ONL:HU NSG120 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM
1 2026 FALL C – HERZING UNIVERSITY HESI
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death
Inflammation and Immunity
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Genetics and Genetic Disorders
Neoplasia and Cancer Biology
Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Disease
Introduction
The ONL:HU NSG120 Pathophysiology Exam 1 for Herzing University
assesses the nursing student's understanding of the fundamental
mechanisms of disease. The examination evaluates foundational
cellular biology, applied pathophysiological concepts, genetic
principles, and the body's response to injury and infection. Questions
are structured as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that
emphasise clinical application, critical thinking, and the ability to
connect disease processes to patient manifestations. Candidates
must demonstrate proficiency in analysing cellular adaptations,
interpreting laboratory findings, and applying pathophysiological
,principles to real-world clinical situations. This assessment ensures
that students build the strong theoretical foundation required for
safe and effective nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size
and function due to reduced workload or diminished blood supply?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
RATIONALE: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to reduced
functional demand, disuse, or inadequate nutrition. This adaptation
allows the cell to conserve energy but reduces organ function.
Question 2
A patient with chronic hypertension develops left ventricular
enlargement. This is an example of:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
, B. Hypertrophy
RATIONALE: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of
individual cells in response to increased workload. In chronic
hypertension, the left ventricle undergoes hypertrophy to pump
against increased resistance.
Question 3
A 60-year-old smoker has a bronchial biopsy showing replacement
of normal ciliated columnar epithelium with stratified squamous
epithelium. This cellular change is called:
A. Anaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
C. Metaplasia
RATIONALE: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one
mature cell type by another, often in response to chronic irritation
such as tobacco smoke. This adaptation provides better protection
against the irritant.
Question 4
A Pap smear from a 35-year-old female reveals disordered growth of
cervical epithelial cells with loss of normal architecture but no
invasion. This finding is:
A. Metaplasia
, B. Anaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
RATIONALE: Dysplasia is characterized by deranged cell growth
with variations in cell size, shape, and organization. It is often a
precancerous lesion that can progress to malignancy if the stimulus
persists.
Question 5
The earliest reversible change in cell injury due to hypoxia is:
A. Nuclear pyknosis
B. Cellular swelling
C. Fatty change
D. Membrane rupture
B. Cellular swelling
RATIONALE: Cellular swelling is the earliest manifestation of
reversible cell injury. It occurs due to failure of the sodium-
potassium pump, leading to accumulation of sodium and water
within the cell.
Question 6
A patient with a myocardial infarction has dead heart muscle tissue
with preserved structural outlines. This type of necrosis is:
A. Coagulative necrosis
1 2026 FALL C – HERZING UNIVERSITY HESI
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains
Cellular Adaptation, Injury, and Death
Inflammation and Immunity
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Genetics and Genetic Disorders
Neoplasia and Cancer Biology
Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Disease
Introduction
The ONL:HU NSG120 Pathophysiology Exam 1 for Herzing University
assesses the nursing student's understanding of the fundamental
mechanisms of disease. The examination evaluates foundational
cellular biology, applied pathophysiological concepts, genetic
principles, and the body's response to injury and infection. Questions
are structured as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that
emphasise clinical application, critical thinking, and the ability to
connect disease processes to patient manifestations. Candidates
must demonstrate proficiency in analysing cellular adaptations,
interpreting laboratory findings, and applying pathophysiological
,principles to real-world clinical situations. This assessment ensures
that students build the strong theoretical foundation required for
safe and effective nursing practice.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which cellular adaptation is characterized by a decrease in cell size
and function due to reduced workload or diminished blood supply?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
RATIONALE: Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to reduced
functional demand, disuse, or inadequate nutrition. This adaptation
allows the cell to conserve energy but reduces organ function.
Question 2
A patient with chronic hypertension develops left ventricular
enlargement. This is an example of:
A. Hyperplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
, B. Hypertrophy
RATIONALE: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of
individual cells in response to increased workload. In chronic
hypertension, the left ventricle undergoes hypertrophy to pump
against increased resistance.
Question 3
A 60-year-old smoker has a bronchial biopsy showing replacement
of normal ciliated columnar epithelium with stratified squamous
epithelium. This cellular change is called:
A. Anaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
C. Metaplasia
RATIONALE: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one
mature cell type by another, often in response to chronic irritation
such as tobacco smoke. This adaptation provides better protection
against the irritant.
Question 4
A Pap smear from a 35-year-old female reveals disordered growth of
cervical epithelial cells with loss of normal architecture but no
invasion. This finding is:
A. Metaplasia
, B. Anaplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
RATIONALE: Dysplasia is characterized by deranged cell growth
with variations in cell size, shape, and organization. It is often a
precancerous lesion that can progress to malignancy if the stimulus
persists.
Question 5
The earliest reversible change in cell injury due to hypoxia is:
A. Nuclear pyknosis
B. Cellular swelling
C. Fatty change
D. Membrane rupture
B. Cellular swelling
RATIONALE: Cellular swelling is the earliest manifestation of
reversible cell injury. It occurs due to failure of the sodium-
potassium pump, leading to accumulation of sodium and water
within the cell.
Question 6
A patient with a myocardial infarction has dead heart muscle tissue
with preserved structural outlines. This type of necrosis is:
A. Coagulative necrosis
