NURS 6501N Midterm V3 | NURS 6501N
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Midterm) |
Walden University
1. A 52-year-old male smoker undergoes a biopsy of his bronchial mucosa which reveals a
change from ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. This process is
best described as:
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
less mature cell type to better withstand adverse environments. In smokers, the bronchial
lining changes to squamous cells which are tougher but lack cilia. This adaptation results in
a loss of the protective mucus-clearing mechanism.
2. An infant is diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). The most common cause of this
genetic abnormality is:
A. Translocation
,B. Maternal nondisjunction
C. Inversion
D. Gene deletion
Answer: B
Rationale: Trisomy 21 usually occurs due to a failure of chromosomes to separate
properly during meiosis, known as nondisjunction. This process results in an egg or sperm
carrying an extra copy of chromosome 21. Maternal age is a significant risk factor for this
occurrence during oogenesis.
3. A patient presents with muscular weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias. Lab results indicate
a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which mechanism most likely contributed to this finding?
A. Addison’s disease
B. Renal failure
C. Insulin administration
D. Spironolactone use
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin promotes the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into
the intracellular compartment. This shift can cause a significant drop in serum potassium
levels even if total body stores are unchanged. Careful monitoring of electrolyte levels is
required when using insulin for diabetic emergencies.
, 4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered when an
allergen cross-links IgE bound to mast cells. This cross-linking causes degranulation and
the release of histamine, leading to symptoms like vasodilation and edema. Common
examples include hay fever, asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis.
5. A 60-year-old male with chronic renal failure has a low hemoglobin level. The primary
cause of his anemia is a deficiency in:
A. Iron
B. Vitamin B12
C. Folic acid
D. Erythropoietin
Answer: D
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS6501N Midterm) |
Walden University
1. A 52-year-old male smoker undergoes a biopsy of his bronchial mucosa which reveals a
change from ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. This process is
best described as:
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: B
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
less mature cell type to better withstand adverse environments. In smokers, the bronchial
lining changes to squamous cells which are tougher but lack cilia. This adaptation results in
a loss of the protective mucus-clearing mechanism.
2. An infant is diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome). The most common cause of this
genetic abnormality is:
A. Translocation
,B. Maternal nondisjunction
C. Inversion
D. Gene deletion
Answer: B
Rationale: Trisomy 21 usually occurs due to a failure of chromosomes to separate
properly during meiosis, known as nondisjunction. This process results in an egg or sperm
carrying an extra copy of chromosome 21. Maternal age is a significant risk factor for this
occurrence during oogenesis.
3. A patient presents with muscular weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias. Lab results indicate
a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which mechanism most likely contributed to this finding?
A. Addison’s disease
B. Renal failure
C. Insulin administration
D. Spironolactone use
Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin promotes the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into
the intracellular compartment. This shift can cause a significant drop in serum potassium
levels even if total body stores are unchanged. Careful monitoring of electrolyte levels is
required when using insulin for diabetic emergencies.
, 4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction triggered when an
allergen cross-links IgE bound to mast cells. This cross-linking causes degranulation and
the release of histamine, leading to symptoms like vasodilation and edema. Common
examples include hay fever, asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis.
5. A 60-year-old male with chronic renal failure has a low hemoglobin level. The primary
cause of his anemia is a deficiency in:
A. Iron
B. Vitamin B12
C. Folic acid
D. Erythropoietin
Answer: D
