Pathophysiology Final Exam Review Study
Guide Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
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1. Which statement best describes the purpose of pathophysiology in
nursing practice?
A. It focuses only on diagnosing diseases.
B. It explains the normal functioning of body systems without disease.
C. It studies the changes in body functions caused by disease processes.
D. It replaces the need for clinical assessment.
Answer: C
Rationale: Pathophysiology examines how normal physiological
processes are altered by disease or injury. Nurses use pathophysiology
knowledge to understand symptoms, anticipate complications, and
provide appropriate care.
,2. The term “etiology” refers to:
A. The expected outcome of a disease
B. The cause or origin of a disease
C. The treatment plan for a disease
D. The signs and symptoms of a disease
Answer: B
Rationale: Etiology refers to the cause or contributing factors
responsible for the development of a disease. Understanding etiology
helps healthcare providers identify risk factors and prevention
strategies.
3. Which term describes the body’s ability to maintain a stable
internal environment?
A. Metabolism
B. Homeostasis
C. Adaptation
D. Inflammation
Answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively stable internal
environment despite external changes. The body uses feedback
,mechanisms to regulate temperature, blood pressure, glucose levels,
and other functions.
4. A patient develops an increased heart rate after losing blood
volume. This response is an example of:
A. Positive feedback
B. Negative feedback
C. Cellular injury
D. Genetic mutation
Answer: B
Rationale: Negative feedback mechanisms work to restore balance. In
this situation, the body increases heart rate to compensate for
decreased circulating blood volume and maintain adequate perfusion.
5. Which cellular adaptation occurs when a cell increases in size due to
increased workload?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
, Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size caused by increased
demand or workload. A common example is enlargement of cardiac
muscle cells due to chronic hypertension.
6. A decrease in cell size due to reduced workload or lack of
stimulation is called:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Dysplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: C
Rationale: Atrophy occurs when cells shrink because of decreased
activity, reduced blood supply, loss of nerve stimulation, or inadequate
nutrition.
7. Which process involves an increase in the number of cells?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia