1
NUR 221 Applied Pathophysiology A Conceptual
Approach to the Mechanisms of Disease 3rd Edition
Braun Test Bank
The following are representative questions from the test bank for Chapter 1, Introduction to
Pathophysiology. The correct answer and rationale are provided.
1. The nucleus _________, which is essential for function and survival of the cell.
A) is the site of protein synthesis
B) contains the genetic code
C) transforms cellular energy
D) initiates aerobic metabolism
Correct Answer-: B) contains the genetic code
Rationale: The primary and most critical function of the nucleus is to house the cell's DNA, which
constitutes the genetic code. This code contains the instructions for all cellular functions, including
protein synthesis, making the nucleus essential for cell survival .
2. Although energy is not made in mitochondria, they are known as the power plants of the cell
because they:
A) contain RNA for protein synthesis.
B) utilize glycolysis for oxidative energy.
C) extract energy from organic compounds.
D) store calcium bonds for muscle contractions.
Correct Answer-: C) extract energy from organic compounds.
Rationale: While mitochondria do not create energy, they are the site of cellular respiration. Through
oxidative phosphorylation, they extract chemical energy from organic compounds (like glucose) and
convert it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy currency .
3. Which of the following statements is true regarding exocytosis?
A) It is the primary method for engulfing and ingesting fluid and proteins.
B) It is responsible for killing, degrading, and dissolving harmful microorganisms.
C) It is involved in removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
D) It involves the destruction of particles by lysosomal enzymes.
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Correct Answer-: C) It is involved in removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
Rationale: Exocytosis is a process by which cells transport materials out of the cell. This includes
releasing synthesized substances (like hormones or neurotransmitters) and expelling cellular debris .
Engulfing materials is endocytosis, while degradation within the cell is a function of lysosomes.
4. Aerobic metabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, provides energy by:
A) removing the phosphate bonds from ATP.
B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
C) activating pyruvate stored in the cytoplasm.
D) breaking down glucose to form lactic acid.
Correct Answer-: B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
Rationale: In the final stage of aerobic metabolism, the electron transport chain uses oxygen as the final
electron acceptor. This process combines hydrogen ions with oxygen to form water (H₂O), which is a
crucial step for the continued production of large amounts of ATP .
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Questions 4–20)
4. To effectively relay signals, cell-to-cell communication utilizes chemical messenger systems that:
A) displace surface receptor proteins.
B) accumulate within cell gap junctions.
C) bind to contractile microfilaments.
D) release secretions into extracellular fluid.
Correct Answer-: D) release secretions into extracellular fluid.
Rationale: Chemical messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters, paracrine signals) are released into the
extracellular fluid to act on target cells, either locally or at a distance .
5. Aerobic metabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, provides energy by:
A) removing the phosphate bonds from ATP.
B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
C) activating pyruvate stored in the cytoplasm.
D) breaking down glucose to form lactic acid.
Correct Answer-: B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
Rationale: In aerobic metabolism, the electron transport chain uses oxygen as the final electron
acceptor, combining hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water while generating large amounts of ATP .
6. Exocytosis, the reverse of endocytosis, is important in ________ into the extracellular fluid.
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A) engulfing and ingesting fluid and proteins for transport
B) killing, degrading, and dissolving harmful microorganisms
C) removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances
D) destruction of particles by lysosomal enzymes for secretion
Correct Answer-: C) removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
Rationale: Exocytosis transports materials out of the cell, including synthesized proteins, hormones, and
cellular debris. Endocytosis brings materials into the cell .
7. The process responsible for generating and conducting membrane potentials is:
A) diffusion of current-carrying ions.
B) millivoltage of electrical potential.
C) polarization of charged particles.
D) ion channel neurotransmission.
Correct Answer-: A) diffusion of current-carrying ions.
Rationale: Membrane potentials are generated by the diffusion of ions (particularly Na⁺ and K⁺) across
the plasma membrane through ion channels, creating electrochemical gradients .
8. Epithelial tissues are classified according to the shape of the cells and the number of layers. Which
of the following is a correctly matched description and type of epithelial tissue?
A) Simple epithelium: cells in contact with intercellular matrix; some do not extend to surface
B) Stratified epithelium: single layer of cells; all cells rest on basement membrane
C) Glandular epithelium: arise from surface epithelia and underlying connective tissue
D) Pseudostratified epithelium: multiple layers of cells; deepest layer rests on basement membrane
Correct Answer-: C) Glandular epithelium: arise from surface epithelia and underlying connective
tissue.
Rationale: Glandular epithelium develops from surface epithelial cells that invaginate into underlying
connective tissue. Simple epithelium is a single layer; stratified has multiple layers; pseudostratified
appears layered but is actually single-layered .
9. Connective tissue contains fibroblasts that are responsible for:
A) providing a fibrous framework for capillaries.
B) synthesis of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers.
C) forming tendons and the fascia that covers muscles.
D) filling spaces between tissues to keep organs in place.
Correct Answer-: B) synthesis of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers.
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the primary cells of connective tissue, responsible for synthesizing and
maintaining the extracellular matrix, including collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers .
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10. Although all muscle tissue cells have some similarities, smooth muscle (also known as involuntary
muscle) differs by:
A) having dense bodies attached to actin filaments.
B) containing sarcomeres between Z lines and M bands.
C) having rapid contractions and abundant cross-striations.
D) contracting in response to increased intracellular calcium.
Correct Answer-: A) having dense bodies attached to actin filaments.
Rationale: Smooth muscle lacks sarcomeres and has dense bodies for actin attachment. Sarcomeres and
striations are characteristic of skeletal and cardiac muscle .
11. Which of the following aspects of the function of the nucleus is performed by ribosomal RNA
(rRNA)?
A) Copying and carrying DNA instructions for protein synthesis
B) Carrying amino acids to the site of protein synthesis
C) Providing the site where protein synthesis occurs
D) Regulating and controlling protein synthesis
Correct Answer-: C) Providing the site where protein synthesis occurs.
Rationale: rRNA combines with proteins to form ribosomes, which serve as the physical site for protein
synthesis (translation). mRNA carries DNA instructions; tRNA carries amino acids .
12. Breakdown and removal of foreign substances and worn-out cell parts are performed by which of
the following organelles?
A) Lysosomes
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Ribosomes
D) Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Correct Answer-: A) Lysosomes.
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest foreign substances, cellular debris, and
worn-out organelles through phagocytosis and autophagy .
13. Impairment in the function of peroxisomes would result in:
A) inadequate sites for protein synthesis.
B) an inability to transport cellular products across the cell membrane.
C) insufficient energy production within a cell.
D) accumulation of free radicals in the cytoplasm.
NUR 221 Applied Pathophysiology A Conceptual
Approach to the Mechanisms of Disease 3rd Edition
Braun Test Bank
The following are representative questions from the test bank for Chapter 1, Introduction to
Pathophysiology. The correct answer and rationale are provided.
1. The nucleus _________, which is essential for function and survival of the cell.
A) is the site of protein synthesis
B) contains the genetic code
C) transforms cellular energy
D) initiates aerobic metabolism
Correct Answer-: B) contains the genetic code
Rationale: The primary and most critical function of the nucleus is to house the cell's DNA, which
constitutes the genetic code. This code contains the instructions for all cellular functions, including
protein synthesis, making the nucleus essential for cell survival .
2. Although energy is not made in mitochondria, they are known as the power plants of the cell
because they:
A) contain RNA for protein synthesis.
B) utilize glycolysis for oxidative energy.
C) extract energy from organic compounds.
D) store calcium bonds for muscle contractions.
Correct Answer-: C) extract energy from organic compounds.
Rationale: While mitochondria do not create energy, they are the site of cellular respiration. Through
oxidative phosphorylation, they extract chemical energy from organic compounds (like glucose) and
convert it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy currency .
3. Which of the following statements is true regarding exocytosis?
A) It is the primary method for engulfing and ingesting fluid and proteins.
B) It is responsible for killing, degrading, and dissolving harmful microorganisms.
C) It is involved in removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
D) It involves the destruction of particles by lysosomal enzymes.
,2
Correct Answer-: C) It is involved in removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
Rationale: Exocytosis is a process by which cells transport materials out of the cell. This includes
releasing synthesized substances (like hormones or neurotransmitters) and expelling cellular debris .
Engulfing materials is endocytosis, while degradation within the cell is a function of lysosomes.
4. Aerobic metabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, provides energy by:
A) removing the phosphate bonds from ATP.
B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
C) activating pyruvate stored in the cytoplasm.
D) breaking down glucose to form lactic acid.
Correct Answer-: B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
Rationale: In the final stage of aerobic metabolism, the electron transport chain uses oxygen as the final
electron acceptor. This process combines hydrogen ions with oxygen to form water (H₂O), which is a
crucial step for the continued production of large amounts of ATP .
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Questions 4–20)
4. To effectively relay signals, cell-to-cell communication utilizes chemical messenger systems that:
A) displace surface receptor proteins.
B) accumulate within cell gap junctions.
C) bind to contractile microfilaments.
D) release secretions into extracellular fluid.
Correct Answer-: D) release secretions into extracellular fluid.
Rationale: Chemical messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters, paracrine signals) are released into the
extracellular fluid to act on target cells, either locally or at a distance .
5. Aerobic metabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, provides energy by:
A) removing the phosphate bonds from ATP.
B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
C) activating pyruvate stored in the cytoplasm.
D) breaking down glucose to form lactic acid.
Correct Answer-: B) combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water.
Rationale: In aerobic metabolism, the electron transport chain uses oxygen as the final electron
acceptor, combining hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water while generating large amounts of ATP .
6. Exocytosis, the reverse of endocytosis, is important in ________ into the extracellular fluid.
,3
A) engulfing and ingesting fluid and proteins for transport
B) killing, degrading, and dissolving harmful microorganisms
C) removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances
D) destruction of particles by lysosomal enzymes for secretion
Correct Answer-: C) removing cellular debris and releasing synthesized substances.
Rationale: Exocytosis transports materials out of the cell, including synthesized proteins, hormones, and
cellular debris. Endocytosis brings materials into the cell .
7. The process responsible for generating and conducting membrane potentials is:
A) diffusion of current-carrying ions.
B) millivoltage of electrical potential.
C) polarization of charged particles.
D) ion channel neurotransmission.
Correct Answer-: A) diffusion of current-carrying ions.
Rationale: Membrane potentials are generated by the diffusion of ions (particularly Na⁺ and K⁺) across
the plasma membrane through ion channels, creating electrochemical gradients .
8. Epithelial tissues are classified according to the shape of the cells and the number of layers. Which
of the following is a correctly matched description and type of epithelial tissue?
A) Simple epithelium: cells in contact with intercellular matrix; some do not extend to surface
B) Stratified epithelium: single layer of cells; all cells rest on basement membrane
C) Glandular epithelium: arise from surface epithelia and underlying connective tissue
D) Pseudostratified epithelium: multiple layers of cells; deepest layer rests on basement membrane
Correct Answer-: C) Glandular epithelium: arise from surface epithelia and underlying connective
tissue.
Rationale: Glandular epithelium develops from surface epithelial cells that invaginate into underlying
connective tissue. Simple epithelium is a single layer; stratified has multiple layers; pseudostratified
appears layered but is actually single-layered .
9. Connective tissue contains fibroblasts that are responsible for:
A) providing a fibrous framework for capillaries.
B) synthesis of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers.
C) forming tendons and the fascia that covers muscles.
D) filling spaces between tissues to keep organs in place.
Correct Answer-: B) synthesis of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers.
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the primary cells of connective tissue, responsible for synthesizing and
maintaining the extracellular matrix, including collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers .
, 4
10. Although all muscle tissue cells have some similarities, smooth muscle (also known as involuntary
muscle) differs by:
A) having dense bodies attached to actin filaments.
B) containing sarcomeres between Z lines and M bands.
C) having rapid contractions and abundant cross-striations.
D) contracting in response to increased intracellular calcium.
Correct Answer-: A) having dense bodies attached to actin filaments.
Rationale: Smooth muscle lacks sarcomeres and has dense bodies for actin attachment. Sarcomeres and
striations are characteristic of skeletal and cardiac muscle .
11. Which of the following aspects of the function of the nucleus is performed by ribosomal RNA
(rRNA)?
A) Copying and carrying DNA instructions for protein synthesis
B) Carrying amino acids to the site of protein synthesis
C) Providing the site where protein synthesis occurs
D) Regulating and controlling protein synthesis
Correct Answer-: C) Providing the site where protein synthesis occurs.
Rationale: rRNA combines with proteins to form ribosomes, which serve as the physical site for protein
synthesis (translation). mRNA carries DNA instructions; tRNA carries amino acids .
12. Breakdown and removal of foreign substances and worn-out cell parts are performed by which of
the following organelles?
A) Lysosomes
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Ribosomes
D) Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Correct Answer-: A) Lysosomes.
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest foreign substances, cellular debris, and
worn-out organelles through phagocytosis and autophagy .
13. Impairment in the function of peroxisomes would result in:
A) inadequate sites for protein synthesis.
B) an inability to transport cellular products across the cell membrane.
C) insufficient energy production within a cell.
D) accumulation of free radicals in the cytoplasm.
