SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPD… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE
|Nightingale College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Institution: Nightingale College
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPD… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A 55-year-old male smoker exhibits a change in the epithelial lining of his bronchi from
ciliated columnar cells to stratified squamous cells. This cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another, often as a
response to chronic irritation like smoking. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of edema in a patient with
liver failure and low albumin levels?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: Albumin is the main protein responsible for plasma oncotic pressure; low levels lead to fluid
leaking into the interstitial space. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPD… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas results show pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory
cause. This is important because the nurse must choose the action that keeps the client safest while
still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when answering these questions. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities.
4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with ischemic injury to the brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Answer: D
Rationale: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain due to the high lipid and enzyme content, resulting
in soft, liquid-filled cysts. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when
similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly.
Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE
|Nightingale College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Institution: Nightingale College
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPD… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A 55-year-old male smoker exhibits a change in the epithelial lining of his bronchi from
ciliated columnar cells to stratified squamous cells. This cellular adaptation is known as:
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another, often as a
response to chronic irritation like smoking. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of edema in a patient with
liver failure and low albumin levels?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: B
Rationale: Albumin is the main protein responsible for plasma oncotic pressure; low levels lead to fluid
leaking into the interstitial space. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, SCI225 Pathophysiology Midterm Exam 2026/2027 UPD… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas results show pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory
cause. This is important because the nurse must choose the action that keeps the client safest while
still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when answering these questions. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities.
4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with ischemic injury to the brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Answer: D
Rationale: Liquefactive necrosis occurs in the brain due to the high lipid and enzyme content, resulting
in soft, liquid-filled cysts. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when
similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly.
Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3