NUR-641E ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026
1. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically resulting in gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
B. RNA interference
C. DNA methylation
D. Chromatin remodeling
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves the covalent attachment of a methyl
group to cytosine, which usually leads to the transcriptional silencing of the gene.
2. In the context of cellular injury, which process is characterized by programmed cell death
without triggering an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Autophagy
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Apoptosis
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a regulated, programmed cell death process that
does not release intracellular contents into the interstitial space, thus avoiding
inflammation.
3. A patient with chronic Barrett’s esophagus shows a change from stratified squamous
epithelium to columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause a widened QRS complex, peaked T
waves, and potentially lead to cardiac arrest?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia decreases the resting membrane potential,
leading to peaked T waves and widening of the QRS complex.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE binding to mast cells and basophils.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. Peripheral insulin resistance
C. Excessive glucagon production
D. Downregulation of insulin receptors
Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM 2026
1. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically resulting in gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
B. RNA interference
C. DNA methylation
D. Chromatin remodeling
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves the covalent attachment of a methyl
group to cytosine, which usually leads to the transcriptional silencing of the gene.
2. In the context of cellular injury, which process is characterized by programmed cell death
without triggering an inflammatory response?
A. Necrosis
B. Autophagy
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Apoptosis
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a regulated, programmed cell death process that
does not release intracellular contents into the interstitial space, thus avoiding
inflammation.
3. A patient with chronic Barrett’s esophagus shows a change from stratified squamous
epithelium to columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Metaplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause a widened QRS complex, peaked T
waves, and potentially lead to cardiac arrest?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia decreases the resting membrane potential,
leading to peaked T waves and widening of the QRS complex.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE binding to mast cells and basophils.
6. What is the primary pathophysiology behind Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. Peripheral insulin resistance
C. Excessive glucagon production
D. Downregulation of insulin receptors
Answer: A
