NURS 231/NURS231 Module 2 V2 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient’s biopsy results reveal that the bronchial lining has changed from ciliated
columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. Which term best describes this
cellular adaptation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Metaplasia involves the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often in response to chronic irritation. In smokers, the resilient squamous cells
replace the delicate columnar cells to survive the harsh environment. However, this change
results in the loss of the protective ciliary function and mucus secretion.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the cellular swelling seen during hypoxic
injury?
A. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
B. Increase in protein synthesis
,C. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
D. Decrease in intracellular osmotic pressure
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypoxia leads to reduced ATP production, which causes the sodium-
potassium (Na+/K+) pump to fail. As a result, sodium accumulates inside the cell, creating
an osmotic gradient that pulls water into the cytoplasm. This process is known as oncosis
or cellular swelling and is one of the earliest signs of cell injury.
3. A 55-year-old male with long-standing untreated hypertension shows significant
enlargement of his left ventricle. This is an example of:
A. Pathologic hyperplasia
B. Physiologic hypertrophy
C. Pathologic hypertrophy
D. Compensatory hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells resulting in an increase in the
size of the organ. In the case of hypertension, the heart muscle must work harder to pump
blood against increased resistance, leading to pathologic growth. Unlike physiologic
hypertrophy seen in athletes, this adaptation can eventually lead to heart failure.
, 4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the brain?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
B. Coagulative necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because the tissue is rich in
digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. As the cells die, these enzymes dissolve the tissue
into a soft, liquid mass. This process results in the formation of cysts or fluid-filled cavities
in the neural tissue.
5. During a pathology review, a tissue sample shows ‘cheese-like’ debris. This is characteristic
of which type of necrosis?
A. Caseous necrosis
B. Gangrenous necrosis
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Fibrinoid necrosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Caseous necrosis is typically associated with tuberculous pulmonary
infection. It combines elements of both coagulative and liquefactive necrosis, resulting in a
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale | Portage
Learning
1. A patient’s biopsy results reveal that the bronchial lining has changed from ciliated
columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. Which term best describes this
cellular adaptation?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Metaplasia involves the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often in response to chronic irritation. In smokers, the resilient squamous cells
replace the delicate columnar cells to survive the harsh environment. However, this change
results in the loss of the protective ciliary function and mucus secretion.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the cellular swelling seen during hypoxic
injury?
A. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
B. Increase in protein synthesis
,C. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
D. Decrease in intracellular osmotic pressure
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypoxia leads to reduced ATP production, which causes the sodium-
potassium (Na+/K+) pump to fail. As a result, sodium accumulates inside the cell, creating
an osmotic gradient that pulls water into the cytoplasm. This process is known as oncosis
or cellular swelling and is one of the earliest signs of cell injury.
3. A 55-year-old male with long-standing untreated hypertension shows significant
enlargement of his left ventricle. This is an example of:
A. Pathologic hyperplasia
B. Physiologic hypertrophy
C. Pathologic hypertrophy
D. Compensatory hyperplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells resulting in an increase in the
size of the organ. In the case of hypertension, the heart muscle must work harder to pump
blood against increased resistance, leading to pathologic growth. Unlike physiologic
hypertrophy seen in athletes, this adaptation can eventually lead to heart failure.
, 4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the brain?
A. Liquefactive necrosis
B. Coagulative necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because the tissue is rich in
digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids. As the cells die, these enzymes dissolve the tissue
into a soft, liquid mass. This process results in the formation of cysts or fluid-filled cavities
in the neural tissue.
5. During a pathology review, a tissue sample shows ‘cheese-like’ debris. This is characteristic
of which type of necrosis?
A. Caseous necrosis
B. Gangrenous necrosis
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Fibrinoid necrosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Caseous necrosis is typically associated with tuberculous pulmonary
infection. It combines elements of both coagulative and liquefactive necrosis, resulting in a
