NUR 631 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
- GCU
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is characterized by the replacement of one
mature cell type by another, often less differentiated, cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, frequently occurring in response to chronic irritation or inflammation.
2. In the context of DNA methylation, which of the following best describes the epigenetic
mechanism?
A. Modification of mRNA to prevent translation at the ribosome
B. Removal of methyl groups from histones to increase transcription
,C. Addition of a methyl group to the cytosine base, typically leading to gene silencing
D. Rearrangement of DNA sequences to create new protein variants
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves adding a methyl group to cytosine,
which generally prevents transcription factors from binding, thus silencing the gene.
3. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which pathophysiological
mechanism is most likely responsible for the resulting neurological symptoms?
A. Shrinkage of neurons due to osmotic water loss
B. Intracellular edema due to water movement into the brain cells
C. Increased action potential threshold leading to nerve depression
D. Depletion of neurotransmitter precursors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia causes an osmotic shift where water moves from
the extracellular space into the cells (hypotonic environment), leading to cerebral edema.
4. Which mediator of inflammation is primarily responsible for the pain associated with the
inflammatory response?
A. Histamine
B. Prostaglandins
C. Complement C3b
, D. Interleukin-1
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Prostaglandins, specifically PGE2, sensitize nociceptors to
chemical mediators like bradykinin, directly contributing to the sensation of pain.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the degranulation
of mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, leading to immediate
mast cell degranulation and release of histamine.
6. In the development of atherosclerosis, what is the primary role of ‘foam cells’?
A. They are smooth muscle cells that have migrated to the intima
B. They are macrophages that have ingested oxidized LDL
C. They are platelets that have aggregated at the site of injury
D. They are endothelial cells that have become necrotic
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
- GCU
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is characterized by the replacement of one
mature cell type by another, often less differentiated, cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hyperplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, frequently occurring in response to chronic irritation or inflammation.
2. In the context of DNA methylation, which of the following best describes the epigenetic
mechanism?
A. Modification of mRNA to prevent translation at the ribosome
B. Removal of methyl groups from histones to increase transcription
,C. Addition of a methyl group to the cytosine base, typically leading to gene silencing
D. Rearrangement of DNA sequences to create new protein variants
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves adding a methyl group to cytosine,
which generally prevents transcription factors from binding, thus silencing the gene.
3. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which pathophysiological
mechanism is most likely responsible for the resulting neurological symptoms?
A. Shrinkage of neurons due to osmotic water loss
B. Intracellular edema due to water movement into the brain cells
C. Increased action potential threshold leading to nerve depression
D. Depletion of neurotransmitter precursors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia causes an osmotic shift where water moves from
the extracellular space into the cells (hypotonic environment), leading to cerebral edema.
4. Which mediator of inflammation is primarily responsible for the pain associated with the
inflammatory response?
A. Histamine
B. Prostaglandins
C. Complement C3b
, D. Interleukin-1
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Prostaglandins, specifically PGE2, sensitize nociceptors to
chemical mediators like bradykinin, directly contributing to the sensation of pain.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the degranulation
of mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, leading to immediate
mast cell degranulation and release of histamine.
6. In the development of atherosclerosis, what is the primary role of ‘foam cells’?
A. They are smooth muscle cells that have migrated to the intima
B. They are macrophages that have ingested oxidized LDL
C. They are platelets that have aggregated at the site of injury
D. They are endothelial cells that have become necrotic
