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NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology Midterm Practice Exam – Weeks 1–4 High-
Yield Blueprint Questions with Rationales
WEEK 1: IMMUNOLOGY & INFLAMMATION
Question 1
A patient develops anaphylaxis immediately after a bee sting.
Which of the following best describes the underlying
mechanism?
A. Immune complex deposition in tissues
B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
C. Cytotoxic T-cell destruction of target cells
D. Antibody-mediated complement activation
Answer: B
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction.
Allergen-specific IgE binds mast cells and basophils; on re-
exposure, cross-linking causes degranulation and release of
histamine, leukotrienes, and other mediators.
Question 2
A patient with poison ivy develops a pruritic, vesicular rash 48
hours after exposure. This is an example of:
A. Type I hypersensitivity
B. Type II hypersensitivity
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C. Type III hypersensitivity
D. Type IV hypersensitivity
Answer: D
Rationale: Contact dermatitis from poison ivy is a Type IV cell-
mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving sensitized
T cells and macrophages, not antibodies.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a Type II
hypersensitivity reaction?
A. Anaphylaxis
B. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Tuberculin skin test reaction
Answer: B
Rationale: Type II reactions involve IgG/IgM antibodies directed
against cell surface antigens, causing cell destruction via
complement or phagocytosis. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is
a classic example.
Question 4
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus has nephritis.
Which hypersensitivity type is primarily responsible?
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A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: SLE is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction. DNA-anti-
DNA immune complexes deposit in glomeruli, activate
complement, and cause inflammation.
Question 5
Which cellular adaptation occurs when a patient’s leg is
immobilized in a cast for several weeks?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Disuse leads to atrophy—decreased cell size and
number due to reduced workload. Hypertrophy is increased cell
size; hyperplasia is increased cell number; metaplasia is
replacement of one cell type by another.
Question 6
NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology Midterm Practice Exam – Weeks 1–4 High-
Yield Blueprint Questions with Rationales
WEEK 1: IMMUNOLOGY & INFLAMMATION
Question 1
A patient develops anaphylaxis immediately after a bee sting.
Which of the following best describes the underlying
mechanism?
A. Immune complex deposition in tissues
B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
C. Cytotoxic T-cell destruction of target cells
D. Antibody-mediated complement activation
Answer: B
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction.
Allergen-specific IgE binds mast cells and basophils; on re-
exposure, cross-linking causes degranulation and release of
histamine, leukotrienes, and other mediators.
Question 2
A patient with poison ivy develops a pruritic, vesicular rash 48
hours after exposure. This is an example of:
A. Type I hypersensitivity
B. Type II hypersensitivity
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C. Type III hypersensitivity
D. Type IV hypersensitivity
Answer: D
Rationale: Contact dermatitis from poison ivy is a Type IV cell-
mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction involving sensitized
T cells and macrophages, not antibodies.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a Type II
hypersensitivity reaction?
A. Anaphylaxis
B. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
C. Rheumatoid arthritis
D. Tuberculin skin test reaction
Answer: B
Rationale: Type II reactions involve IgG/IgM antibodies directed
against cell surface antigens, causing cell destruction via
complement or phagocytosis. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is
a classic example.
Question 4
A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus has nephritis.
Which hypersensitivity type is primarily responsible?
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A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Rationale: SLE is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction. DNA-anti-
DNA immune complexes deposit in glomeruli, activate
complement, and cause inflammation.
Question 5
Which cellular adaptation occurs when a patient’s leg is
immobilized in a cast for several weeks?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Disuse leads to atrophy—decreased cell size and
number due to reduced workload. Hypertrophy is increased cell
size; hyperplasia is increased cell number; metaplasia is
replacement of one cell type by another.
Question 6
