NUR 611 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular process involves the reduction in the size of an organ or tissue due to a
decrease in cell size and number?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size caused by aging, disuse, or
reduced blood supply. Hypertrophy is an increase in size, metaplasia is a change in cell
type, and dysplasia is abnormal growth.
2. Which of the following is the hallmark sign of irreversible cellular injury and cell death?
A. Cellular swelling
B. Mitochondrial calcification
C. Ribosomal detachment
,D. Lactic acid accumulation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While swelling is reversible, mitochondrial calcification and
membrane rupture represent irreversible points in cell death (necrosis).
3. In Type I Hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype is primarily responsible for
triggering mast cell degranulation?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to high-affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils;
cross-linking leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
4. A patient with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L is experiencing
which acid-base imbalance?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35) and the CO2 is elevated (>45),
indicating a respiratory cause for the acidosis.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of cardiogenic shock?
A. Inability of the heart to pump adequate blood to tissues
B. Widespread vasodilation
C. Severe loss of intravascular volume
D. Hypersensitivity reaction causing airway obstruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cardiogenic shock is caused by the failure of the heart to
maintain adequate cardiac output, typically following a myocardial infarction.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a ‘U’ wave on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular process involves the reduction in the size of an organ or tissue due to a
decrease in cell size and number?
A. Atrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size caused by aging, disuse, or
reduced blood supply. Hypertrophy is an increase in size, metaplasia is a change in cell
type, and dysplasia is abnormal growth.
2. Which of the following is the hallmark sign of irreversible cellular injury and cell death?
A. Cellular swelling
B. Mitochondrial calcification
C. Ribosomal detachment
,D. Lactic acid accumulation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While swelling is reversible, mitochondrial calcification and
membrane rupture represent irreversible points in cell death (necrosis).
3. In Type I Hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype is primarily responsible for
triggering mast cell degranulation?
A. IgG
B. IgM
C. IgA
D. IgE
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to high-affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils;
cross-linking leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
4. A patient with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L is experiencing
which acid-base imbalance?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35) and the CO2 is elevated (>45),
indicating a respiratory cause for the acidosis.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of cardiogenic shock?
A. Inability of the heart to pump adequate blood to tissues
B. Widespread vasodilation
C. Severe loss of intravascular volume
D. Hypersensitivity reaction causing airway obstruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cardiogenic shock is caused by the failure of the heart to
maintain adequate cardiac output, typically following a myocardial infarction.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a ‘U’ wave on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
