BIO 322 Exam 1 V3 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient has experienced a decrease in the size of the skeletal muscle cells in the left leg
after being in a cast for 8 weeks. What is the correct term for this cellular adaptation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced
blood supply. In this clinical scenario, the lack of mechanical use while in a cast leads to
disuse atrophy of the muscle. This process allows the cell to survive by reducing its
metabolic requirements to a more sustainable level.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less mature cell type?
A. Dysplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often less differentiated, cell type. This is commonly seen in the respiratory tract of
smokers where ciliated columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
While it provides a protective barrier, the loss of cilia can lead to impaired clearance of
mucus and debris.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient with acute inflammation. Which of the following signs and
symptoms are considered cardinal signs of the inflammatory response? (Select all that apply)
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Pallor (Paleness)
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The classic cardinal signs of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling,
and pain, which result from increased blood flow and capillary permeability. Loss of
function was later added as a fifth sign to describe the clinical impact on the affected area.
, Pallor is not a sign of inflammation; rather, the area typically appears flushed or red due to
vasodilation.
4. Dysplasia is most accurately described by which of the following statements?
A. It refers to abnormal changes in size, shape, and organization of mature cells.
B. It involves the increase in the number of cells in an organ.
C. It is a normal physiological process of aging.
D. It is the same as cancer and always leads to malignancy.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of
mature cells and is often called atypical hyperplasia. While it is not a true adaptive process,
it is frequently found adjacent to cancerous cells and can be a precursor to malignancy.
Healthcare providers monitor dysplastic changes closely to intervene before they progress
to invasive cancer.
5. Which type of cell death involves cellular self-destruction and is often referred to as
programmed cell death?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Apoptosis
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Exam 1) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient has experienced a decrease in the size of the skeletal muscle cells in the left leg
after being in a cast for 8 weeks. What is the correct term for this cellular adaptation?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atrophy is a decrease in cellular size caused by aging, disuse, or reduced
blood supply. In this clinical scenario, the lack of mechanical use while in a cast leads to
disuse atrophy of the muscle. This process allows the cell to survive by reducing its
metabolic requirements to a more sustainable level.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less mature cell type?
A. Dysplasia
B. Metaplasia
C. Atrophy
,D. Hyperplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often less differentiated, cell type. This is commonly seen in the respiratory tract of
smokers where ciliated columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
While it provides a protective barrier, the loss of cilia can lead to impaired clearance of
mucus and debris.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient with acute inflammation. Which of the following signs and
symptoms are considered cardinal signs of the inflammatory response? (Select all that apply)
A. Redness (Rubor)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Swelling (Tumor)
D. Pain (Dolor)
E. Loss of function (Functio laesa)
F. Pallor (Paleness)
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, E
Explanation: The classic cardinal signs of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling,
and pain, which result from increased blood flow and capillary permeability. Loss of
function was later added as a fifth sign to describe the clinical impact on the affected area.
, Pallor is not a sign of inflammation; rather, the area typically appears flushed or red due to
vasodilation.
4. Dysplasia is most accurately described by which of the following statements?
A. It refers to abnormal changes in size, shape, and organization of mature cells.
B. It involves the increase in the number of cells in an organ.
C. It is a normal physiological process of aging.
D. It is the same as cancer and always leads to malignancy.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of
mature cells and is often called atypical hyperplasia. While it is not a true adaptive process,
it is frequently found adjacent to cancerous cells and can be a precursor to malignancy.
Healthcare providers monitor dysplastic changes closely to intervene before they progress
to invasive cancer.
5. Which type of cell death involves cellular self-destruction and is often referred to as
programmed cell death?
A. Necrosis
B. Autolysis
C. Coagulative necrosis
D. Apoptosis
