NSG 1520 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible conversion from one adult cell type to
another to better withstand environmental stress, such as the change in bronchial
epithelium in smokers.
2. In the context of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary
trigger for the release of Renin by the juxtaglomerular cells?
A. Hypervolemia
B. Increased parasympathetic activity
,C. High sodium intake
D. Decreased renal perfusion pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Renin is released in response to decreased blood flow or
pressure in the afferent arterioles of the kidney, initiating the cascade to increase blood
pressure.
3. 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 Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (normal
35-45) indicates that the origin is respiratory.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction involves IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation and
is responsible for anaphylaxis?
A. Type II
B. Type I
, C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate reaction involving IgE
antibodies binding to mast cells, leading to the release of histamine.
5. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the underlying pathology is primarily characterized by:
A. Autoimmune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
B. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques
D. Degeneration of lower motor neurons
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system
attacks the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the CNS, causing impaired nerve
conduction.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of prominent U-
waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, often as a response to chronic irritation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible conversion from one adult cell type to
another to better withstand environmental stress, such as the change in bronchial
epithelium in smokers.
2. In the context of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary
trigger for the release of Renin by the juxtaglomerular cells?
A. Hypervolemia
B. Increased parasympathetic activity
,C. High sodium intake
D. Decreased renal perfusion pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Renin is released in response to decreased blood flow or
pressure in the afferent arterioles of the kidney, initiating the cascade to increase blood
pressure.
3. 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 Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (normal
35-45) indicates that the origin is respiratory.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction involves IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation and
is responsible for anaphylaxis?
A. Type II
B. Type I
, C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate reaction involving IgE
antibodies binding to mast cells, leading to the release of histamine.
5. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the underlying pathology is primarily characterized by:
A. Autoimmune-mediated demyelination of the central nervous system
B. Depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra
C. Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques
D. Degeneration of lower motor neurons
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system
attacks the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the CNS, causing impaired nerve
conduction.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of prominent U-
waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
