NUR 631 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM -
COMPREHENSIVE PREP QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED BY
EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. A patient is diagnosed with atrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle following long-term
immobilization. Which cellular process best describes this adaptation?
A. Decreased protein synthesis and increased protein catabolism via the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway
B. Increased protein synthesis and decreased degradation
C. Transformation of one mature cell type into another to withstand stress
D. Cellular swelling due to failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy involves a decrease in cell size. Pathologically, this often
occurs through decreased protein synthesis and increased degradation via the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause tall, peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia increases the excitability of the myocardium
initially, leading to narrow, peaked T-waves and eventual QRS widening.
3. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary consequence of ATP depletion?
A. Increased intracellular alkalinity
B. Decreased lactic acid production
C. Failure of the Na+/K+ pump leading to intracellular swelling
D. Strengthening of the cytoskeleton
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ATP is required for the Na+/K+ pump. Without it, sodium
accumulates inside the cell, pulling water in and causing cellular swelling (hydropic
degeneration).
4. A patient presents with metabolic acidosis. How does the body initially compensate for this
state?
A. Hyperventilation to decrease PaCO2 levels
B. Kidneys excrete more bicarbonate
, C. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
D. Increasing the reabsorption of hydrogen ions in the distal tubule
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis involves
Kussmaul respirations (hyperventilation) to blow off CO2 and raise the pH.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type II (Cytotoxic)
B. Type I (Immediate)
C. Type III (Immune complex)
D. Type IV (Delayed)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, leading to mast cell
degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine.
6. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Increased sensitivity of insulin receptors
C. Overproduction of insulin by the alpha cells
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM -
COMPREHENSIVE PREP QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED BY
EXPERTS. 2026/2027
1. A patient is diagnosed with atrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle following long-term
immobilization. Which cellular process best describes this adaptation?
A. Decreased protein synthesis and increased protein catabolism via the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway
B. Increased protein synthesis and decreased degradation
C. Transformation of one mature cell type into another to withstand stress
D. Cellular swelling due to failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy involves a decrease in cell size. Pathologically, this often
occurs through decreased protein synthesis and increased degradation via the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause tall, peaked T-waves on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia increases the excitability of the myocardium
initially, leading to narrow, peaked T-waves and eventual QRS widening.
3. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary consequence of ATP depletion?
A. Increased intracellular alkalinity
B. Decreased lactic acid production
C. Failure of the Na+/K+ pump leading to intracellular swelling
D. Strengthening of the cytoskeleton
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ATP is required for the Na+/K+ pump. Without it, sodium
accumulates inside the cell, pulling water in and causing cellular swelling (hydropic
degeneration).
4. A patient presents with metabolic acidosis. How does the body initially compensate for this
state?
A. Hyperventilation to decrease PaCO2 levels
B. Kidneys excrete more bicarbonate
, C. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
D. Increasing the reabsorption of hydrogen ions in the distal tubule
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis involves
Kussmaul respirations (hyperventilation) to blow off CO2 and raise the pH.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type II (Cytotoxic)
B. Type I (Immediate)
C. Type III (Immune complex)
D. Type IV (Delayed)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated, leading to mast cell
degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine.
6. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Absolute insulin deficiency due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells
B. Increased sensitivity of insulin receptors
C. Overproduction of insulin by the alpha cells
