NR 507 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY WEEK 1
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM | 50
QUESTIONS | PROCTORED EXAM |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is diagnosed with a condition where functional cells are replaced by another cell
type that is better able to withstand the environmental stressor. What is this adaptation
called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often less differentiated, cell type to better endure chronic irritation or
inflammation.
2. During anaerobic metabolism, what is the primary cause of cellular damage due to the
failure of the sodium-potassium pump?
A. Cellular swelling and lysosomal rupture
,B. Increase in extracellular potassium
C. Excessive production of ATP
D. Decreased intracellular calcium levels
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Failure of the Na+/K+ pump leads to an accumulation of
intracellular sodium, causing water to enter the cell by osmosis (swelling) and eventually
leading to organelle failure and lysosomal enzyme release.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by ‘programmed’ self-destruction and typically
does not trigger an inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Autolysis
D. Caseous necrosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a regulated process of cellular self-destruction that
occurs in both normal and pathological states without involving inflammation.
, 4. A 55-year-old male presents with severe chest pain. Lab tests reveal elevated Troponin I
and T. This indicates cell death in the myocardium. What is the most likely type of necrosis
occurring?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
B. Gangrenous necrosis
C. Fat necrosis
D. Coagulative necrosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Coagulative necrosis results from protein denaturation and is
characteristic of hypoxic injury in organs like the heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the formation of a
prominent U-wave on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) can cause EKG changes including
flat or inverted T waves, ST-segment depression, and the presence of a U wave.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY WEEK 1
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM | 50
QUESTIONS | PROCTORED EXAM |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is diagnosed with a condition where functional cells are replaced by another cell
type that is better able to withstand the environmental stressor. What is this adaptation
called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often less differentiated, cell type to better endure chronic irritation or
inflammation.
2. During anaerobic metabolism, what is the primary cause of cellular damage due to the
failure of the sodium-potassium pump?
A. Cellular swelling and lysosomal rupture
,B. Increase in extracellular potassium
C. Excessive production of ATP
D. Decreased intracellular calcium levels
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Failure of the Na+/K+ pump leads to an accumulation of
intracellular sodium, causing water to enter the cell by osmosis (swelling) and eventually
leading to organelle failure and lysosomal enzyme release.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by ‘programmed’ self-destruction and typically
does not trigger an inflammatory response?
A. Apoptosis
B. Necrosis
C. Autolysis
D. Caseous necrosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a regulated process of cellular self-destruction that
occurs in both normal and pathological states without involving inflammation.
, 4. A 55-year-old male presents with severe chest pain. Lab tests reveal elevated Troponin I
and T. This indicates cell death in the myocardium. What is the most likely type of necrosis
occurring?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
B. Gangrenous necrosis
C. Fat necrosis
D. Coagulative necrosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Coagulative necrosis results from protein denaturation and is
characteristic of hypoxic injury in organs like the heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with the formation of a
prominent U-wave on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) can cause EKG changes including
flat or inverted T waves, ST-segment depression, and the presence of a U wave.
