HESI Exit Pathophysiology Questions and Answers 2026/2027 | Complete HESI Pathophysiology Exam Preparation Study Guide

HESI Exit Pathophysiology Questions and
Answers 2026/2027 | Complete HESI
Pathophysiology Exam Preparation Study
Guide
Description: This comprehensive study guide contains 200 multiple-choice questions
and answers covering all major pathophysiology topics tested on the HESI Exit Exam.
Each question includes the correct answer marked with ✅ and a brief rationale for
enhanced understanding.

Keywords: HESI Exit, Pathophysiology, HESI Exam 2026, HESI Exam 2027, Nursing Exam
Prep, MCQ, Study Guide, Pathophysiology Review, HESI Practice Questions, NCLEX Prep




Section 1: Cellular Function and Adaptation

1. Which cellular adaptation involves an increase in cell size?

 A) Hyperplasia
 B) Hypertrophy ✅
 C) Atrophy
 D) Metaplasia

2. A cell that is unable to adapt to stress may undergo:

 A) Apoptosis
 B) Necrosis ✅
 C) Hypertrophy
 D) Hyperplasia

,3. Which type of necrosis is characteristic of tuberculosis?

 A) Coagulative
 B) Liquefactive
 C) Caseous ✅
 D) Fat

4. Metaplasia is best described as:

 A) Increase in cell number
 B) Reversible replacement of one cell type with another ✅
 C) Decrease in cell size
 D) Disordered cell growth

5. Which is a common cause of cellular injury?

 A) Oxygen toxicity
 B) Free radical formation ✅
 C) Hypothermia
 D) All of the above ✅

6. Apoptosis differs from necrosis because apoptosis:

 A) Causes inflammation
 B) Is programmed cell death ✅
 C) Affects large groups of cells
 D) Is always pathological

7. Dysplasia refers to:

 A) Reversible cell change
 B) Disordered, atypical cell growth ✅
 C) Cell death
 D) Increased cell size

,8. Which organelle is responsible for ATP production?

 A) Ribosome
 B) Mitochondria ✅
 C) Lysosome
 D) Golgi apparatus

9. Atrophy can be caused by:

 A) Increased workload
 B) Disuse, denervation, or malnutrition ✅
 C) Hormonal stimulation
 D) Chronic irritation

10. Which type of cell adaptation is a precursor to cancer?

 A) Hypertrophy
 B) Atrophy
 C) Dysplasia ✅
 D) Metaplasia




Section 2: Inflammation and Immunity

11. The first vascular response to injury is:

 A) Vasodilation
 B) Vasoconstriction ✅
 C) Increased permeability
 D) Edema

12. Which cell is the first responder in acute inflammation?

,  A) Macrophage
 B) Neutrophil ✅
 C) Lymphocyte
 D) Eosinophil

13. Histamine is released primarily by:

 A) Neutrophils
 B) Mast cells ✅
 C) Platelets
 D) Fibroblasts

14. Which immunoglobulin is involved in allergic reactions?

 A) IgG
 B) IgM
 C) IgE ✅
 D) IgA

15. The classic signs of inflammation include all EXCEPT:

 A) Redness
 B) Heat
 C) Pallor ✅
 D) Pain

16. Which type of immunity is present at birth?

 A) Active acquired
 B) Passive acquired
 C) Innate ✅
 D) Adaptive

17. A vaccine provides: