BIO 322 Final Exam V2 | BIO 322 Applied
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with redness, warmth, and swelling at the site of a minor injury. Which
of the following physiological responses are characteristic of the vascular stage of acute
inflammation? Select all that apply.
A. Vasoconstriction followed by rapid vasodilation
B. Increased capillary permeability
C. Movement of fluid into the interstitial space
D. Decreased oncotic pressure in the vascular compartment
E. Neutrophil migration across the endothelium
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: The vascular stage of acute inflammation begins with a brief period of
vasoconstriction followed by significant vasodilation to increase blood flow. This process
increases capillary permeability, allowing protein-rich fluid to leak into the extravascular
tissues. The accumulation of this fluid results in the clinical manifestation of edema and
swelling at the site of injury.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ
or tissue, which may be a risk factor for future malignancy?
A. Hyperplasia
,B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of cells resulting from an
increased rate of cellular division. While often a compensatory or hormonal response,
pathological hyperplasia can provide a fertile ground for cancerous transformation. This
differs from hypertrophy, which is an increase in the size of individual cells rather than
their number.
3. A 55-year-old male with a history of chronic smoking is diagnosed with Barrett’s
esophagus. The pathologist notes that the normal squamous epithelium has been replaced by
columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often in response to chronic irritation. In Barrett’s esophagus, the esophagus adapts to
, chronic acid reflux by changing its lining to a type better suited to handle acidity. If the
stimulus is not removed, these cells can progress to dysplasia and eventually esophageal
cancer.
4. Which of the following describes the mechanism of cell death characterized by organized
cellular breakdown and the absence of an inflammatory response?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Liquefactive necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Apoptosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Apoptosis is a programmed, energy-dependent process of cell death that
occurs under physiological and pathological conditions. Unlike necrosis, apoptosis does not
cause the cell to burst or release its contents into the surrounding tissue. Consequently, it
does not trigger the inflammatory cascade typical of necrotic cell death.
5. A patient is admitted with severe dehydration and a serum sodium level of 158 mEq/L.
Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
A. Thirst and dry mucous membranes
B. Confusion and lethargy
C. Muscle twitching
Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(BIO322 Final Exam) | Grand Canyon University
1. A patient presents with redness, warmth, and swelling at the site of a minor injury. Which
of the following physiological responses are characteristic of the vascular stage of acute
inflammation? Select all that apply.
A. Vasoconstriction followed by rapid vasodilation
B. Increased capillary permeability
C. Movement of fluid into the interstitial space
D. Decreased oncotic pressure in the vascular compartment
E. Neutrophil migration across the endothelium
Correct Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: The vascular stage of acute inflammation begins with a brief period of
vasoconstriction followed by significant vasodilation to increase blood flow. This process
increases capillary permeability, allowing protein-rich fluid to leak into the extravascular
tissues. The accumulation of this fluid results in the clinical manifestation of edema and
swelling at the site of injury.
2. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ
or tissue, which may be a risk factor for future malignancy?
A. Hyperplasia
,B. Atrophy
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of cells resulting from an
increased rate of cellular division. While often a compensatory or hormonal response,
pathological hyperplasia can provide a fertile ground for cancerous transformation. This
differs from hypertrophy, which is an increase in the size of individual cells rather than
their number.
3. A 55-year-old male with a history of chronic smoking is diagnosed with Barrett’s
esophagus. The pathologist notes that the normal squamous epithelium has been replaced by
columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another,
often in response to chronic irritation. In Barrett’s esophagus, the esophagus adapts to
, chronic acid reflux by changing its lining to a type better suited to handle acidity. If the
stimulus is not removed, these cells can progress to dysplasia and eventually esophageal
cancer.
4. Which of the following describes the mechanism of cell death characterized by organized
cellular breakdown and the absence of an inflammatory response?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Liquefactive necrosis
C. Caseous necrosis
D. Apoptosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Apoptosis is a programmed, energy-dependent process of cell death that
occurs under physiological and pathological conditions. Unlike necrosis, apoptosis does not
cause the cell to burst or release its contents into the surrounding tissue. Consequently, it
does not trigger the inflammatory cascade typical of necrotic cell death.
5. A patient is admitted with severe dehydration and a serum sodium level of 158 mEq/L.
Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
A. Thirst and dry mucous membranes
B. Confusion and lethargy
C. Muscle twitching
