DAVIS ADVANTAGE FOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3RD EDITION
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | NURSING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CLINICAL JUDGMENT & EXAM PREP
UNIT 1: THE CELL
CHAPTER 1: THE CELL IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
20 ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question 1 — Cell Membrane Function
A nurse is reviewing the basic organization of a healthy cell. Which function of the plasma
membrane is most important for maintaining the cell's internal environment?
A. Producing ATP for cellular energy
B. Controlling movement of substances into and out of the cell
C. Storing genetic information
D. Synthesizing proteins from amino acids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The plasma membrane forms the boundary between the intracellular and extracellular
environments. Its selective permeability allows the cell to regulate which substances enter and
leave, helping maintain a stable internal environment.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
• A. ATP production is primarily associated with mitochondria.
• B. Correct. The plasma membrane regulates movement between the cell and its
surrounding environment.
• C. Genetic information is primarily stored in DNA within the nucleus.
• D. Protein synthesis occurs primarily at ribosomes.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Plasma membrane
Cognitive Level: Understanding
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 2 — Nucleus
A patient asks why the nucleus is considered an important organelle. Which explanation by the
nurse is most accurate?
A. "It is the primary site where cellular energy is produced."
B. "It controls the movement of substances across the cell membrane."
C. "It contains genetic material that directs many cellular activities."
D. "It packages proteins for transport outside the cell."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material and plays a central role in regulating cellular
activities through genetic information and gene expression.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
• A. Mitochondria are associated with cellular energy production.
• B. The plasma membrane regulates movement across the cell boundary.
• C. Correct. The nucleus contains genetic material that directs cellular function.
• D. The Golgi apparatus participates in protein modification and packaging.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Nucleus
Cognitive Level: Understanding
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 3 — Mitochondria
A cell has a substantially increased demand for energy. Which organelle would be especially
important in meeting this demand?
A. Lysosome
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Golgi apparatus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Mitochondria are major sites of cellular energy production. Cells with high energy requirements
depend heavily on mitochondrial activity to generate ATP for cellular processes.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
• A. Lysosomes are primarily involved in intracellular digestion and breakdown.
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, Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
• B. The nucleus contains genetic material and regulates cellular activity.
• C. Correct. Mitochondria generate much of the ATP used by cells.
• D. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages cellular products.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Mitochondria
Cognitive Level: Application
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Recognize Cues
Difficulty: Difficult
Question 4 — Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
A researcher observes a cellular structure actively assembling amino acids into proteins. Which
structure is performing this function?
A. Ribosome
B. Lysosome
C. Centriole
D. Nucleus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. They translate genetic
instructions into sequences of amino acids that form proteins.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
• A. Correct. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
• B. Lysosomes contain enzymes involved in cellular breakdown.
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