NURS6501 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 1
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for untwisting the DNA helix to
expose the bases?
A. DNA Polymerase
B. DNA Ligase
C. RNA Primase
D. DNA Helicase
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DNA Helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the bases to
untwist the double helix, allowing the replication fork to form.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. What is the characteristic karyotype for this
condition?
A. 47, XXY
B. 47, XXX
,C. 45, X
D. 47, XY, +21
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Turner syndrome is characterized by the presence of only one X
chromosome (monosomy X), resulting in a 45, X karyotype.
3. Which process describes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?
A. Translation
B. Transcription
C. Transformation
D. Translocation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Transcription is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA)
is synthesized from a DNA template in the nucleus.
4. In an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, what is the probability that an affected
heterozygous parent will pass the trait to their child?
A. 25%
B. 100%
C. 75%
, D. 50%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In autosomal dominant disorders, a heterozygous parent (Aa)
has a 50% chance of passing the dominant allele (A) to any offspring.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high serum potassium) causes faster
repolarization of the heart, which manifests as tall, peaked T-waves on an ECG.
6. A patient presents with severe vomiting. Which acid-base imbalance is the patient at
highest risk for developing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 1
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for untwisting the DNA helix to
expose the bases?
A. DNA Polymerase
B. DNA Ligase
C. RNA Primase
D. DNA Helicase
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DNA Helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the bases to
untwist the double helix, allowing the replication fork to form.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. What is the characteristic karyotype for this
condition?
A. 47, XXY
B. 47, XXX
,C. 45, X
D. 47, XY, +21
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Turner syndrome is characterized by the presence of only one X
chromosome (monosomy X), resulting in a 45, X karyotype.
3. Which process describes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?
A. Translation
B. Transcription
C. Transformation
D. Translocation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Transcription is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA)
is synthesized from a DNA template in the nucleus.
4. In an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, what is the probability that an affected
heterozygous parent will pass the trait to their child?
A. 25%
B. 100%
C. 75%
, D. 50%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In autosomal dominant disorders, a heterozygous parent (Aa)
has a 50% chance of passing the dominant allele (A) to any offspring.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high serum potassium) causes faster
repolarization of the heart, which manifests as tall, peaked T-waves on an ECG.
6. A patient presents with severe vomiting. Which acid-base imbalance is the patient at
highest risk for developing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
