BIO 322 Final Exam V3 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in muscle mass due to prolonged immobilization in a cast.
Which cellular adaptation is this patient experiencing?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size and functional components, which often
occurs due to disuse or decreased workload. This process is mediated by the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway where proteins are degraded within the cell. In the clinical context of
immobilization, the lack of mechanical stimulus leads to this reduction in tissue volume.
2. Which of the following are considered the cardinal signs of acute inflammation? (Select All
That Apply)
A. Rubor (Redness)
B. Calor (Heat)
,C. Tumor (Swelling)
D. Dolor (Pain)
E. Functio laesa (Loss of function)
F. Paresthesia (Numbness)
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: The cardinal signs of inflammation represent the vascular and cellular response
to injury. Redness and heat result from vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area.
Swelling and pain are caused by increased capillary permeability and the release of
chemical mediators like prostaglandins and bradykinin that sensitize nerve endings.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
EKG change should the nurse expect to find?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia alters the membrane potential of cardiac cells, making them
more excitable initially before delaying repolarization. Peaked T waves are the earliest sign
, of potassium toxicity on an electrocardiogram. If the level continues to rise, it can lead to
widening of the QRS complex and eventually ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
4. The nurse is evaluating the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient: pH 7.30, PaCO2
50, HCO3 24. What is the interpretation of these results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.
The PaCO2 of 50 mmHg is elevated, which identifies a respiratory cause for the acidic state.
Because the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, this is
considered uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
5. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
D. Increased glucose production by the liver
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIO322 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient exhibits a decrease in muscle mass due to prolonged immobilization in a cast.
Which cellular adaptation is this patient experiencing?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size and functional components, which often
occurs due to disuse or decreased workload. This process is mediated by the ubiquitin-
proteasome pathway where proteins are degraded within the cell. In the clinical context of
immobilization, the lack of mechanical stimulus leads to this reduction in tissue volume.
2. Which of the following are considered the cardinal signs of acute inflammation? (Select All
That Apply)
A. Rubor (Redness)
B. Calor (Heat)
,C. Tumor (Swelling)
D. Dolor (Pain)
E. Functio laesa (Loss of function)
F. Paresthesia (Numbness)
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: The cardinal signs of inflammation represent the vascular and cellular response
to injury. Redness and heat result from vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area.
Swelling and pain are caused by increased capillary permeability and the release of
chemical mediators like prostaglandins and bradykinin that sensitize nerve endings.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
EKG change should the nurse expect to find?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia alters the membrane potential of cardiac cells, making them
more excitable initially before delaying repolarization. Peaked T waves are the earliest sign
, of potassium toxicity on an electrocardiogram. If the level continues to rise, it can lead to
widening of the QRS complex and eventually ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
4. The nurse is evaluating the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient: pH 7.30, PaCO2
50, HCO3 24. What is the interpretation of these results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.
The PaCO2 of 50 mmHg is elevated, which identifies a respiratory cause for the acidic state.
Because the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, this is
considered uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
5. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of Type 1 Diabetes
Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
C. Excessive glucagon secretion by alpha cells
D. Increased glucose production by the liver
