Pathophysiology Foundations 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which stage of the nursing process involves the systematic collection and
verification of data?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Diagnosis
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, where the nurse collects,
organizes, and validates data about the patient’s health status.
2. A patient reports feeling ‘dizzy and nauseated.’ This information is classified
as which type of data?
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. Reflective data
D. Primary physical data
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective data consists of information provided by the patient that cannot be
measured directly by the nurse, such as feelings or symptoms.
,3. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. Patient stating their pain level is 8/10
B. Patient reporting an itchy rash
C. Patient feeling anxious about surgery
D. Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Objective data is observable and measurable information obtained through
physical examination or diagnostic tests.
4. In the nursing process, what does the acronym ADPIE stand for?
A. Action, Diagnosis, Plan, Intervention, Evidence
B. Assessment, Documentation, Procedure, Investigation, Education
C. Analyze, Determine, Plan, Initiate, Examine
D. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
Answer: D
Rationale: ADPIE is the standard acronym representing the five phases of the nursing
process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.
5. A decrease in cell size due to a lack of use or decreased blood supply is known
as:
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size, often resulting from disuse, denervation, or
loss of endocrine stimulation.
, 6. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of
cells in an organ or tissue?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Atrophy
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells resulting from an increased
rate of cellular division.
7. Which type of cellular adaptation involves the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, less mature cell type?
A. Dysplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell by another, often as
a response to chronic irritation.
8. Abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, often a
precursor to cancer, is called:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Dysplasia (atypical hyperplasia) refers to abnormal changes in cell size, shape,
and organization; it is not a true adaptive process but is often precancerous.