DAVIS ADVANTAGE FOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3RD EDITION
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | NURSING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CLINICAL JUDGMENT & EXAM PREP
UNIT 1: THE CELL
CHAPTER 1: THE CELL IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
20 ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
A nursing student is reviewing the plasma membrane and explains that it separates the
intracellular environment from the extracellular environment. Which statement best describes the
primary functional significance of the plasma membrane?
A. It produces most of the cell's ATP.
B. It controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.
C. It contains the cell's genetic material.
D. It synthesizes proteins for secretion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The plasma membrane forms a selectively permeable boundary around the cell. Its structure
allows the cell to regulate what enters and leaves the intracellular environment. This regulation is
essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis.
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. ATP production is primarily associated with mitochondria.
B. Correct. The plasma membrane regulates movement of substances between the intracellular
and extracellular environments.
C. The nucleus contains most of the cell's genetic material.
D. Protein synthesis occurs at ribosomes, particularly those associated with the rough
endoplasmic reticulum for proteins destined for secretion.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Plasma Membrane
Cognitive Level: Understanding
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 2
A cell is placed in an environment containing a higher concentration of a substance outside the
cell than inside the cell. The plasma membrane is permeable to that substance. Which process
would allow the substance to move down its concentration gradient without requiring cellular
energy?
A. Active transport
B. Endocytosis
C. Facilitated diffusion
D. Exocytosis
Correct Answer: C
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
Rationale:
Facilitated diffusion is a form of passive transport. Substances move down their concentration
gradient through membrane proteins without direct expenditure of cellular ATP. This allows certain
substances that cannot readily cross the lipid portion of the membrane to enter or leave the cell.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Active transport requires cellular energy and can move substances against a concentration
gradient.
B. Endocytosis brings substances into the cell through vesicle formation.
C. Correct. Facilitated diffusion uses membrane proteins to move substances down their
concentration gradient without direct energy expenditure.
D. Exocytosis moves substances out of the cell through vesicles.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Membrane Transport
Cognitive Level: Application
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Analyze Cues
Difficulty: Difficult
Question 3
A patient is experiencing a cellular process in which water moves across a selectively permeable
membrane toward the area with a greater concentration of solute. Which process is occurring?
A. Osmosis
B. Active transport
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, Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
C. Phagocytosis
D. Exocytosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane in response to
differences in solute concentration. Water moves toward the side with the greater effective
concentration of solute. This process is important in maintaining cellular fluid balance.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Correct. Osmosis specifically describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable
membrane.
B. Active transport involves energy-dependent movement of substances.
C. Phagocytosis is a form of endocytosis in which a cell engulfs relatively large particles.
D. Exocytosis transports substances out of the cell using vesicles.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Osmosis
Cognitive Level: Recall
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 4
A cell requires a continuous supply of ATP to support energy-dependent cellular processes.
Dysfunction of which organelle would most directly interfere with the cell's ability to generate ATP?
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