NSG 5140 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular components, often seen in skeletal muscle during prolonged immobilization?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by the loss of cell substance.
When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire tissue or organ diminishes in size.
It is common in skeletal muscle, heart, secondary sex organs, and the brain.
2. A patient experiencing ischemia-reperfusion injury is likely suffering from damage caused
by which of the following?
A. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
,B. Lack of oxygen only
C. Reduced ATP production
D. Intracellular potassium accumulation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reperfusion injury occurs when oxygen is restored to ischemic
tissue, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide and
hydrogen peroxide, which cause further membrane damage and mitochondrial calcium
overload.
3. Which process involves the programmed cell death characterized by the activation of
caspases without causing an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues?
A. Necrosis
B. Autophagy
C. Apoptosis
D. Pyoptosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of cell death that is programmed and
managed by enzymes called caspases. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the leaking of
cellular contents and thus does not trigger inflammation.
, 4. In the context of genetic disorders, what is the defining characteristic of an autosomal
dominant inheritance pattern?
A. The trait only appears in males.
B. An affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the gene to each offspring.
C. Two copies of the abnormal gene are required for expression.
D. The condition skip generations routinely.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Autosomal dominant disorders are expressed when only one
copy of the gene is mutated. Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting
the mutation, regardless of biological sex.
5. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically leading to the silencing of gene expression?
A. Histone acetylation
B. DNA methylation
C. RNA interference
D. Chromatin remodeling
Answer: B
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size due to a loss of
subcellular components, often seen in skeletal muscle during prolonged immobilization?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size by the loss of cell substance.
When a sufficient number of cells are involved, the entire tissue or organ diminishes in size.
It is common in skeletal muscle, heart, secondary sex organs, and the brain.
2. A patient experiencing ischemia-reperfusion injury is likely suffering from damage caused
by which of the following?
A. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
,B. Lack of oxygen only
C. Reduced ATP production
D. Intracellular potassium accumulation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Reperfusion injury occurs when oxygen is restored to ischemic
tissue, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide and
hydrogen peroxide, which cause further membrane damage and mitochondrial calcium
overload.
3. Which process involves the programmed cell death characterized by the activation of
caspases without causing an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues?
A. Necrosis
B. Autophagy
C. Apoptosis
D. Pyoptosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is a distinct type of cell death that is programmed and
managed by enzymes called caspases. Unlike necrosis, it does not involve the leaking of
cellular contents and thus does not trigger inflammation.
, 4. In the context of genetic disorders, what is the defining characteristic of an autosomal
dominant inheritance pattern?
A. The trait only appears in males.
B. An affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the gene to each offspring.
C. Two copies of the abnormal gene are required for expression.
D. The condition skip generations routinely.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Autosomal dominant disorders are expressed when only one
copy of the gene is mutated. Each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting
the mutation, regardless of biological sex.
5. Which epigenetic mechanism involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine base,
typically leading to the silencing of gene expression?
A. Histone acetylation
B. DNA methylation
C. RNA interference
D. Chromatin remodeling
Answer: B
