NURS6501 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient exhibits a change in cellular size and organization in response to chronic
irritation. This reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation, such as the change from ciliated
columnar to stratified squamous epithelium in smokers.
2. Free radical injury leads to cell damage primarily through which mechanism?
A. Inactivation of lysosomal enzymes
,B. Increasing cellular ATP production
C. Lipid peroxidation of membranes
D. Decreasing mitochondrial permeability
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause cell injury by lipid peroxidation (destruction
of polyunsaturated lipids), protein alteration, and DNA damage.
3. Which chromosomal abnormality is characterized by the presence of an extra X
chromosome in a male (47, XXY)?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Down Syndrome
C. Cri du Chat Syndrome
D. Klinefelter Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) occurs in males and is
characterized by an extra X chromosome, leading to gynaecomastia and small testes.
4. In the context of fluid and electrolyte balance, which condition is most likely to cause the
Chvostek sign?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which can
be clinically tested via the Chvostek sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped).
5. A patient’s arterial blood gas results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
This indicates:
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) combined with a high PaCO2 (>45 mmHg) and
normal bicarbonate indicates respiratory acidosis.
6. Which chemical mediator released by mast cells is primarily responsible for increased
vascular permeability and vasodilation during an allergic reaction?
A. Interleukin-1
B. Leukotrienes
C. Histamine
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient exhibits a change in cellular size and organization in response to chronic
irritation. This reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation, such as the change from ciliated
columnar to stratified squamous epithelium in smokers.
2. Free radical injury leads to cell damage primarily through which mechanism?
A. Inactivation of lysosomal enzymes
,B. Increasing cellular ATP production
C. Lipid peroxidation of membranes
D. Decreasing mitochondrial permeability
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause cell injury by lipid peroxidation (destruction
of polyunsaturated lipids), protein alteration, and DNA damage.
3. Which chromosomal abnormality is characterized by the presence of an extra X
chromosome in a male (47, XXY)?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Down Syndrome
C. Cri du Chat Syndrome
D. Klinefelter Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) occurs in males and is
characterized by an extra X chromosome, leading to gynaecomastia and small testes.
4. In the context of fluid and electrolyte balance, which condition is most likely to cause the
Chvostek sign?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypocalcemia
, C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which can
be clinically tested via the Chvostek sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped).
5. A patient’s arterial blood gas results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
This indicates:
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) combined with a high PaCO2 (>45 mmHg) and
normal bicarbonate indicates respiratory acidosis.
6. Which chemical mediator released by mast cells is primarily responsible for increased
vascular permeability and vasodilation during an allergic reaction?
A. Interleukin-1
B. Leukotrienes
C. Histamine
