Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of
Anatomy
Key Concept: Form determines function (complementarity)
Stem: A nurse explains why alveoli are thin-walled. Which
statement best reflects complementarity of structure and
function?
A. Thin walls decrease diffusion distance for gas exchange.
B. Thin walls increase blood flow by expanding vessels.
C. Thin walls protect alveoli from infection.
D. Thin walls prevent alveolar collapse under all conditions.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls minimize diffusion
distance, facilitating rapid O₂/CO₂ exchange — a direct example
of structure supporting function. (Ch.1, 1.1 Complementarity of
Structure and Function).
Incorrect options: B — Wall thinness primarily affects diffusion,
not blood flow expansion. C — Protection from infection
depends on immune defenses, not thin walls. D — Prevention
of collapse involves surfactant and pressure relationships, not
simply wall thinness.
,Teaching Point: Small diffusion distance = efficient gas
exchange.
2
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Studying Anatomy
Key Concept: Levels of investigation (gross vs. microscopic)
Stem: Which method best studies cellular ultrastructure
needed to identify organelles?
A. Gross dissection
B. Light microscopy
C. Electron microscopy
D. Radiography (X-ray)
Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Electron microscopy provides the high
resolution required to visualize cell organelles and
ultrastructure. (Ch.1, 1.1 Studying Anatomy).
Incorrect options: A — Gross dissection examines large
structures, not organelles. B — Light microscopy has limited
resolution for many organelles. D — X-ray images dense tissues,
not cellular organelles.
Teaching Point: Use electron microscopy to view organelle
ultrastructure.
3
, Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of
Physiology
Key Concept: Physiology levels (cell, organ, systemic)
Stem: A patient’s endocrine problem affects blood glucose.
Which level of physiology is primarily involved?
A. Cellular physiology
B. Organ system physiology
C. Tissue physiology
D. Gross anatomy
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Endocrine regulation of blood glucose is an
organ system (endocrine) function involving hormones acting
across organs and tissues. (Ch.1, 1.1 Topics of Physiology).
Incorrect options: A — Cellular physiology examines single-cell
processes, not whole-system hormone effects. C — Tissue
physiology is intermediate; hormones act systemically. D —
Gross anatomy describes structure, not regulatory physiological
control.
Teaching Point: Endocrine issues are organ system–level
physiological problems.
4
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Section 1.2 Body organization
levels
Key Concept: Body organization hierarchy (atom → organism)
Stem: Which correctly lists increasing complexity from smallest