DAVIS ADVANTAGE FOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3RD EDITION
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | NURSING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
CLINICAL JUDGMENT & EXAM PREP
UNIT 1: THE CELL
CHAPTER 1: THE CELL IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
20 ORIGINAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
A nursing student is reviewing the organization of a typical human cell. The student states that the
cell membrane primarily separates the intracellular environment from the extracellular
environment and helps regulate what enters and leaves the cell.
Which additional function is most directly associated with the cell membrane?
A. Producing most of the cell's adenosine triphosphate
B. Regulating communication between the cell and its environment
C. Storing the cell's genetic information
D. Synthesizing proteins from messenger RNA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The cell membrane forms a selectively regulated boundary between the intracellular and
extracellular environments. In addition to controlling movement of substances, membrane
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
proteins participate in cellular communication, recognition, and signaling. This allows the cell to
respond appropriately to changes in its environment and maintain internal stability.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Mitochondria are primarily associated with cellular energy production; this is not the principal
function of the cell membrane.
B. Correct. Membrane proteins can receive and transmit signals and participate in cellular
recognition and communication.
C. The nucleus contains the majority of the cell's genetic material.
D. Ribosomes are responsible for translating messenger RNA into proteins.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Cell membrane
Cognitive Level: Understanding
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 2
A patient asks a nursing student why the nucleus is sometimes described as the "control center"
of the cell.
Which response is most accurate?
A. "The nucleus contains genetic information that regulates many cellular activities."
B. "The nucleus is responsible for producing most of the cell's ATP."
C. "The nucleus controls movement of water across the cell membrane."
D. "The nucleus directly transports proteins throughout the cytoplasm."
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,Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material and regulates cellular activities through the
expression of genetic information. Genes provide instructions that influence protein production
and, consequently, many cellular functions.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Correct. Genetic information within the nucleus directs many cellular activities.
B. Mitochondria are the major organelles associated with ATP production.
C. Movement of water across the membrane depends on membrane properties and transport
mechanisms rather than direct control by the nucleus.
D. Protein transport through the cell involves structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum and
Golgi apparatus.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Nucleus and genetic regulation
Cognitive Level: Understanding
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 3
A cell requires a continuous supply of energy to support processes such as active transport and
cellular maintenance. The nurse explains that a specific organelle is particularly important for
producing usable cellular energy.
Which organelle performs this function?
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, Davis Advantage for Pathophysiology 3rd Edition Practice Questions | Nursing Pathophysiology Clinical Judgment & Exam Prep
A. Lysosome
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Ribosome
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Mitochondria are major sites of cellular energy production. They generate ATP, which provides
usable energy for numerous cellular processes. Cells with substantial energy requirements
therefore depend heavily on mitochondrial activity.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Lysosomes contain enzymes involved in intracellular digestion and degradation.
B. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages cellular products.
C. Correct. Mitochondria generate ATP used to support cellular activities.
D. Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
Chapter: Chapter 1: The Cell in Health and Illness
Topic: Cell Structure and Function
Subtopic: Mitochondria
Cognitive Level: Recall
Question Type: MCQ
CJMM: Not applicable
Difficulty: Moderate
Question 4
A cell is synthesizing proteins that will ultimately be transported to another location. The nurse
recognizes that several organelles work together during this process.
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