NUR 631 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Midterm
and Final Exam Prep Test Bank 1
Exam Questions & Correct Answers | 2026-2027 Edition | GCU
NUR 631
This comprehensive test bank contains 450 practice questions for the NUR 631 Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Midterm and Final Exams at Grand Canyon University. The
questions reflect actual exam content for the 2026-2027 academic year, covering cellular
biology, genetics, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and all major body systems . Each question
includes a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and ensure exam readiness.
Content Area Overview
Domain Questions Key Topics
Cellular Biology & Adaptation 1-60 Cell structure, membrane transport, apoptosis, necrosis,
cellular adaptation
Genetics & Epigenetics 61-90 Chromosomal disorders, inheritance patterns, genetic
mutations, epigenetics
Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base 91-130 Fluid compartments, electrolytes, acid-base disorders,
compensation
Immune & Inflammatory 131-170 Innate/adaptive immunity, hypersensitivity,
autoimmune disorders, inflammation
Cardiovascular & Hematologic 171-240 Heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis,
anemia, coagulation disorders
Respiratory Pathophysiology 241-290 COPD, asthma, ARDS, RDS, cystic fibrosis,
pulmonary embolism
Renal & Urinary 291-330 AKI, CKD, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, UTIs
Endocrine & Metabolic 331-380 Diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency,
metabolic syndrome
Neurological & Pain 381-420 Stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, pain pathways,
seizures
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic 421-450 Cirrhosis, pancreatitis, IBD, hepatitis, GI bleeding
,SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY & ADAPTATION (Questions 1-60)
Question 1: What is the largest cytoplasmic organelle that contains most of the cell's genetic
information?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleus
D) Lysosome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleus is the largest cytoplasmic organelle and contains most of the cell's
genetic material. It is surrounded by a nuclear envelope and contains chromatin. Mitochondria
also contain a small amount of DNA, but the primary genetic material is in the nucleus .
Question 2: Which statement best describes apoptosis?
A) Unregulated cell death due to injury
B) Programmed cell death
C) Cell death due to chemical injury
D) Unpredictable patterns of cell death
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs normally during development and
tissue homeostasis. It is characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and
fragmentation without inflammation, as cellular contents are packaged into apoptotic bodies
and removed by phagocytes .
, Question 3: The PT time and INR measure which coagulation pathway?
A) Intrinsic pathway
B) Extrinsic pathway
C) Platelet function
D) Fibrinolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PT and INR assess the extrinsic pathway and common pathway of coagulation. They
evaluate factors VII, X, V, II, and fibrinogen. The extrinsic pathway is initiated by tissue factor
(factor III). The aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway .
Question 4: Where is most of the cell's genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleolus
D) Lysosome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleolus is a small dense structure located within the nucleus. It is composed
mainly of RNA and is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis. DNA is primarily found in the nucleus,
with the nucleolus being a distinct substructure .
Question 5: What are proto-oncogenes?
and Final Exam Prep Test Bank 1
Exam Questions & Correct Answers | 2026-2027 Edition | GCU
NUR 631
This comprehensive test bank contains 450 practice questions for the NUR 631 Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Midterm and Final Exams at Grand Canyon University. The
questions reflect actual exam content for the 2026-2027 academic year, covering cellular
biology, genetics, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and all major body systems . Each question
includes a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and ensure exam readiness.
Content Area Overview
Domain Questions Key Topics
Cellular Biology & Adaptation 1-60 Cell structure, membrane transport, apoptosis, necrosis,
cellular adaptation
Genetics & Epigenetics 61-90 Chromosomal disorders, inheritance patterns, genetic
mutations, epigenetics
Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base 91-130 Fluid compartments, electrolytes, acid-base disorders,
compensation
Immune & Inflammatory 131-170 Innate/adaptive immunity, hypersensitivity,
autoimmune disorders, inflammation
Cardiovascular & Hematologic 171-240 Heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis,
anemia, coagulation disorders
Respiratory Pathophysiology 241-290 COPD, asthma, ARDS, RDS, cystic fibrosis,
pulmonary embolism
Renal & Urinary 291-330 AKI, CKD, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, UTIs
Endocrine & Metabolic 331-380 Diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency,
metabolic syndrome
Neurological & Pain 381-420 Stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, pain pathways,
seizures
Gastrointestinal & Hepatic 421-450 Cirrhosis, pancreatitis, IBD, hepatitis, GI bleeding
,SECTION 1: CELLULAR BIOLOGY & ADAPTATION (Questions 1-60)
Question 1: What is the largest cytoplasmic organelle that contains most of the cell's genetic
information?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleus
D) Lysosome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleus is the largest cytoplasmic organelle and contains most of the cell's
genetic material. It is surrounded by a nuclear envelope and contains chromatin. Mitochondria
also contain a small amount of DNA, but the primary genetic material is in the nucleus .
Question 2: Which statement best describes apoptosis?
A) Unregulated cell death due to injury
B) Programmed cell death
C) Cell death due to chemical injury
D) Unpredictable patterns of cell death
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs normally during development and
tissue homeostasis. It is characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and
fragmentation without inflammation, as cellular contents are packaged into apoptotic bodies
and removed by phagocytes .
, Question 3: The PT time and INR measure which coagulation pathway?
A) Intrinsic pathway
B) Extrinsic pathway
C) Platelet function
D) Fibrinolysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PT and INR assess the extrinsic pathway and common pathway of coagulation. They
evaluate factors VII, X, V, II, and fibrinogen. The extrinsic pathway is initiated by tissue factor
(factor III). The aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway .
Question 4: Where is most of the cell's genetic information, including RNA and DNA,
contained?
A) Mitochondria
B) Ribosome
C) Nucleolus
D) Lysosome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nucleolus is a small dense structure located within the nucleus. It is composed
mainly of RNA and is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis. DNA is primarily found in the nucleus,
with the nucleolus being a distinct substructure .
Question 5: What are proto-oncogenes?
