 5: Immune System and Immunologic Disorders (Q76-95)
• Section 6: Infectious Diseases (Q96-110)
• Section 7: Neoplasia and Cancer Pathophysiology (Q111-125)
• Section 8: Stress, Coping, and Neuroendocrine Response (Q126-135)
• Section 9: Integrative Pathophysiology (Q136-150)
Question Design:
• 75% scenario-based clinical application
• 25% direct recall / pathophysiology identification
• 4 multiple-choice options (A-D), one correct answer
• Cognitive levels: 30% recall, 50% application, 20% analysis
Each question includes: detailed rationale with Rasmussen NUR 2063
pathophysiology
reasoning (cellular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and nursing implications)
NEW 2026/2027 - Updated with latest patho research, treatment advances,
and current Rasmussen University curriculum standards.
Rasmussen University NUR 2063 • Essentials of Pathophysiology Exam Preparation
Page 2
,NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Section 1: Cellular Adaptation, Reversible/Irreversible Injury, Necrosis,
Apoptosis, & Aging (Q1-22)
Q1: A 65-year-old male with a history of longstanding hypertension presents with an enlarged heart on chest X-ray.
The cardiomyocytes have increased in size to compensate for the increased workload. Which cellular adaptation is
this?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy [CORRECT]
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in cell SIZE in response to increased workload or stress, common in cardiac and skeletal
muscle (which cannot undergo hyperplasia because they are permanent, non-dividing cells). In this case, the cardiomyocytes
have enlarged to compensate for the increased afterload from chronic hypertension. Atrophy is a decrease in cell size;
hyperplasia is an increase in cell NUMBER; metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another. Left
ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a classic example of pathologic hypertrophy that initially compensates but eventually leads to
heart failure if the underlying cause is not corrected.
Q2: A 45-year-old female presents with abnormal cervical cells on a Pap smear showing disordered growth and
irregular nuclear morphology, but the cells have not invaded the basement membrane. Which cellular adaptation is
this?
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia [CORRECT]
C. Hypertrophy
D. Anaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dysplasia is abnormal, disordered cellular growth with changes in cell size, shape, and organization. It is considered
a pre-neoplastic condition that may progress to cancer if the stimulus is not removed. In cervical dysplasia (cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN), the abnormal cells are confined to the epithelium and have not crossed the basement membrane.
Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another (e.g., squamous metaplasia in bronchi of smokers).
Hypertrophy is increased cell size. Anaplasia is lack of differentiation characteristic of malignant cells. Cervical dysplasia is
strongly associated with HPV infection (especially types 16 and 18) and is detectable by Pap smear.
Page 3
, NUR 2063 Exam 1 - Essentials of Pathophysiology - Rasmussen 2026/2027 150 Real Exam Questions - Graded A+
Q3: A 55-year-old chronic smoker undergoes bronchoscopy. Biopsy of the bronchial epithelium reveals that the
normal ciliated columnar epithelial cells have been replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells. Which cellular
adaptation has occurred?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one adult cell type with another mature cell type. In the bronchi of
chronic smokers, the normal ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium, which
is more resistant to the irritating effects of cigarette smoke but loses the ciliary clearance function. This adaptation is reversible
if the irritant (smoking) is removed. Metaplasia is a protective mechanism but may predispose to malignant transformation.
Other examples: Barrett esophagus (intestinal metaplasia of esophageal squamous epithelium due to chronic GERD). Atrophy is
decrease in cell size; hypertrophy is increase in cell size; hyperplasia is increase in cell number.
Q4: A 70-year-old female who recently had her leg cast removed after 8 weeks of immobilization presents with a
smaller, weaker calf muscle on the affected side. What cellular process is responsible for this finding?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy [CORRECT]
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to decreased use, denervation, ischemia, nutrient deprivation, or reduced
endocrine stimulation. Disuse atrophy occurs in skeletal muscle after prolonged immobilization, as in this patient. The muscle
cells (fibers) shrink but do not die, and the process is reversible with rehabilitation and increased use. Other causes of atrophy
include denervation (e.g., spinal cord injury), ischemia (e.g., atherosclerosis), reduced trophic hormones (e.g., hypopituitarism),
and aging (senile atrophy). Hypertrophy is increased cell size; metaplasia and dysplasia are changes in cell type/organization.
Q5: During wound healing, a 30-year-old female develops excessive collagen deposition at the site of a minor
laceration, producing a raised, nodular scar that extends beyond the original wound boundaries. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Hypertrophic scar
B. Keloid [CORRECT]
C. Contracture
D. Dehiscence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A keloid is a type of excessive scar formation characterized by excessive collagen deposition that extends BEYOND
the boundaries of the original wound. Keloids are more common in African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics, suggesting a
genetic predisposition. They differ from hypertrophic scars, which also have excessive collagen but remain WITHIN the wound
boundaries. Contracture is abnormal shortening of tissue leading to deformity; dehiscence is the separation of wound edges.
Keloids are notoriously difficult to treat and may recur after excision. Treatment options include intralesional corticosteroids,
silicone sheeting, cryotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Page 4
