NSG530 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM STUDY
GUIDE
1. Which process results in the shrinkage of a cell due to a decrease in protein synthesis and
an increase in protein degradation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size. If atrophy occurs in a
sufficient number of cells, the entire organ shrinks or atrophies. It results from decreased
protein synthesis, increased protein catabolism, or both.
2. In response to chronic irritation, such as smoking, the ciliated columnar epithelium of the
airways may be replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
,B. Metaplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, less differentiated, cell type to better withstand an adverse environment.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by cell swelling, rupture of the plasma membrane,
and inflammation in surrounding tissues?
A. Apoptosis
B. Autophagy
C. Phagocytosis
D. Necrosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Necrosis is characterized by rapid outer membrane rupture and
leakage of cellular contents, which triggers an inflammatory response in surrounding
tissues, unlike apoptosis.
4. Which form of necrosis is typically seen in the brain as a result of ischemic injury, where
cells are digested by their own hydrolases?
A. Coagulative necrosis
, B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain cells are
rich in digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids; the tissue becomes soft and liquefied.
5. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
B. Oxidative stress causing membrane damage
C. Lactic acid accumulation
D. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which leads to lipid
peroxidation (membrane damage), protein alterations, and DNA mutations.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is the
provider most concerned about?
A. Tachycardia and hypotension
B. Cerebral edema and seizures
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM STUDY
GUIDE
1. Which process results in the shrinkage of a cell due to a decrease in protein synthesis and
an increase in protein degradation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atrophy is the shrinkage in cell size. If atrophy occurs in a
sufficient number of cells, the entire organ shrinks or atrophies. It results from decreased
protein synthesis, increased protein catabolism, or both.
2. In response to chronic irritation, such as smoking, the ciliated columnar epithelium of the
airways may be replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
,B. Metaplasia
C. Anaplasia
D. Hyperplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, less differentiated, cell type to better withstand an adverse environment.
3. Which type of cell death is characterized by cell swelling, rupture of the plasma membrane,
and inflammation in surrounding tissues?
A. Apoptosis
B. Autophagy
C. Phagocytosis
D. Necrosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Necrosis is characterized by rapid outer membrane rupture and
leakage of cellular contents, which triggers an inflammatory response in surrounding
tissues, unlike apoptosis.
4. Which form of necrosis is typically seen in the brain as a result of ischemic injury, where
cells are digested by their own hydrolases?
A. Coagulative necrosis
, B. Caseous necrosis
C. Liquefactive necrosis
D. Fat necrosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain because brain cells are
rich in digestive hydrolytic enzymes and lipids; the tissue becomes soft and liquefied.
5. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
B. Oxidative stress causing membrane damage
C. Lactic acid accumulation
D. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which leads to lipid
peroxidation (membrane damage), protein alterations, and DNA mutations.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is the
provider most concerned about?
A. Tachycardia and hypotension
B. Cerebral edema and seizures
