NUR 616 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the mechanism of action in Type II hypersensitivity
reactions?
A. Release of histamine from mast cells via IgE binding
B. Deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in tissue walls leading to inflammation
C. Antibodies react with antigens on specific target cell surfaces causing cell destruction
D. T-lymphocyte mediated delayed response to an environmental antigen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type II hypersensitivity involves tissue-specific reactions where
antibodies (IgG or IgM) bind to antigens on the cell surface, leading to complement-
mediated lysis or phagocytosis.
2. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause. The normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
3. What is the primary pathophysiological process behind the development of Type 1
Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Peripheral insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissue
B. Excessive glucagon secretion from alpha cells
C. Reduced hepatic glucose output
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune-mediated
destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency.
4. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which enzyme is responsible for
converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II?
A. Renin
B. Aldosterone Synthase
, C. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
D. Angiotensinogen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE is primarily produced in the lungs and converts Angiotensin
I into the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
5. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type with
another, less mature cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation.
6. What is the hallmark physiological finding in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Hematuria and hypertension
B. Elevated serum creatinine with oliguria
C. Excretion of more than 3.5g of protein in the urine per day
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the mechanism of action in Type II hypersensitivity
reactions?
A. Release of histamine from mast cells via IgE binding
B. Deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in tissue walls leading to inflammation
C. Antibodies react with antigens on specific target cell surfaces causing cell destruction
D. T-lymphocyte mediated delayed response to an environmental antigen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type II hypersensitivity involves tissue-specific reactions where
antibodies (IgG or IgM) bind to antigens on the cell surface, leading to complement-
mediated lysis or phagocytosis.
2. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause. The normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
3. What is the primary pathophysiological process behind the development of Type 1
Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Peripheral insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissue
B. Excessive glucagon secretion from alpha cells
C. Reduced hepatic glucose output
D. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune-mediated
destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency.
4. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which enzyme is responsible for
converting Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II?
A. Renin
B. Aldosterone Synthase
, C. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
D. Angiotensinogen
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE is primarily produced in the lungs and converts Angiotensin
I into the potent vasoconstrictor Angiotensin II.
5. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type with
another, less mature cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation.
6. What is the hallmark physiological finding in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Hematuria and hypertension
B. Elevated serum creatinine with oliguria
C. Excretion of more than 3.5g of protein in the urine per day
