SCI 225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam Prep 2026-2027 |
Nightingale College Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the process of cellular adaptation. Which change occurs when
cells increase in size due to increased workload?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer✅:
C. Hypertrophy
Rationale:
Hypertrophy occurs when individual cells enlarge in response to increased
workload or stimulation. The number of cells does not increase; instead, existing
cells become larger. This commonly occurs in tissues such as cardiac muscle when
the heart must pump against increased resistance.
Question 2
,Which physiological change is most commonly associated with left-sided heart
failure?
A. Increased pulmonary congestion due to impaired ventricular pumping
B. Increased fluid removal by the kidneys
C. Decreased systemic blood pressure caused by excessive vasodilation
D. Reduced oxygen demand by body tissues
Correct Answer✅:
A. Increased pulmonary congestion due to impaired ventricular pumping
Rationale:
Left-sided heart failure reduces the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood into
systemic circulation. Blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation, causing
pulmonary congestion, shortness of breath, and impaired oxygen exchange.
Question 3
The nurse understands that hyperkalemia can create a serious risk because elevated
potassium levels may:
A. Cause decreased gastric acid production
B. Interfere with normal cardiac electrical activity
C. Increase red blood cell production
D. Prevent fluid movement into cells
Correct Answer✅:
B. Interfere with normal cardiac electrical activity
,Rationale:
Potassium plays a major role in nerve conduction and cardiac muscle contraction.
Excess potassium can disrupt electrical conduction in the heart, potentially causing
dangerous dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A healthcare provider explains that type 1 diabetes mellitus develops primarily
because of:
A. Increased insulin resistance in body tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive production of insulin by the pancreas
D. Increased glucose absorption from the intestines
Correct Answer✅:
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Rationale:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic
beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production. Without insulin, glucose cannot
effectively enter cells for energy use.
Question 5
Which statement best explains the purpose of inflammation after tissue injury?
A. It prevents immune cells from reaching damaged areas
B. It eliminates all microorganisms immediately
, C. It promotes removal of harmful substances and begins repair
D. It reduces blood flow to injured tissues
Correct Answer✅:
C. It promotes removal of harmful substances and begins repair
Rationale:
Inflammation is a protective response that helps eliminate pathogens, remove
damaged cells, and initiate tissue repair. It involves vascular changes and activation
of immune cells.
Question 6
A nurse is studying respiratory disorders and understands that chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) causes difficulty breathing primarily because of:
A. Increased elasticity of lung tissue
B. Obstruction of airflow and impaired gas exchange
C. Excessive production of healthy alveoli
D. Increased ability to remove carbon dioxide
Correct Answer✅:
B. Obstruction of airflow and impaired gas exchange
Rationale:
COPD involves chronic airway inflammation, mucus production, and destruction
of lung tissue. These changes limit airflow and reduce the lungs’ ability to
exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.
Nightingale College Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the process of cellular adaptation. Which change occurs when
cells increase in size due to increased workload?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer✅:
C. Hypertrophy
Rationale:
Hypertrophy occurs when individual cells enlarge in response to increased
workload or stimulation. The number of cells does not increase; instead, existing
cells become larger. This commonly occurs in tissues such as cardiac muscle when
the heart must pump against increased resistance.
Question 2
,Which physiological change is most commonly associated with left-sided heart
failure?
A. Increased pulmonary congestion due to impaired ventricular pumping
B. Increased fluid removal by the kidneys
C. Decreased systemic blood pressure caused by excessive vasodilation
D. Reduced oxygen demand by body tissues
Correct Answer✅:
A. Increased pulmonary congestion due to impaired ventricular pumping
Rationale:
Left-sided heart failure reduces the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood into
systemic circulation. Blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation, causing
pulmonary congestion, shortness of breath, and impaired oxygen exchange.
Question 3
The nurse understands that hyperkalemia can create a serious risk because elevated
potassium levels may:
A. Cause decreased gastric acid production
B. Interfere with normal cardiac electrical activity
C. Increase red blood cell production
D. Prevent fluid movement into cells
Correct Answer✅:
B. Interfere with normal cardiac electrical activity
,Rationale:
Potassium plays a major role in nerve conduction and cardiac muscle contraction.
Excess potassium can disrupt electrical conduction in the heart, potentially causing
dangerous dysrhythmias.
Question 4
A healthcare provider explains that type 1 diabetes mellitus develops primarily
because of:
A. Increased insulin resistance in body tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive production of insulin by the pancreas
D. Increased glucose absorption from the intestines
Correct Answer✅:
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Rationale:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic
beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production. Without insulin, glucose cannot
effectively enter cells for energy use.
Question 5
Which statement best explains the purpose of inflammation after tissue injury?
A. It prevents immune cells from reaching damaged areas
B. It eliminates all microorganisms immediately
, C. It promotes removal of harmful substances and begins repair
D. It reduces blood flow to injured tissues
Correct Answer✅:
C. It promotes removal of harmful substances and begins repair
Rationale:
Inflammation is a protective response that helps eliminate pathogens, remove
damaged cells, and initiate tissue repair. It involves vascular changes and activation
of immune cells.
Question 6
A nurse is studying respiratory disorders and understands that chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) causes difficulty breathing primarily because of:
A. Increased elasticity of lung tissue
B. Obstruction of airflow and impaired gas exchange
C. Excessive production of healthy alveoli
D. Increased ability to remove carbon dioxide
Correct Answer✅:
B. Obstruction of airflow and impaired gas exchange
Rationale:
COPD involves chronic airway inflammation, mucus production, and destruction
of lung tissue. These changes limit airflow and reduce the lungs’ ability to
exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.
