NURS6501 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old male presents with a history of chronic smoking. Biopsy of his bronchial
epithelium reveals that the normal ciliated columnar cells have been replaced by stratified
squamous cells. This cellular adaptation is best described as:
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation like smoking.
,2. In Type I hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype primarily mediates the release
of histamine from mast cells?
A. IgG
B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to Fc receptors on mast cells; subsequent exposure to
an allergen cross-links these IgE molecules, triggering degranulation and histamine release.
3. A patient exhibits Kussmaul respirations, a blood pH of 7.25, and a low serum bicarbonate
level. Which acid-base imbalance is most likely present?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low
bicarbonate; Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2.
, 4. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of cerebral edema in a
patient with severe hyponatremia?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Movement of water from the intracellular to extracellular space
D. Movement of water from the extracellular to intracellular space
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In hyponatremia, the extracellular fluid is hypotonic compared
to the intracellular fluid, causing water to move into the cells by osmosis, resulting in
cellular swelling.
5. Which of the following describes the role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
(RAAS) in heart failure?
A. Increases systemic vascular resistance and sodium retention
B. Decreases preload and afterload to protect the heart
C. Promotes renal excretion of potassium and water
D. Inhibits cardiac remodeling and ventricular hypertrophy
Answer: A
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 55-year-old male presents with a history of chronic smoking. Biopsy of his bronchial
epithelium reveals that the normal ciliated columnar cells have been replaced by stratified
squamous cells. This cellular adaptation is best described as:
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Anaplasia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation like smoking.
,2. In Type I hypersensitivity reactions, which antibody isotype primarily mediates the release
of histamine from mast cells?
A. IgG
B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: IgE binds to Fc receptors on mast cells; subsequent exposure to
an allergen cross-links these IgE molecules, triggering degranulation and histamine release.
3. A patient exhibits Kussmaul respirations, a blood pH of 7.25, and a low serum bicarbonate
level. Which acid-base imbalance is most likely present?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low pH and low
bicarbonate; Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2.
, 4. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of cerebral edema in a
patient with severe hyponatremia?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Movement of water from the intracellular to extracellular space
D. Movement of water from the extracellular to intracellular space
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In hyponatremia, the extracellular fluid is hypotonic compared
to the intracellular fluid, causing water to move into the cells by osmosis, resulting in
cellular swelling.
5. Which of the following describes the role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
(RAAS) in heart failure?
A. Increases systemic vascular resistance and sodium retention
B. Decreases preload and afterload to protect the heart
C. Promotes renal excretion of potassium and water
D. Inhibits cardiac remodeling and ventricular hypertrophy
Answer: A
