NURS 209 Pathophysiology Study
Guide | HESI Practice Questions &
Patho Exam Prep 2026/2027
,A decrease in workload, use, pressure, or blood supply B. pathologic atrophy.
appropriately describes:
A. physiologic atrophy. Pathologic atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to decreased use. Physiologic
B. pathologic atrophy. atrophy usually occurs early in development; for example, the thymus gland
C. hypertrophy. atrophies during childhood. Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size. Hyperplasia is
D. hyperplasia. an increase in the number of cells.
The appropriate term for the reversible replacement of one A. metaplasia.
mature cell by another is:
A. metaplasia. The term metaplasia refers to one cell type being replaced by another. Hyperplasia
B. hyperplasia. is an increase in the number of cells, not a change in their type. Dysplasia, also
C. dysplasia. referred to as atypical hyperplasia, refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape,
D. atypical hyperplasia. and organization of cells.
The ability to increase intracellular calcium concentrations C. lead.
and affect the nervous and hematopoietic systems is a
characteristic of: Lead is able to increase intracellular calcium concentrations and may also become
A. carbon monoxide. a calcium substitute. It affects the hematopoietic system. It is often found in paint,
B. carbon tetrachloride. dirt, and pottery. Carbon tetrachloride, formerly used in dry cleaning, is converted
C. lead. into a highly toxic free radical that damages the liver. Carbon monoxide is an
D. mercury. asphyxiate gas that interrupts respiration. Mercury is a heavy metal and can worsen
chronic diseases like Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis.
A patient with a collection of blood that is located between A. epidural hematoma.
the skull and the dura is diagnosed with a condition
referred to as a(n): An epidural hematoma is a collection of blood between the inner surface of the skull
A. epidural hematoma. and the dura. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the surface of
B. contusion. the dura and the brain. A contusion is a bruise or bleeding into the skin and
C. subdural hematoma. underlying tissue. Abrasion is a scrape caused by removal of the superficial layers
D. abrasion. of the skin.
A tear or rip of the skin with a jagged and irregular edge is C. laceration.
described as a(n):
A. abrasion. Lacerations occur when the tensile strength of the skin is exceeded. An incision is a
B. incision. precise cut with an instrument that leaves regular clean edges. In a laceration,
C. laceration. edges are often jagged and irregular. An abrasion results from the removal of the
D. avulsion. superficial layers of the skin caused by friction between the skin and the injuring
object. An avulsion is an injury in which an area of tissue is pulled away, creating a
flap.
A characteristic of a stab wound includes: A. the injury is deeper than it is long.
A. the injury is deeper than it is long.
B. the injury is longer than it is deep. The injury is deeper than it is long. There is little crush injury because the object
C. there is a broken bone. used is sharp and it makes a clean entrance. An injury that is longer than it is deep
D. there is significant crush injury. is considered an incised wound. A broken bone is a fracture.
The appropriate term for fragments of burning or unburned D. tattooing.
pieces of gunpowder that are embedded in the epidermis
is: Tattooing results from fragments of burning or unburned pieces of gunpowder
A. exit wound. exiting the barrel and striking the skin surface with enough force to be driven into
B. stippling. the epidermis. Stippling results when fragments of gunpowder strike the skin with
C. blowback. enough force to abrade the skin but not actually penetrate the surface. An exit
D. tattooing. wound is where the bullet exits the body. Blowback is disruption of the tissues
resulting in large, gaping, and jagged appearance to the wound.
Which term describes oxygen failing to reach the blood? A. Suffocation
A. Suffocation
B. Strangulation Suffocation occurs when oxygen fails to reach the blood. It is a subgroup of
C. Drowning asphyxial injuries. Strangulation is caused by compression and closure of the blood
D. Petechiae vessels and air passages by external pressure on the neck. Drowning occurs when
water or fluid alters delivery of oxygen. Petechiae are found on the neck of a victim
who is strangled. It is the result of compression of soft tissue and the breakage of
blood vessels.
,The pigment that is correctly paired with its color is: A. melanin-brown-black.
A. melanin-brown-black.
B. hemosiderin-green-black. Melanin is brown-black pigment. This is what causes a suntan. Hemosiderin is a
C. blue nevus-brown-black. yellow-brown pigment and is derived from hemoglobin. Blue nevus is a benign mole
D. bilirubin-yellow-brown. that is dark blue-black in color. Bilirubin is yellow-green in color and is derived from
bile.
The appropriate term to identify the nuclear dissolution and D. karyolysis.
destruction of chromatin by action of hydrolytic enzymes is:
A. autolysis. Karyolysis is the nuclear dissolution and lysis of chromatin. Autolysis is a term for
B. pyknosis. autodigestion. In pyknosis, the nucleus shrinks and becomes a small, dense mass
C. karyorrhexis. of genetic material. Karyorrhexis means fragmentation of the nucleus into smaller
D. karyolysis. particles, or "nuclear dust."
A TRUE statement regarding calcium in cells is: B. dystrophic calcification occurs in chronic tuberculosis.
A. calcium salts accumulate in healthy, living cells with
normal body function. Dystrophic calcification occurs in dead or dying tissues and chronic tuberculosis and
B. dystrophic calcification occurs in chronic tuberculosis. is usually found in lungs and lymph nodes. Calcium accumulation normally occurs in
C. metastatic calcification occurs in damaged tissue. dead or dying tissues. Psammoma bodies are several layers of calcium that clump
D. psammoma bodies are individual calcium molecules. together and form grains. Metastatic calcification consists of mineral deposits that
occur in undamaged tissue as a result of hypercalcemia.
Tuberculous infections are likely to result in a form of D. caseous.
necrosis called:
A. coagulative. Caseous necrosis is normally found in the lung from infection by Mycobacterium
B. liquefactive. tuberculosis. It is a combination of liquefactive and coagulation necrosis.
C. fat. Coagulative necrosis occurs primarily in the kidneys, heart, and adrenal glands due
D. caseous. to protein degradation. Liquefactive necrosis occurs commonly in the neurons and
glial cells. Fat necrosis occurs in the breast, pancreas, and other abdominal
structures and is caused from cellular dissolution by enzymes called lipases.
A correct concept related to aging is: A. the maximal life span on humans is 80 to 100 years.
A. the maximal life span on humans is 80 to 100 years.
B. men outlive women in most countries. The maximal life span is 80 to 100 years and has not changed over time. The
C. the maximal life span changes every decade. average life span, however, has changed. Women outlive men in most areas of the
D. the concept of aging is well understood and world. The concept of aging is not completely understood.
documented.
The term apoptosis is appropriately defined as: C. programmed cell death.
A. second messenger system.
B. autostimulation. Another term for apoptosis is programmed cell death. Autostimulation is when a cell
C. programmed cell death. releases a signal that actually affects the cell of origin. A pass-it-on signal is a
D. pass-it-on signal. description for a second messenger system. A second messenger system is a
means by which a ligand binds with receptors of a membrane system and then
triggers a second system/reaction.
The process of atrophy is a result of: Select all that apply: A. aging.
A. aging. B. lack of blood supply.
B. lack of blood supply. D. hormonal stimulation.
C. work demand.
D. hormonal stimulation. Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse or lack of blood
E. need to replace lost cells. supply, hormonal stimulation, or neural stimulation. Hypertrophy is an increase in
the size of cells caused by increased work demands or hormonal stimulation.
Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells caused by an increased rate of
cellular division. Normal hyperplasia is stimulated by hormones or the need to
replace lost tissues.
When discussing body fluid, it is correct to state that: A. two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular.
A. two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular.
B. one-fourth of the body's fluid is extracellular. Two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular. One-third is extracellular. There are
C. the two main extracellular compartments are interstitial two components of the extracellular compartment: interstitial and intravascular. Total
and intracellular. body water is about 60% of body weight.
D. standard total body water is 40% of body weight.
, Which of the following statements is TRUE? When C. water moves freely across membranes.
discussing body fluid movement, it is correct to state that:
A. potassium is the most abundant extracellular fluid (ECF) Water moves freely across the capillary or cell membrane. Aquaporins are a family
ion. of water channel proteins that provide permeability to water at the capillary
B. sodium maintains the osmotic balance of the membrane. Sodium is the major ECF cation, and potassium is the major ICF cation;
intracellular fluid (ICF) space. this is due to the sodium-potassium pump.
C. water moves freely across membranes.
D. aquaporins block water movement across the
membrane.
When discussing aldosterone, it is correct to state that: A. it is a hormone that is secreted when sodium levels are depressed.
A. it is a hormone that is secreted when sodium levels are
depressed. Aldosterone is a minerocorticoid secreted from the adrenal gland that is located on
B. it is a hormone that is secreted when potassium levels the kidney. Aldosterone is secreted when potassium is increased or sodium is
are depressed. decreased. Therefore, it makes sense that aldosterone increases sodium
C. its action is to decrease the retention of sodium. reabsorption to increase a depleted supply. It also increases potassium secretion.
D. its action is to decrease the secretion of potassium.
When discussing hyperchloremia (elevated serum D. is a result of an underlying disorder.
chlorine), it is correct to state that it:
A. occurs with a deficit of sodium. Hyperchloremia is usually related to an underlying disorder, and therefore,
B. arises with an excess of bicarbonate. treatment is centered on the underlying disorder. It usually occurs with an increase
C. has specific symptoms such as thirst. in sodium and a deficit of bicarbonate. There are normally no specific symptoms
D. is a result of an underlying disorder. associated with this syndrome.
When discussing hyponatremia (low serum sodium), it is C. an outcome of serious burns, vomiting, or diarrhea.
correct to state that it is generally:
A. a result of inadequate sodium intake. Hyponatremia occurs when the serum sodium drops below 135 mEq/L. It can occur
B. a result of a decrease in total body water (TBW). due to burns, vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal suctioning. It can also occur with
C. an outcome of serious burns, vomiting, or diarrhea. an increase in TBW. Inadequate sodium intake can cause hyponatremia, but it is
D. an outcome of serum sodium levels dropping below 145 uncommon.
mEq/L.
Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding B. It often occurs in acidosis.
hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium)?
A. Dietary excesses are commonly the cause. Hyperkalemia (high potassium) often occurs with acidosis. During acidosis,
B. It often occurs in acidosis. hydrogen is taken up in the cell. When this occurs, it is exchanged for potassium
C. There is an increased in the renal secretion of and serum potassium rises. Dietary excesses are uncommon. An increase in
potassium. aldosterone would cause hypokalemia, rather than hyperkalemia, because
D. Increased aldosterone levels are noted. aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption while increasing K+ secretion into the renal
tubule.
A patient has deep and rapid respirations. Laboratory tests A. metabolic acidosis.
reveal decreased pH and bicarbonate. This patient is
experiencing: A decrease in pH and bicarbonate occur with metabolic acidosis. Additionally,
A. metabolic acidosis. metabolic acidosis causes deep and rapid breathing, as the body tries to
B. metabolic alkalosis. compensate by removing carbon dioxide. Metabolic alkalosis occurs if pH and
C. respiratory acidosis. bicarbonate levels are elevated. Respiratory acidosis occurs when pH is decreased
D. respiratory alkalosis. and carbon dioxide is elevated, whereas respiratory alkalosis occurs when pH is
elevated and carbon dioxide is decreased.
A common cause of the increased filtration of fluid from A. increased hydrostatic pressure.
capillaries and lymph into surrounding tissues (edema) B. decreased plasma oncotic pressure.
includes: Select all that apply. C. increased capillary membrane permeability.
A. increased hydrostatic pressure. D. lymphatic obstruction.
B. decreased plasma oncotic pressure.
C. increased capillary membrane permeability. There are four common causes of increased edema: increased hydrostatic
D. lymphatic obstruction. pressure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure, increased capillary membrane
E. increased barometric pressure. permeability, and lymphatic obstruction. Barometric pressure (Atmospheric
pressure) is the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air
above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere.
Guide | HESI Practice Questions &
Patho Exam Prep 2026/2027
,A decrease in workload, use, pressure, or blood supply B. pathologic atrophy.
appropriately describes:
A. physiologic atrophy. Pathologic atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to decreased use. Physiologic
B. pathologic atrophy. atrophy usually occurs early in development; for example, the thymus gland
C. hypertrophy. atrophies during childhood. Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size. Hyperplasia is
D. hyperplasia. an increase in the number of cells.
The appropriate term for the reversible replacement of one A. metaplasia.
mature cell by another is:
A. metaplasia. The term metaplasia refers to one cell type being replaced by another. Hyperplasia
B. hyperplasia. is an increase in the number of cells, not a change in their type. Dysplasia, also
C. dysplasia. referred to as atypical hyperplasia, refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape,
D. atypical hyperplasia. and organization of cells.
The ability to increase intracellular calcium concentrations C. lead.
and affect the nervous and hematopoietic systems is a
characteristic of: Lead is able to increase intracellular calcium concentrations and may also become
A. carbon monoxide. a calcium substitute. It affects the hematopoietic system. It is often found in paint,
B. carbon tetrachloride. dirt, and pottery. Carbon tetrachloride, formerly used in dry cleaning, is converted
C. lead. into a highly toxic free radical that damages the liver. Carbon monoxide is an
D. mercury. asphyxiate gas that interrupts respiration. Mercury is a heavy metal and can worsen
chronic diseases like Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis.
A patient with a collection of blood that is located between A. epidural hematoma.
the skull and the dura is diagnosed with a condition
referred to as a(n): An epidural hematoma is a collection of blood between the inner surface of the skull
A. epidural hematoma. and the dura. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the surface of
B. contusion. the dura and the brain. A contusion is a bruise or bleeding into the skin and
C. subdural hematoma. underlying tissue. Abrasion is a scrape caused by removal of the superficial layers
D. abrasion. of the skin.
A tear or rip of the skin with a jagged and irregular edge is C. laceration.
described as a(n):
A. abrasion. Lacerations occur when the tensile strength of the skin is exceeded. An incision is a
B. incision. precise cut with an instrument that leaves regular clean edges. In a laceration,
C. laceration. edges are often jagged and irregular. An abrasion results from the removal of the
D. avulsion. superficial layers of the skin caused by friction between the skin and the injuring
object. An avulsion is an injury in which an area of tissue is pulled away, creating a
flap.
A characteristic of a stab wound includes: A. the injury is deeper than it is long.
A. the injury is deeper than it is long.
B. the injury is longer than it is deep. The injury is deeper than it is long. There is little crush injury because the object
C. there is a broken bone. used is sharp and it makes a clean entrance. An injury that is longer than it is deep
D. there is significant crush injury. is considered an incised wound. A broken bone is a fracture.
The appropriate term for fragments of burning or unburned D. tattooing.
pieces of gunpowder that are embedded in the epidermis
is: Tattooing results from fragments of burning or unburned pieces of gunpowder
A. exit wound. exiting the barrel and striking the skin surface with enough force to be driven into
B. stippling. the epidermis. Stippling results when fragments of gunpowder strike the skin with
C. blowback. enough force to abrade the skin but not actually penetrate the surface. An exit
D. tattooing. wound is where the bullet exits the body. Blowback is disruption of the tissues
resulting in large, gaping, and jagged appearance to the wound.
Which term describes oxygen failing to reach the blood? A. Suffocation
A. Suffocation
B. Strangulation Suffocation occurs when oxygen fails to reach the blood. It is a subgroup of
C. Drowning asphyxial injuries. Strangulation is caused by compression and closure of the blood
D. Petechiae vessels and air passages by external pressure on the neck. Drowning occurs when
water or fluid alters delivery of oxygen. Petechiae are found on the neck of a victim
who is strangled. It is the result of compression of soft tissue and the breakage of
blood vessels.
,The pigment that is correctly paired with its color is: A. melanin-brown-black.
A. melanin-brown-black.
B. hemosiderin-green-black. Melanin is brown-black pigment. This is what causes a suntan. Hemosiderin is a
C. blue nevus-brown-black. yellow-brown pigment and is derived from hemoglobin. Blue nevus is a benign mole
D. bilirubin-yellow-brown. that is dark blue-black in color. Bilirubin is yellow-green in color and is derived from
bile.
The appropriate term to identify the nuclear dissolution and D. karyolysis.
destruction of chromatin by action of hydrolytic enzymes is:
A. autolysis. Karyolysis is the nuclear dissolution and lysis of chromatin. Autolysis is a term for
B. pyknosis. autodigestion. In pyknosis, the nucleus shrinks and becomes a small, dense mass
C. karyorrhexis. of genetic material. Karyorrhexis means fragmentation of the nucleus into smaller
D. karyolysis. particles, or "nuclear dust."
A TRUE statement regarding calcium in cells is: B. dystrophic calcification occurs in chronic tuberculosis.
A. calcium salts accumulate in healthy, living cells with
normal body function. Dystrophic calcification occurs in dead or dying tissues and chronic tuberculosis and
B. dystrophic calcification occurs in chronic tuberculosis. is usually found in lungs and lymph nodes. Calcium accumulation normally occurs in
C. metastatic calcification occurs in damaged tissue. dead or dying tissues. Psammoma bodies are several layers of calcium that clump
D. psammoma bodies are individual calcium molecules. together and form grains. Metastatic calcification consists of mineral deposits that
occur in undamaged tissue as a result of hypercalcemia.
Tuberculous infections are likely to result in a form of D. caseous.
necrosis called:
A. coagulative. Caseous necrosis is normally found in the lung from infection by Mycobacterium
B. liquefactive. tuberculosis. It is a combination of liquefactive and coagulation necrosis.
C. fat. Coagulative necrosis occurs primarily in the kidneys, heart, and adrenal glands due
D. caseous. to protein degradation. Liquefactive necrosis occurs commonly in the neurons and
glial cells. Fat necrosis occurs in the breast, pancreas, and other abdominal
structures and is caused from cellular dissolution by enzymes called lipases.
A correct concept related to aging is: A. the maximal life span on humans is 80 to 100 years.
A. the maximal life span on humans is 80 to 100 years.
B. men outlive women in most countries. The maximal life span is 80 to 100 years and has not changed over time. The
C. the maximal life span changes every decade. average life span, however, has changed. Women outlive men in most areas of the
D. the concept of aging is well understood and world. The concept of aging is not completely understood.
documented.
The term apoptosis is appropriately defined as: C. programmed cell death.
A. second messenger system.
B. autostimulation. Another term for apoptosis is programmed cell death. Autostimulation is when a cell
C. programmed cell death. releases a signal that actually affects the cell of origin. A pass-it-on signal is a
D. pass-it-on signal. description for a second messenger system. A second messenger system is a
means by which a ligand binds with receptors of a membrane system and then
triggers a second system/reaction.
The process of atrophy is a result of: Select all that apply: A. aging.
A. aging. B. lack of blood supply.
B. lack of blood supply. D. hormonal stimulation.
C. work demand.
D. hormonal stimulation. Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse or lack of blood
E. need to replace lost cells. supply, hormonal stimulation, or neural stimulation. Hypertrophy is an increase in
the size of cells caused by increased work demands or hormonal stimulation.
Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells caused by an increased rate of
cellular division. Normal hyperplasia is stimulated by hormones or the need to
replace lost tissues.
When discussing body fluid, it is correct to state that: A. two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular.
A. two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular.
B. one-fourth of the body's fluid is extracellular. Two-thirds of the body's water is intracellular. One-third is extracellular. There are
C. the two main extracellular compartments are interstitial two components of the extracellular compartment: interstitial and intravascular. Total
and intracellular. body water is about 60% of body weight.
D. standard total body water is 40% of body weight.
, Which of the following statements is TRUE? When C. water moves freely across membranes.
discussing body fluid movement, it is correct to state that:
A. potassium is the most abundant extracellular fluid (ECF) Water moves freely across the capillary or cell membrane. Aquaporins are a family
ion. of water channel proteins that provide permeability to water at the capillary
B. sodium maintains the osmotic balance of the membrane. Sodium is the major ECF cation, and potassium is the major ICF cation;
intracellular fluid (ICF) space. this is due to the sodium-potassium pump.
C. water moves freely across membranes.
D. aquaporins block water movement across the
membrane.
When discussing aldosterone, it is correct to state that: A. it is a hormone that is secreted when sodium levels are depressed.
A. it is a hormone that is secreted when sodium levels are
depressed. Aldosterone is a minerocorticoid secreted from the adrenal gland that is located on
B. it is a hormone that is secreted when potassium levels the kidney. Aldosterone is secreted when potassium is increased or sodium is
are depressed. decreased. Therefore, it makes sense that aldosterone increases sodium
C. its action is to decrease the retention of sodium. reabsorption to increase a depleted supply. It also increases potassium secretion.
D. its action is to decrease the secretion of potassium.
When discussing hyperchloremia (elevated serum D. is a result of an underlying disorder.
chlorine), it is correct to state that it:
A. occurs with a deficit of sodium. Hyperchloremia is usually related to an underlying disorder, and therefore,
B. arises with an excess of bicarbonate. treatment is centered on the underlying disorder. It usually occurs with an increase
C. has specific symptoms such as thirst. in sodium and a deficit of bicarbonate. There are normally no specific symptoms
D. is a result of an underlying disorder. associated with this syndrome.
When discussing hyponatremia (low serum sodium), it is C. an outcome of serious burns, vomiting, or diarrhea.
correct to state that it is generally:
A. a result of inadequate sodium intake. Hyponatremia occurs when the serum sodium drops below 135 mEq/L. It can occur
B. a result of a decrease in total body water (TBW). due to burns, vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal suctioning. It can also occur with
C. an outcome of serious burns, vomiting, or diarrhea. an increase in TBW. Inadequate sodium intake can cause hyponatremia, but it is
D. an outcome of serum sodium levels dropping below 145 uncommon.
mEq/L.
Which of the following is a TRUE statement regarding B. It often occurs in acidosis.
hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium)?
A. Dietary excesses are commonly the cause. Hyperkalemia (high potassium) often occurs with acidosis. During acidosis,
B. It often occurs in acidosis. hydrogen is taken up in the cell. When this occurs, it is exchanged for potassium
C. There is an increased in the renal secretion of and serum potassium rises. Dietary excesses are uncommon. An increase in
potassium. aldosterone would cause hypokalemia, rather than hyperkalemia, because
D. Increased aldosterone levels are noted. aldosterone increases Na+ reabsorption while increasing K+ secretion into the renal
tubule.
A patient has deep and rapid respirations. Laboratory tests A. metabolic acidosis.
reveal decreased pH and bicarbonate. This patient is
experiencing: A decrease in pH and bicarbonate occur with metabolic acidosis. Additionally,
A. metabolic acidosis. metabolic acidosis causes deep and rapid breathing, as the body tries to
B. metabolic alkalosis. compensate by removing carbon dioxide. Metabolic alkalosis occurs if pH and
C. respiratory acidosis. bicarbonate levels are elevated. Respiratory acidosis occurs when pH is decreased
D. respiratory alkalosis. and carbon dioxide is elevated, whereas respiratory alkalosis occurs when pH is
elevated and carbon dioxide is decreased.
A common cause of the increased filtration of fluid from A. increased hydrostatic pressure.
capillaries and lymph into surrounding tissues (edema) B. decreased plasma oncotic pressure.
includes: Select all that apply. C. increased capillary membrane permeability.
A. increased hydrostatic pressure. D. lymphatic obstruction.
B. decreased plasma oncotic pressure.
C. increased capillary membrane permeability. There are four common causes of increased edema: increased hydrostatic
D. lymphatic obstruction. pressure, decreased plasma oncotic pressure, increased capillary membrane
E. increased barometric pressure. permeability, and lymphatic obstruction. Barometric pressure (Atmospheric
pressure) is the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air
above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere.
