Comprehensive nr 283 pathophysiology
Final exam review: 200 praCtiCe Questions
with CorreCt answers and evidenCe-Based
rationales on CardiovasCular, renal,
respiratory, neurologiCal, and endoCrine
pathophysiology For 2026/2027 exam
preparation
Foundational Concepts & Cellular Adaptation
Q1: A patient with chronic hypertension
develops left ventricular hypertrophy. Which
cellular process best explains this adaptation?
• A. Hyperplasia
• B. Atrophy
• C. Hypertrophy
• D. Metaplasia
,Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Hypertrophy
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in cell
size, leading to enlarged tissue mass. In
response to increased workload from chronic
hypertension, myocardial cells enlarge to meet
the increased demand .
Q2: A chronic smoker develops replacement of
normal ciliated columnar epithelium in the
bronchi with stratified squamous epithelium.
This change is best described as:
• A. Dysplasia
• B. Metaplasia
• C. Neoplasia
• D. Atrophy
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Metaplasia
Rationale: Metaplasia occurs when a mature
cell type is replaced by a different mature cell
,type. In chronic smokers, the respiratory
epithelium changes from ciliated columnar to
squamous epithelium as an adaptive response
to chronic irritation .
Q3: Which of the following best describes
apoptosis?
• A. Uncontrolled cell proliferation
• B. Programmed cell death
• C. Cell death due to injury
• D. Replacement of one cell type with
another
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Programmed
cell death
Rationale: Apoptosis is a normal, controlled
process of programmed cell death that
eliminates cells that are no longer needed or
, are damaged. It is an orderly process that does
not trigger an inflammatory response .
Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance
Q4: A patient with type 1 diabetes presents
with fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Metabolic
acidosis
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) leads to
accumulation of ketones, causing metabolic
acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are a
compensatory mechanism .
Final exam review: 200 praCtiCe Questions
with CorreCt answers and evidenCe-Based
rationales on CardiovasCular, renal,
respiratory, neurologiCal, and endoCrine
pathophysiology For 2026/2027 exam
preparation
Foundational Concepts & Cellular Adaptation
Q1: A patient with chronic hypertension
develops left ventricular hypertrophy. Which
cellular process best explains this adaptation?
• A. Hyperplasia
• B. Atrophy
• C. Hypertrophy
• D. Metaplasia
,Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Hypertrophy
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in cell
size, leading to enlarged tissue mass. In
response to increased workload from chronic
hypertension, myocardial cells enlarge to meet
the increased demand .
Q2: A chronic smoker develops replacement of
normal ciliated columnar epithelium in the
bronchi with stratified squamous epithelium.
This change is best described as:
• A. Dysplasia
• B. Metaplasia
• C. Neoplasia
• D. Atrophy
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Metaplasia
Rationale: Metaplasia occurs when a mature
cell type is replaced by a different mature cell
,type. In chronic smokers, the respiratory
epithelium changes from ciliated columnar to
squamous epithelium as an adaptive response
to chronic irritation .
Q3: Which of the following best describes
apoptosis?
• A. Uncontrolled cell proliferation
• B. Programmed cell death
• C. Cell death due to injury
• D. Replacement of one cell type with
another
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Programmed
cell death
Rationale: Apoptosis is a normal, controlled
process of programmed cell death that
eliminates cells that are no longer needed or
, are damaged. It is an orderly process that does
not trigger an inflammatory response .
Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance
Q4: A patient with type 1 diabetes presents
with fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Metabolic
acidosis
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) leads to
accumulation of ketones, causing metabolic
acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are a
compensatory mechanism .
