NUR 631/NUR631 Exam 1 V3 | Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size and functional
capacity?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by the loss of cell substance. It
can be caused by decreased workload, loss of innervation, or diminished blood supply.
When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire organ shrinks in size.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. This is an example of which cellular
adaptation?
A. Dysplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Anaplasia
,D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is
replaced by another adult cell type. In Barrett’s esophagus, the normal squamous
epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium. This occurs as a response
to chronic irritation from acid reflux.
3. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by hypoxia?
A. Increased protein synthesis
B. Extracellular calcium depletion
C. Decreased ATP production
D. Alkalinity of the cytoplasm
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypoxia leads to a reduction in aerobic oxidative respiration, which
is the primary source of ATP. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, leading to
cellular swelling. This cascade ultimately leads to organelle damage and potential cell
death.
4. Which type of necrosis is typically associated with the brain after an ischemic stroke?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
, C. Fat necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain tissue is rich
in digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. These enzymes digest the dead cells, turning the
tissue into a soft, liquid mass. This process is distinct from the coagulative necrosis seen in
the heart or kidneys.
5. Apoptosis is best described as:
A. Accidental cell death from injury
B. Programmed cell death
C. Cell death due to inflammation
D. Cellular rupture causing tissue damage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of programmed cell death that eliminates
unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, it does not typically elicit an inflammatory
response because the cell remains intact until it is phagocytosed. It plays a vital role in
embryogenesis and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
6. The blueprint for protein synthesis is found in which part of the cell?
A. Ribosomes
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size and functional
capacity?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by the loss of cell substance. It
can be caused by decreased workload, loss of innervation, or diminished blood supply.
When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire organ shrinks in size.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. This is an example of which cellular
adaptation?
A. Dysplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Anaplasia
,D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is
replaced by another adult cell type. In Barrett’s esophagus, the normal squamous
epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium. This occurs as a response
to chronic irritation from acid reflux.
3. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by hypoxia?
A. Increased protein synthesis
B. Extracellular calcium depletion
C. Decreased ATP production
D. Alkalinity of the cytoplasm
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypoxia leads to a reduction in aerobic oxidative respiration, which
is the primary source of ATP. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, leading to
cellular swelling. This cascade ultimately leads to organelle damage and potential cell
death.
4. Which type of necrosis is typically associated with the brain after an ischemic stroke?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
, C. Fat necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain tissue is rich
in digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. These enzymes digest the dead cells, turning the
tissue into a soft, liquid mass. This process is distinct from the coagulative necrosis seen in
the heart or kidneys.
5. Apoptosis is best described as:
A. Accidental cell death from injury
B. Programmed cell death
C. Cell death due to inflammation
D. Cellular rupture causing tissue damage
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of programmed cell death that eliminates
unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, it does not typically elicit an inflammatory
response because the cell remains intact until it is phagocytosed. It plays a vital role in
embryogenesis and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
6. The blueprint for protein synthesis is found in which part of the cell?
A. Ribosomes
