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NR 283/ NR283 Final Exam: (2026/ 2027
Update) Pathophysiology Review| Q/A |
Grade A| 100% Correct - Chamberlain
Subject: Pathophysiology
Source: Chamberlain University
Format: Final Exam Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
1. Which of the following best describes the process of cellular
apoptosis?
A) Uncontrolled cell growth leading to tumor formation
B) Programmed cell death eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells
C) Cell swelling and rupture due to injury
D) Inflammatory response causing tissue damage
Answer: B
Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly regulated, programmed process of
cell death that removes damaged, old, or unnecessary cells without
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causing inflammation. Unlike necrosis, which results in cell rupture
and inflammation, apoptosis is a controlled and beneficial process.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with
cardiac arrhythmias?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Rationale: Potassium plays a crucial role in cardiac electrical
conduction. Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can alter the
resting membrane potential of cardiac cells, leading to arrhythmias
and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrest.
3. In the context of inflammation, what is the main function of
histamine?
A) Promote vasoconstriction
B) Increase vascular permeability
C) Neutralize pathogens
D) Stimulate antibody production
Answer: B
Rationale: Histamine is released by mast cells during inflammation
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and causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability,
allowing immune cells and proteins to move into the affected tissue
to combat infection or injury.
4. Which of the following is the primary cause of hypoxemia in
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A) Decreased oxygen diffusion due to alveolar damage
B) Excessive carbon dioxide exhalation
C) Hyperventilation
D) Increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen
Answer: A
Rationale: COPD damages the alveoli, decreasing the surface area
available for oxygen diffusion into the blood, which causes
hypoxemia. The thickened alveolar membrane and destruction of
capillaries impede gas exchange.
5. Which type of shock is characterized by widespread vasodilation
and increased capillary permeability, often caused by a severe
allergic reaction?
A) Hypovolemic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
C) Anaphylactic shock
D) Septic shock
NR 283/ NR283 Final Exam: (2026/ 2027
Update) Pathophysiology Review| Q/A |
Grade A| 100% Correct - Chamberlain
Subject: Pathophysiology
Source: Chamberlain University
Format: Final Exam Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
1. Which of the following best describes the process of cellular
apoptosis?
A) Uncontrolled cell growth leading to tumor formation
B) Programmed cell death eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells
C) Cell swelling and rupture due to injury
D) Inflammatory response causing tissue damage
Answer: B
Rationale: Apoptosis is a highly regulated, programmed process of
cell death that removes damaged, old, or unnecessary cells without
, 2|Page
causing inflammation. Unlike necrosis, which results in cell rupture
and inflammation, apoptosis is a controlled and beneficial process.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with
cardiac arrhythmias?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Rationale: Potassium plays a crucial role in cardiac electrical
conduction. Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can alter the
resting membrane potential of cardiac cells, leading to arrhythmias
and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrest.
3. In the context of inflammation, what is the main function of
histamine?
A) Promote vasoconstriction
B) Increase vascular permeability
C) Neutralize pathogens
D) Stimulate antibody production
Answer: B
Rationale: Histamine is released by mast cells during inflammation
, 3|Page
and causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability,
allowing immune cells and proteins to move into the affected tissue
to combat infection or injury.
4. Which of the following is the primary cause of hypoxemia in
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A) Decreased oxygen diffusion due to alveolar damage
B) Excessive carbon dioxide exhalation
C) Hyperventilation
D) Increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen
Answer: A
Rationale: COPD damages the alveoli, decreasing the surface area
available for oxygen diffusion into the blood, which causes
hypoxemia. The thickened alveolar membrane and destruction of
capillaries impede gas exchange.
5. Which type of shock is characterized by widespread vasodilation
and increased capillary permeability, often caused by a severe
allergic reaction?
A) Hypovolemic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
C) Anaphylactic shock
D) Septic shock
