BIO 322 Exam 1 V2 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with long-term cigarette smoking history shows a change in the respiratory
epithelium from ciliated columnar cells to stratified squamous cells. What is this process
called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation. In smokers, the fragile ciliated
columnar epithelium is replaced by tougher stratified squamous epithelium to survive the
harsh environment of cigarette smoke. While this provides protection, the loss of cilia
impairs the clearance of mucus and debris from the lungs.
2. Which of the following factors are known to cause cellular injury? (Select all that apply)
A. Hypoxia
B. Free radical exposure
,C. Chemical agents and toxins
D. Genetic defects
E. Nutritional imbalances
F. Physical agents such as trauma
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E, F
Explanation: Cellular injury occurs when a cell is unable to maintain homeostasis in the
face of injurious stimuli. Hypoxia is one of the most common causes, leading to reduced
ATP production and cellular swelling. Other factors like oxidative stress, chemical toxicity,
and physical trauma directly damage cellular structures such as the plasma membrane and
DNA.
3. A patient presents with peripheral edema. Which physiological mechanism most likely
contributes to the movement of fluid into the interstitial space?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased interstitial oncotic pressure
D. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, often caused by venous obstruction
or sodium/water retention, pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space.
,This follows Starling’s Law of Capillaries regarding fluid movement. Edema occurs when
this pressure exceeds the opposing capillary oncotic pressure, which normally keeps fluid
within the vessel.
4. An arterial blood gas (ABG) result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg, indicating a respiratory cause. The bicarbonate level is within the normal range,
suggesting that compensation has not yet occurred. This pattern is characteristic of
hypoventilation where carbon dioxide is retained in the body.
5. A patient’s lab results show a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Increased muscle strength
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Polyuria
, D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, significantly
affects the resting membrane potential of excitable cells, particularly in the heart. Severe
elevations can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
Monitoring the EKG for peaked T-waves or widened QRS complexes is a critical nursing
intervention.
6. During the vascular stage of acute inflammation, what is the primary purpose of
vasodilation?
A. To decrease blood flow to the injured site
B. To decrease capillary permeability
C. To prevent the spread of pathogens
D. To increase blood flow and deliver leukocytes to the area
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Vasodilation is one of the earliest responses to tissue injury, mediated by
chemicals like histamine and nitric oxide. It results in increased blood flow to the site,
which manifests clinically as redness and warmth. This increased flow ensures that white
blood cells and plasma proteins reach the injured tissue to begin the defense and repair
process.
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with long-term cigarette smoking history shows a change in the respiratory
epithelium from ciliated columnar cells to stratified squamous cells. What is this process
called?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type, often as an adaptation to chronic irritation. In smokers, the fragile ciliated
columnar epithelium is replaced by tougher stratified squamous epithelium to survive the
harsh environment of cigarette smoke. While this provides protection, the loss of cilia
impairs the clearance of mucus and debris from the lungs.
2. Which of the following factors are known to cause cellular injury? (Select all that apply)
A. Hypoxia
B. Free radical exposure
,C. Chemical agents and toxins
D. Genetic defects
E. Nutritional imbalances
F. Physical agents such as trauma
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E, F
Explanation: Cellular injury occurs when a cell is unable to maintain homeostasis in the
face of injurious stimuli. Hypoxia is one of the most common causes, leading to reduced
ATP production and cellular swelling. Other factors like oxidative stress, chemical toxicity,
and physical trauma directly damage cellular structures such as the plasma membrane and
DNA.
3. A patient presents with peripheral edema. Which physiological mechanism most likely
contributes to the movement of fluid into the interstitial space?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased interstitial oncotic pressure
D. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, often caused by venous obstruction
or sodium/water retention, pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space.
,This follows Starling’s Law of Capillaries regarding fluid movement. Edema occurs when
this pressure exceeds the opposing capillary oncotic pressure, which normally keeps fluid
within the vessel.
4. An arterial blood gas (ABG) result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg, indicating a respiratory cause. The bicarbonate level is within the normal range,
suggesting that compensation has not yet occurred. This pattern is characteristic of
hypoventilation where carbon dioxide is retained in the body.
5. A patient’s lab results show a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Increased muscle strength
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Polyuria
, D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, significantly
affects the resting membrane potential of excitable cells, particularly in the heart. Severe
elevations can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
Monitoring the EKG for peaked T-waves or widened QRS complexes is a critical nursing
intervention.
6. During the vascular stage of acute inflammation, what is the primary purpose of
vasodilation?
A. To decrease blood flow to the injured site
B. To decrease capillary permeability
C. To prevent the spread of pathogens
D. To increase blood flow and deliver leukocytes to the area
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Vasodilation is one of the earliest responses to tissue injury, mediated by
chemicals like histamine and nitric oxide. It results in increased blood flow to the site,
which manifests clinically as redness and warmth. This increased flow ensures that white
blood cells and plasma proteins reach the injured tissue to begin the defense and repair
process.
