NR507 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often in response to chronic irritation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another less mature cell type or a different cell type to better withstand adverse
environmental conditions.
2. In the setting of irreversible cell injury, which process involves the leakage of intracellular
contents and subsequent inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
,B. Autophagy
C. Necrosis
D. Pyoptosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Necrosis is characterized by cellular swelling, rupture of
membranes, and the release of cytoplasmic contents into the extracellular space, triggering
inflammation, unlike apoptosis which is programmed and non-inflammatory.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of U-
waves and flattened T-waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) leads to delayed repolarization,
causing flattened or inverted T-waves and the appearance of prominent U-waves.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and results in the
immediate release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type I
, B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate IgE-mediated allergic
reaction where antigens bind to IgE on mast cells, triggering degranulation.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid follicles by T-cells
B. Production of antibodies that block TSH receptors
C. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that mimic TSH
D. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where Type II
hypersensitivity produces TSI that continuously stimulates TSH receptors, leading to
hyperthyroidism.
6. Which mechanism explains the development of edema in a patient with liver failure and
hypoalbuminemia?
A. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often in response to chronic irritation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another less mature cell type or a different cell type to better withstand adverse
environmental conditions.
2. In the setting of irreversible cell injury, which process involves the leakage of intracellular
contents and subsequent inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
,B. Autophagy
C. Necrosis
D. Pyoptosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Necrosis is characterized by cellular swelling, rupture of
membranes, and the release of cytoplasmic contents into the extracellular space, triggering
inflammation, unlike apoptosis which is programmed and non-inflammatory.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the development of U-
waves and flattened T-waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) leads to delayed repolarization,
causing flattened or inverted T-waves and the appearance of prominent U-waves.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and results in the
immediate release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type I
, B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate IgE-mediated allergic
reaction where antigens bind to IgE on mast cells, triggering degranulation.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Graves’ disease?
A. Destruction of thyroid follicles by T-cells
B. Production of antibodies that block TSH receptors
C. Production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that mimic TSH
D. Iodine deficiency leading to goiter
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where Type II
hypersensitivity produces TSI that continuously stimulates TSH receptors, leading to
hyperthyroidism.
6. Which mechanism explains the development of edema in a patient with liver failure and
hypoalbuminemia?
A. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
