NUR 546/NUR546 Exam 1 V2 | Advanced
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes a cellular adaptation characterized by an increase in the
number of cells in an organ or tissue?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of cells resulting from an
increased rate of cellular division. This is distinct from hypertrophy, which involves an
increase in cell size rather than number. It often occurs as a compensatory mechanism or in
response to excessive hormonal stimulation.
2. A patient experiences a myocardial infarction. What is the primary mechanism of cellular
injury occurring in the heart tissue?
A. Chemical injury
B. Free radical injury
C. Hypoxic injury
,D. Genetic defects
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxic injury is the most common cause of cellular injury and is the hallmark
of myocardial infarction. It results from a lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the cells, which
impairs ATP production. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, leading to cellular
swelling and potential death.
3. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with the brain following ischemic
injury?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain cells are rich in
digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. As cells are destroyed, the enzymes liquefy the
tissue, forming a soft, liquid-filled cyst. This pattern is unique compared to coagulative
necrosis, which is more common in the heart and kidneys.
4. What is the primary intracellular ion that, when increased in the cytosol, activates enzymes
that damage the cell membrane and DNA?
A. Calcium
, B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium influx is a critical step in irreversible cellular injury. Increased cytosolic
calcium activates protein kinases, phospholipases, and endonucleases. These enzymes
degrade the cell membrane and cause nuclear damage, eventually leading to cell death.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of apoptosis but NOT necrosis?
A. Inflammation of surrounding tissue
B. Cellular swelling
C. Rupture of the plasma membrane
D. Programmed cell death
Answer: D
Rationale: Apoptosis is a programmed, highly regulated process of cell suicide that
eliminates unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the rupture of
the plasma membrane or an inflammatory response. It is a vital physiological process used
during development and for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes a cellular adaptation characterized by an increase in the
number of cells in an organ or tissue?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of cells resulting from an
increased rate of cellular division. This is distinct from hypertrophy, which involves an
increase in cell size rather than number. It often occurs as a compensatory mechanism or in
response to excessive hormonal stimulation.
2. A patient experiences a myocardial infarction. What is the primary mechanism of cellular
injury occurring in the heart tissue?
A. Chemical injury
B. Free radical injury
C. Hypoxic injury
,D. Genetic defects
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypoxic injury is the most common cause of cellular injury and is the hallmark
of myocardial infarction. It results from a lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the cells, which
impairs ATP production. Without ATP, the sodium-potassium pump fails, leading to cellular
swelling and potential death.
3. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with the brain following ischemic
injury?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain cells are rich in
digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. As cells are destroyed, the enzymes liquefy the
tissue, forming a soft, liquid-filled cyst. This pattern is unique compared to coagulative
necrosis, which is more common in the heart and kidneys.
4. What is the primary intracellular ion that, when increased in the cytosol, activates enzymes
that damage the cell membrane and DNA?
A. Calcium
, B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium influx is a critical step in irreversible cellular injury. Increased cytosolic
calcium activates protein kinases, phospholipases, and endonucleases. These enzymes
degrade the cell membrane and cause nuclear damage, eventually leading to cell death.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of apoptosis but NOT necrosis?
A. Inflammation of surrounding tissue
B. Cellular swelling
C. Rupture of the plasma membrane
D. Programmed cell death
Answer: D
Rationale: Apoptosis is a programmed, highly regulated process of cell suicide that
eliminates unwanted or damaged cells. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the rupture of
the plasma membrane or an inflammatory response. It is a vital physiological process used
during development and for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
