NR507 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the mechanism of action of the sodium-potassium pump
(Na+/K+-ATPase) in maintaining cellular resting membrane potential?
A. It moves 3 Na+ ions out of the cell and 2 K+ ions into the cell using ATP.
B. It moves 2 Na+ ions out of the cell and 3 K+ ions into the cell using ATP.
C. It moves 3 Na+ ions into the cell and 2 K+ ions out of the cell using ATP.
D. It allows the passive flow of Na+ and K+ along their concentration gradients.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Na+/K+-ATPase pump maintains the resting potential by
actively transporting three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it
brings in, creating an electrochemical gradient.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular organelles and substances?
A. Hypertrophy
,B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size. When a sufficient number
of cells are involved, the entire organ shrinks. It can result from disuse, ischemia, or loss of
endocrine stimulation.
3. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of the ‘Warburg Effect’ observed in
malignant cancer cells?
A. Preferential use of aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen.
B. Exclusive use of oxidative phosphorylation for maximum ATP production.
C. Complete cessation of glucose uptake by the cell.
D. The reversal of mitochondrial electron transport chains.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Warburg Effect is the shift from oxidative phosphorylation
to aerobic glycolysis (producing lactate), which provides metabolic intermediates needed
for rapid cell proliferation.
4. A patient with Turner Syndrome has which of the following chromosomal compositions?
A. 47, XXY
, B. 47, XXX
C. 45, X
D. 47, XY, +21
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Turner Syndrome is characterized by monosomy of the X
chromosome (45, X), resulting in female phenotypes often associated with short stature
and infertility.
5. During the inflammatory process, which plasma protein system is responsible for the
formation of a fibrinous meshwork at an injured or inflamed site?
A. The Complement System
B. The Clotting System
C. The Kinin System
D. The RAAS System
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clotting (coagulation) system forms a fibrinous meshwork
to prevent the spread of infection, keep microorganisms at the site of greatest phagocytic
activity, and provide a framework for repair.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the mechanism of action of the sodium-potassium pump
(Na+/K+-ATPase) in maintaining cellular resting membrane potential?
A. It moves 3 Na+ ions out of the cell and 2 K+ ions into the cell using ATP.
B. It moves 2 Na+ ions out of the cell and 3 K+ ions into the cell using ATP.
C. It moves 3 Na+ ions into the cell and 2 K+ ions out of the cell using ATP.
D. It allows the passive flow of Na+ and K+ along their concentration gradients.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Na+/K+-ATPase pump maintains the resting potential by
actively transporting three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it
brings in, creating an electrochemical gradient.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular organelles and substances?
A. Hypertrophy
,B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size. When a sufficient number
of cells are involved, the entire organ shrinks. It can result from disuse, ischemia, or loss of
endocrine stimulation.
3. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of the ‘Warburg Effect’ observed in
malignant cancer cells?
A. Preferential use of aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen.
B. Exclusive use of oxidative phosphorylation for maximum ATP production.
C. Complete cessation of glucose uptake by the cell.
D. The reversal of mitochondrial electron transport chains.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Warburg Effect is the shift from oxidative phosphorylation
to aerobic glycolysis (producing lactate), which provides metabolic intermediates needed
for rapid cell proliferation.
4. A patient with Turner Syndrome has which of the following chromosomal compositions?
A. 47, XXY
, B. 47, XXX
C. 45, X
D. 47, XY, +21
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Turner Syndrome is characterized by monosomy of the X
chromosome (45, X), resulting in female phenotypes often associated with short stature
and infertility.
5. During the inflammatory process, which plasma protein system is responsible for the
formation of a fibrinous meshwork at an injured or inflamed site?
A. The Complement System
B. The Clotting System
C. The Kinin System
D. The RAAS System
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The clotting (coagulation) system forms a fibrinous meshwork
to prevent the spread of infection, keep microorganisms at the site of greatest phagocytic
activity, and provide a framework for repair.
