NSG 530 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During hypoxic cell injury, what is the primary cause of cellular swelling?
A. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
B. Increased protein synthesis
C. Decreased intracellular osmotic pressure
D. Release of lysosomal enzymes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to ATP depletion, causing the Na+/K+ pump to
fail. This results in sodium and water moving into the cell, causing swelling.
2. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically leading to gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
B. RNA interference
C. DNA methylation
D. Protein phosphorylation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation at CpG islands is a common epigenetic
mechanism that suppresses gene expression by preventing transcription factor binding.
3. In Type I hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype is primarily responsible for
triggering mast cell degranulation?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgE
D. IgA
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to Fc receptors on mast cells and basophils. Cross-
linking of these antibodies by an allergen triggers the release of histamine.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
prominent U waves on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia classically presents with flattened T waves and the
appearance of U waves on an EKG.
5. What is the hallmark physiological change in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
(HFpEF)?
A. Impaired diastolic filling due to stiff ventricles
B. Decreased myocardial contractility
C. Increased ventricular compliance
D. Increased stroke volume
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: HFpEF is characterized by diastolic dysfunction where the
ventricle is too stiff to fill properly, even though the ejection fraction remains above 50%.
6. Which substance is responsible for the formation of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency related
emphysema?
A. Excessive neutrophil elastase activity
B. Reduced surfactant production
C. Increased mucus secretion
D. Fibrosis of the alveolar walls
Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During hypoxic cell injury, what is the primary cause of cellular swelling?
A. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
B. Increased protein synthesis
C. Decreased intracellular osmotic pressure
D. Release of lysosomal enzymes
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to ATP depletion, causing the Na+/K+ pump to
fail. This results in sodium and water moving into the cell, causing swelling.
2. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically leading to gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
B. RNA interference
C. DNA methylation
D. Protein phosphorylation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation at CpG islands is a common epigenetic
mechanism that suppresses gene expression by preventing transcription factor binding.
3. In Type I hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype is primarily responsible for
triggering mast cell degranulation?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgE
D. IgA
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to Fc receptors on mast cells and basophils. Cross-
linking of these antibodies by an allergen triggers the release of histamine.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of
prominent U waves on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia classically presents with flattened T waves and the
appearance of U waves on an EKG.
5. What is the hallmark physiological change in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
(HFpEF)?
A. Impaired diastolic filling due to stiff ventricles
B. Decreased myocardial contractility
C. Increased ventricular compliance
D. Increased stroke volume
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: HFpEF is characterized by diastolic dysfunction where the
ventricle is too stiff to fill properly, even though the ejection fraction remains above 50%.
6. Which substance is responsible for the formation of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency related
emphysema?
A. Excessive neutrophil elastase activity
B. Reduced surfactant production
C. Increased mucus secretion
D. Fibrosis of the alveolar walls
Answer: A
