NUR 6111 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED - WILLIAM
PATERSON UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is diagnosed with Huntington disease. Which type of genetic transmission should
the nurse consider when planning care?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. X-linked recessive
C. Autosomal recessive
D. X-linked dominant
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant condition,
meaning a single copy of the altered gene is sufficient to cause the disorder.
,2. Which process is characterized by the programed cell death of specific cells without
inflammatory changes?
A. Autophagy
B. Apoptosis
C. Necrosis
D. Pyreptosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is distinct from necrosis as it is an active process of
cellular self-destruction that does not elicit an inflammatory response.
3. During a hypoxic injury, why does the cell swell?
A. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
B. Increased protein synthesis
C. Decreased osmotic pressure
D. Rapid outflow of water from the cell
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to ATP depletion, causing the sodium-potassium
pump to fail. Sodium then accumulates inside the cell, pulling water in by osmosis.
, 4. A patient has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is most likely to
be observed?
A. U waves on EKG
B. Polyuria
C. Hyporeflexia
D. Peaked T waves on EKG
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
EKG changes, including peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac
arrest.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgG mediated cytotoxic response
B. IgE binding to mast cells
C. Immune complex deposition
D. T-cell mediated delayed response
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity involves IgE antibodies binding to mast
cells, leading to degranulation and the release of histamine.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. JUST RELEASED - WILLIAM
PATERSON UNIVERSITY
1. A patient is diagnosed with Huntington disease. Which type of genetic transmission should
the nurse consider when planning care?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. X-linked recessive
C. Autosomal recessive
D. X-linked dominant
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant condition,
meaning a single copy of the altered gene is sufficient to cause the disorder.
,2. Which process is characterized by the programed cell death of specific cells without
inflammatory changes?
A. Autophagy
B. Apoptosis
C. Necrosis
D. Pyreptosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Apoptosis is distinct from necrosis as it is an active process of
cellular self-destruction that does not elicit an inflammatory response.
3. During a hypoxic injury, why does the cell swell?
A. Failure of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
B. Increased protein synthesis
C. Decreased osmotic pressure
D. Rapid outflow of water from the cell
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to ATP depletion, causing the sodium-potassium
pump to fail. Sodium then accumulates inside the cell, pulling water in by osmosis.
, 4. A patient has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is most likely to
be observed?
A. U waves on EKG
B. Polyuria
C. Hyporeflexia
D. Peaked T waves on EKG
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
EKG changes, including peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac
arrest.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind Type I hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgG mediated cytotoxic response
B. IgE binding to mast cells
C. Immune complex deposition
D. T-cell mediated delayed response
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity involves IgE antibodies binding to mast
cells, leading to degranulation and the release of histamine.
