NUR 631 - ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 1 PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. Which process describes the replacement of one mature cell type by another, less mature
cell type, often seen in the airway of chronic smokers?
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, such as stratified squamous epithelium replacing ciliated columnar epithelium
in smokers.
2. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation
B. Lysosomal membrane stabilization
C. Activation of the sodium-potassium pump
,D. Decreased mitochondrial permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which results in the
destruction of polyunsaturated lipids (lipid peroxidation), protein damage, and DNA
mutations.
3. In the context of fluid balance, how does the body compensate for high plasma osmolarity?
A. Suppression of thirst and decreased ADH secretion
B. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Release of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary
D. Increased excretion of sodium by the kidneys
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Increased osmolarity stimulates osmoreceptors, triggering ADH
release, which increases water reabsorption in the renal distal tubules and collecting ducts.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
most likely associated with this finding?
A. Thirst and dry mucous membranes
B. Hyperreflexia
C. Muscle flaccidity
D. Cerebral edema and confusion
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia (levels <135 mEq/L) causes water to move into
cells via osmosis, leading to cellular swelling, most critically in the brain, resulting in
neurological symptoms.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause U-waves on an electrocardiogram
(ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia causes characteristic ECG changes including
flattened T waves, ST-segment depression, and the appearance of U-waves.
6. What is the primary cause of metabolic alkalosis?
A. Excessive loss of metabolic acids or bicarbonate ingestion
B. Hyperventilation
C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
D. Renal failure
Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 1 PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED BY EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. Which process describes the replacement of one mature cell type by another, less mature
cell type, often seen in the airway of chronic smokers?
A. Dysplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, such as stratified squamous epithelium replacing ciliated columnar epithelium
in smokers.
2. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation
B. Lysosomal membrane stabilization
C. Activation of the sodium-potassium pump
,D. Decreased mitochondrial permeability
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which results in the
destruction of polyunsaturated lipids (lipid peroxidation), protein damage, and DNA
mutations.
3. In the context of fluid balance, how does the body compensate for high plasma osmolarity?
A. Suppression of thirst and decreased ADH secretion
B. Release of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Release of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) from the posterior pituitary
D. Increased excretion of sodium by the kidneys
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Increased osmolarity stimulates osmoreceptors, triggering ADH
release, which increases water reabsorption in the renal distal tubules and collecting ducts.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
most likely associated with this finding?
A. Thirst and dry mucous membranes
B. Hyperreflexia
C. Muscle flaccidity
D. Cerebral edema and confusion
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia (levels <135 mEq/L) causes water to move into
cells via osmosis, leading to cellular swelling, most critically in the brain, resulting in
neurological symptoms.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause U-waves on an electrocardiogram
(ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia causes characteristic ECG changes including
flattened T waves, ST-segment depression, and the appearance of U-waves.
6. What is the primary cause of metabolic alkalosis?
A. Excessive loss of metabolic acids or bicarbonate ingestion
B. Hyperventilation
C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
D. Renal failure
Answer: A
