TEST BANK
Understanding Pathophysiology
Sue E. Huether, Kathryn L. McCance, Valentina L. Brashers
8th Edition
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Table of Contents
Unit 1: The Cell
1. Cellular Biology
2. Genes and Genetic Diseases
3. Epigenetics and Disease
4. Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology
5. Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases
Unit 2: Mechanisms of Self-Defense
6. Innate Immunity: Inflammation and Wound Healing
7. Adaptive Immunity
8. Alterations in Immunity
9. Infection
10. Stress and Disease
Unit 3: Cellular Proliferation: Cancer
11. Cancer Biology
12. Cancer Epidemiology
13. Cancer in Children and Adolescents
Unit 4: The Neurologic System
14. Structure and Function of the Neurologic System
15. Pain, Temperature, Sleep, and Sensory Function
16. Alterations in Cognitive Systems, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Motor Function
17. Alterations of the Brain, Spinal Cord, and Peripheral Nerves
18. Alterations of Neurologic Function in Children
Unit 5: The Endocrine System
19. Mechanisms of Hormonal Regulation
20. Alterations of Hormonal Regulation
21. Obesity, Starvation, and Anorexia of Aging
Unit 6: The Hematologic System
22. Structure and Function of the Hematologic System
23. Alterations of Hematologic Function
24. Alterations of Hematologic Function in Children
Unit 7: The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
25. Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
26. Alterations of Cardiovascular Function
27. Alterations of Cardiovascular Function in Children
Unit 8: The Pulmonary System
28. Structure and Function of the Pulmonary System
29. Alterations of Pulmonary Function
30. Alterations of Pulmonary Function in Children
Unit 9: The Renal and Urologic Systems
31. Structure and Function of the Renal and Urologic Systems
32. Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function
33. Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function in Children
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Unit 10: The Reproductive Systems
34. Structure and Function of the Reproductive Systems
35. Alterations of the Female Reproductive System
36. Alterations of the Male Reproductive System
Unit 11: The Digestive System
37. Structure and Function of the Digestive System
38. Alterations of Digestive Function
39. Alterations of Digestive Function in Children
Unit 12: The Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems
40. Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
41. Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function
42. Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function in Children
43. Structure, Function, and Disorders of the Integument
44. Alterations of the Integument in Children
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Chapter 1. Cellular Biology
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A student is observing a cell under the microscope. It is observed to have supercoiled
DNA with histones. Which of the following would also be observed by the student?
a. A single circular chromosome
b. A nucleus
c. Free-floating nuclear material
d. No organelles
ANS: B
The cell described is a eukaryotic cell, so it has histones and a supercoiled DNA within its
nucleus; thus, the nucleus should be observed. A single circular chromosome is characteristic of
prokaryotic cells, which do not have histones. Free-floating nuclear material describes a
prokaryotic cell, which would not have a distinct nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-
bound cellular components called organelles. No organelles describe a prokaryotic cell.
2. A nurse is instructing the staff about cellular functions. Which cellular function is
the nurse describing when an isolated cell absorbs oxygen and uses it to transform
nutrients to energy?
a. Metabolic absorption
b. Communication
c. Secretion
d. Respiration
ANS: D
The ability of the cell to absorb oxygen refers to the cells function of respiration. The ability of
the cell to function within a society of cells refers to its function of communication. The ability
of the cell to take in nutrients refers to the cells function of metabolic absorption.The ability of
the cell to synthesize new substances and secrete these elsewhere refers to the cells function of
secretion.
3
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
3. A eukaryotic cell is undergoing DNA replication. In which region of the cell would
most of the genetic information be contained?
a. Mitochondria
b. Ribosome
c. Nucleolus
d. Nucleus
ANS: C
The region of the cell that contains genetic material, including a large amount of ribonucleic
acid, most of the DNA, and DNA-binding proteins, is the nucleolus. The mitochondria is the site
of cellular respiration. The ribosomes are involved in the manufacturing of proteins within the
cell. The nucleus contains the nucleolus, and it is the nucleolus that contains genetic material.
4. The fluid-mosaic model for biologic membranes describes membrane behavior.
According to this model, which of the following float singly or as aggregates in the fluid
lipid bilayer?
a. Peripheral membrane proteins
b. Integral membrane proteins
c. Glycoproteins
d. Cell adhesion molecules
ANS: B
Integral membrane proteins float freely in the fluid lipid bilayer. Peripheral membrane proteins
are not embedded in the layer, but reside at the surface. Glycoproteins act as cell surface
markers. Cell adhesion molecules are on the outside of the membrane and allow cells to hook
together.
4
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
5. Which of the following can bind to plasma membrane receptors?
a. Oxygen
b. Ribosomes
c. Amphipathic lipids
d. Ligands
ANS: D
Ligands are specific molecules that can bind with receptors on the cell membrane. Oxygen
moves by diffusion; it does not bind to receptors. Ribosomes make proteins and are not involved
in binding. Amphipathic lipids are a portion of the cell membrane.
6. A nurse is reviewing a report from a patient with metastatic cancer. What finding
would support the diagnosis of metastatic cancer? Alterations in extracellular matrix that
include:
a. Decreased fibronectin
b. Increased collagen
c. Decreased elastin
d. Increased glycoproteins
ANS: A
Reduced amounts of fibronectin are found in some types of cancerous cells, allowing cancer
cells to travel, or metastasize. Collagen provides strength, and its breakdown is associated with
osteoarthritis, not cancer. Elastin is found in the lungs and allows tissues to stretch; it is not
associated with cancerous cells. Decreased, not increased, glycoproteins are associated with
cancerous cells.
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
7. Which form of cell communication is used to relate to other cells in direct physical
contact?
a. Cell junction
b. Gap junction
c. Desmosomes
d. Tight junctions
ANS: A
Cell junctions hold cells together and permit molecules to pass from cell to cell. Gap junctions
allow communication from the inside of one cell to the inside of another. Desmosomes are not
involved in communication, but allow cells to hold together. Tight junctions are barriers that
prevent movement of some substances and leakages of others.
8. Pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin, which inhibits secretion of glucagon from
neighboring alpha cells. This action is an example of which of the following signaling types?
a. Paracrine
b. Autocrine
c. Neurohormonal
d. Hormonal
ANS: A
Paracrine signaling involves the release of local chemical mediators that are quickly taken up,
destroyed, or immobilized, as in the case of insulin and the inhibition of the secretion of
glucagon. When cells produce signals that they themselves respond to, autocrine signaling is
used. Neurohormonal signaling involves secretion of hormones into the bloodstream by
neurosecretory hormones. Hormonal signaling involves specialized endocrine cells that secrete
hormone chemicals released by one set of cells that travel through the tissue through the
bloodstream to produce a response in other sets of cells.
6
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
9. In cellular metabolism, each enzyme has a high affinity for a:
a. Solute
b. Substrate
c. Receptor
d. Ribosome
ANS: B
Each enzyme has a high affinity for a substrate, a specific substance converted to a product of the
reaction. Solutes are small particles that pass through the cell membrane. A receptor is a site on
the cell wall that allows transport into the cell. Ribosomes are located inside the cell and are not
related to the work of enzymes.
10. An athlete runs a marathon, after which his muscles feel fatigued and unable to
contract. The athlete asks the nurse why this happened. How should the nurse respond? A
deficiency can cause impaired muscle contraction.
a. GTP
b. AMP
c. ATP
d. GMP
ANS: C
The cell uses ATP for muscle contraction. when it is deficient, impaired muscle contraction
results. GTP is involved in cell signaling, not muscle contraction. AMP is not involved in muscle
contraction. GMP is not involved in muscle contraction.
7
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
11. Which phase of catabolism produces the most ATP?
a. Digestion
b. Glycolysis
c. Oxidation
d. Citric acid cycle
ANS: D
Most of the ATP is generated during the citric acid cycle. Larger molecules are broken down into
smaller units during digestion; no ATP is produced during this cycle. During glycolysis, two
molecules of ATP are produced from each glucose molecule, but the most ATP is produced
during the citric acid cycle. Oxidation is part of the glycolysis process, and ATP is produced, but
more ATP is produced during the citric acid cycle.
12. A nurse is teaching the staff about the three phases of cellular catabolism. Which of
the following should the nurse include?
a. Digestion, glycolysis and oxidation, and the citric acid cycle
b. Diffusion, osmosis, and mediated transport
c. S phase, G phase, and M phase
d. Metabolic absorption, respiration, and excretion
ANS: A
Digestion, glycolysis and oxidation, and the citric acid cycle are the three phases of cellular
catabolism. Diffusion, osmosis, and mediated transport are parts of the movement of fluids in
and out of cells. The S, G, and M phases are phases of cellular division, not catabolism.
Metabolic absorption, respiration, and excretion are functions of the cell.
8
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
13. A runner has depleted all the oxygen available for muscle energy. Which of the
following will facilitate his continued muscle performance?
a. Electron-transport chain
b. Aerobic glycolysis
c. Anaerobic glycolysis
d. Oxidative phosphorylation
ANS: C
When no oxygen is available, anaerobic glycolysis occurs. The electron-transport chain is part of
the citric acid cycle. Aerobic glycolysis involves the presence of oxygen. Oxidative
phosphorylation is the mechanism by which the energy produced from carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins is transferred to ATP. It is not part of muscle performance.
14. The faculty member asked the student to identify the appropriate term for the
movement of small, electrically uncharged molecules through a semipermeable barrier.
Which answer indicates the nursing student understood the teaching?
a. Osmosis
b. Diffusion
c. Hydrostatic pressure
d. Active transport
ANS: B
Diffusion is the movement of a solute molecule from an area of greater solute concentration to an
area of lesser solute concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable
membrane from a region of higher water concentration to one of lower concentration.
Hydrostatic pressure is the force of fluid against a cell membrane. Within the vascular system,
this pressure is the blood pressure. In active transport, molecules move up a concentration
gradient. This process requires energy.
9
Understanding Pathophysiology
Sue E. Huether, Kathryn L. McCance, Valentina L. Brashers
8th Edition
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Table of Contents
Unit 1: The Cell
1. Cellular Biology
2. Genes and Genetic Diseases
3. Epigenetics and Disease
4. Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology
5. Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases
Unit 2: Mechanisms of Self-Defense
6. Innate Immunity: Inflammation and Wound Healing
7. Adaptive Immunity
8. Alterations in Immunity
9. Infection
10. Stress and Disease
Unit 3: Cellular Proliferation: Cancer
11. Cancer Biology
12. Cancer Epidemiology
13. Cancer in Children and Adolescents
Unit 4: The Neurologic System
14. Structure and Function of the Neurologic System
15. Pain, Temperature, Sleep, and Sensory Function
16. Alterations in Cognitive Systems, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Motor Function
17. Alterations of the Brain, Spinal Cord, and Peripheral Nerves
18. Alterations of Neurologic Function in Children
Unit 5: The Endocrine System
19. Mechanisms of Hormonal Regulation
20. Alterations of Hormonal Regulation
21. Obesity, Starvation, and Anorexia of Aging
Unit 6: The Hematologic System
22. Structure and Function of the Hematologic System
23. Alterations of Hematologic Function
24. Alterations of Hematologic Function in Children
Unit 7: The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
25. Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
26. Alterations of Cardiovascular Function
27. Alterations of Cardiovascular Function in Children
Unit 8: The Pulmonary System
28. Structure and Function of the Pulmonary System
29. Alterations of Pulmonary Function
30. Alterations of Pulmonary Function in Children
Unit 9: The Renal and Urologic Systems
31. Structure and Function of the Renal and Urologic Systems
32. Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function
33. Alterations of Renal and Urinary Tract Function in Children
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Unit 10: The Reproductive Systems
34. Structure and Function of the Reproductive Systems
35. Alterations of the Female Reproductive System
36. Alterations of the Male Reproductive System
Unit 11: The Digestive System
37. Structure and Function of the Digestive System
38. Alterations of Digestive Function
39. Alterations of Digestive Function in Children
Unit 12: The Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems
40. Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
41. Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function
42. Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function in Children
43. Structure, Function, and Disorders of the Integument
44. Alterations of the Integument in Children
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
Chapter 1. Cellular Biology
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A student is observing a cell under the microscope. It is observed to have supercoiled
DNA with histones. Which of the following would also be observed by the student?
a. A single circular chromosome
b. A nucleus
c. Free-floating nuclear material
d. No organelles
ANS: B
The cell described is a eukaryotic cell, so it has histones and a supercoiled DNA within its
nucleus; thus, the nucleus should be observed. A single circular chromosome is characteristic of
prokaryotic cells, which do not have histones. Free-floating nuclear material describes a
prokaryotic cell, which would not have a distinct nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have membrane-
bound cellular components called organelles. No organelles describe a prokaryotic cell.
2. A nurse is instructing the staff about cellular functions. Which cellular function is
the nurse describing when an isolated cell absorbs oxygen and uses it to transform
nutrients to energy?
a. Metabolic absorption
b. Communication
c. Secretion
d. Respiration
ANS: D
The ability of the cell to absorb oxygen refers to the cells function of respiration. The ability of
the cell to function within a society of cells refers to its function of communication. The ability
of the cell to take in nutrients refers to the cells function of metabolic absorption.The ability of
the cell to synthesize new substances and secrete these elsewhere refers to the cells function of
secretion.
3
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
3. A eukaryotic cell is undergoing DNA replication. In which region of the cell would
most of the genetic information be contained?
a. Mitochondria
b. Ribosome
c. Nucleolus
d. Nucleus
ANS: C
The region of the cell that contains genetic material, including a large amount of ribonucleic
acid, most of the DNA, and DNA-binding proteins, is the nucleolus. The mitochondria is the site
of cellular respiration. The ribosomes are involved in the manufacturing of proteins within the
cell. The nucleus contains the nucleolus, and it is the nucleolus that contains genetic material.
4. The fluid-mosaic model for biologic membranes describes membrane behavior.
According to this model, which of the following float singly or as aggregates in the fluid
lipid bilayer?
a. Peripheral membrane proteins
b. Integral membrane proteins
c. Glycoproteins
d. Cell adhesion molecules
ANS: B
Integral membrane proteins float freely in the fluid lipid bilayer. Peripheral membrane proteins
are not embedded in the layer, but reside at the surface. Glycoproteins act as cell surface
markers. Cell adhesion molecules are on the outside of the membrane and allow cells to hook
together.
4
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
5. Which of the following can bind to plasma membrane receptors?
a. Oxygen
b. Ribosomes
c. Amphipathic lipids
d. Ligands
ANS: D
Ligands are specific molecules that can bind with receptors on the cell membrane. Oxygen
moves by diffusion; it does not bind to receptors. Ribosomes make proteins and are not involved
in binding. Amphipathic lipids are a portion of the cell membrane.
6. A nurse is reviewing a report from a patient with metastatic cancer. What finding
would support the diagnosis of metastatic cancer? Alterations in extracellular matrix that
include:
a. Decreased fibronectin
b. Increased collagen
c. Decreased elastin
d. Increased glycoproteins
ANS: A
Reduced amounts of fibronectin are found in some types of cancerous cells, allowing cancer
cells to travel, or metastasize. Collagen provides strength, and its breakdown is associated with
osteoarthritis, not cancer. Elastin is found in the lungs and allows tissues to stretch; it is not
associated with cancerous cells. Decreased, not increased, glycoproteins are associated with
cancerous cells.
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
7. Which form of cell communication is used to relate to other cells in direct physical
contact?
a. Cell junction
b. Gap junction
c. Desmosomes
d. Tight junctions
ANS: A
Cell junctions hold cells together and permit molecules to pass from cell to cell. Gap junctions
allow communication from the inside of one cell to the inside of another. Desmosomes are not
involved in communication, but allow cells to hold together. Tight junctions are barriers that
prevent movement of some substances and leakages of others.
8. Pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin, which inhibits secretion of glucagon from
neighboring alpha cells. This action is an example of which of the following signaling types?
a. Paracrine
b. Autocrine
c. Neurohormonal
d. Hormonal
ANS: A
Paracrine signaling involves the release of local chemical mediators that are quickly taken up,
destroyed, or immobilized, as in the case of insulin and the inhibition of the secretion of
glucagon. When cells produce signals that they themselves respond to, autocrine signaling is
used. Neurohormonal signaling involves secretion of hormones into the bloodstream by
neurosecretory hormones. Hormonal signaling involves specialized endocrine cells that secrete
hormone chemicals released by one set of cells that travel through the tissue through the
bloodstream to produce a response in other sets of cells.
6
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
9. In cellular metabolism, each enzyme has a high affinity for a:
a. Solute
b. Substrate
c. Receptor
d. Ribosome
ANS: B
Each enzyme has a high affinity for a substrate, a specific substance converted to a product of the
reaction. Solutes are small particles that pass through the cell membrane. A receptor is a site on
the cell wall that allows transport into the cell. Ribosomes are located inside the cell and are not
related to the work of enzymes.
10. An athlete runs a marathon, after which his muscles feel fatigued and unable to
contract. The athlete asks the nurse why this happened. How should the nurse respond? A
deficiency can cause impaired muscle contraction.
a. GTP
b. AMP
c. ATP
d. GMP
ANS: C
The cell uses ATP for muscle contraction. when it is deficient, impaired muscle contraction
results. GTP is involved in cell signaling, not muscle contraction. AMP is not involved in muscle
contraction. GMP is not involved in muscle contraction.
7
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
11. Which phase of catabolism produces the most ATP?
a. Digestion
b. Glycolysis
c. Oxidation
d. Citric acid cycle
ANS: D
Most of the ATP is generated during the citric acid cycle. Larger molecules are broken down into
smaller units during digestion; no ATP is produced during this cycle. During glycolysis, two
molecules of ATP are produced from each glucose molecule, but the most ATP is produced
during the citric acid cycle. Oxidation is part of the glycolysis process, and ATP is produced, but
more ATP is produced during the citric acid cycle.
12. A nurse is teaching the staff about the three phases of cellular catabolism. Which of
the following should the nurse include?
a. Digestion, glycolysis and oxidation, and the citric acid cycle
b. Diffusion, osmosis, and mediated transport
c. S phase, G phase, and M phase
d. Metabolic absorption, respiration, and excretion
ANS: A
Digestion, glycolysis and oxidation, and the citric acid cycle are the three phases of cellular
catabolism. Diffusion, osmosis, and mediated transport are parts of the movement of fluids in
and out of cells. The S, G, and M phases are phases of cellular division, not catabolism.
Metabolic absorption, respiration, and excretion are functions of the cell.
8
, Test Bank - Understanding Pathophysiology 8th Edition (Huether, 2026)
13. A runner has depleted all the oxygen available for muscle energy. Which of the
following will facilitate his continued muscle performance?
a. Electron-transport chain
b. Aerobic glycolysis
c. Anaerobic glycolysis
d. Oxidative phosphorylation
ANS: C
When no oxygen is available, anaerobic glycolysis occurs. The electron-transport chain is part of
the citric acid cycle. Aerobic glycolysis involves the presence of oxygen. Oxidative
phosphorylation is the mechanism by which the energy produced from carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins is transferred to ATP. It is not part of muscle performance.
14. The faculty member asked the student to identify the appropriate term for the
movement of small, electrically uncharged molecules through a semipermeable barrier.
Which answer indicates the nursing student understood the teaching?
a. Osmosis
b. Diffusion
c. Hydrostatic pressure
d. Active transport
ANS: B
Diffusion is the movement of a solute molecule from an area of greater solute concentration to an
area of lesser solute concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable
membrane from a region of higher water concentration to one of lower concentration.
Hydrostatic pressure is the force of fluid against a cell membrane. Within the vascular system,
this pressure is the blood pressure. In active transport, molecules move up a concentration
gradient. This process requires energy.
9
