NR283 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A patient with chronic cigarette smoking exhibits a change in the cells of the bronchial
mucosa from ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. Which cellular
adaptation is this?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another adult cell type, often as a response to chronic irritation.
2. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of Type III hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgE binds to mast cells causing histamine release.
B. Antigen-antibody complexes are deposited in tissues, activating complement.
C. Antibodies react with antigens on specific cell surfaces.
D. Cytotoxic T cells directly attack target cells.
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type III hypersensitivity involves the formation of immune
complexes that deposit in vessel walls or extravascular tissues, leading to inflammation and
tissue damage via complement activation.
3. In the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system?
A. Resistance stage
B. Recovery stage
C. Exhaustion stage
D. Alarm stage
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial emergency response where the
hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which pathophysiological
process is most likely occurring?
A. Hypertonic dehydration
B. Cerebral edema due to water moving into cells
C. Cellular shrinkage due to high osmotic pressure
D. Excessive secretion of aldosterone
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia (low sodium) causes water to move from the
extracellular fluid into the cells via osmosis, leading to cellular swelling, which is
particularly dangerous in the brain.
5. What is the primary mechanism of edema in a patient with liver failure and low albumin
levels?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary permeability
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the main protein responsible for maintaining plasma
oncotic pressure. Low albumin leads to fluid leaking out of capillaries into the interstitial
space.
6. Which of the following acid-base imbalances would you expect in a patient with severe,
prolonged vomiting?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A patient with chronic cigarette smoking exhibits a change in the cells of the bronchial
mucosa from ciliated columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium. Which cellular
adaptation is this?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another adult cell type, often as a response to chronic irritation.
2. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of Type III hypersensitivity reactions?
A. IgE binds to mast cells causing histamine release.
B. Antigen-antibody complexes are deposited in tissues, activating complement.
C. Antibodies react with antigens on specific cell surfaces.
D. Cytotoxic T cells directly attack target cells.
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type III hypersensitivity involves the formation of immune
complexes that deposit in vessel walls or extravascular tissues, leading to inflammation and
tissue damage via complement activation.
3. In the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system?
A. Resistance stage
B. Recovery stage
C. Exhaustion stage
D. Alarm stage
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial emergency response where the
hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which pathophysiological
process is most likely occurring?
A. Hypertonic dehydration
B. Cerebral edema due to water moving into cells
C. Cellular shrinkage due to high osmotic pressure
D. Excessive secretion of aldosterone
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyponatremia (low sodium) causes water to move from the
extracellular fluid into the cells via osmosis, leading to cellular swelling, which is
particularly dangerous in the brain.
5. What is the primary mechanism of edema in a patient with liver failure and low albumin
levels?
A. Decreased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Increased capillary permeability
C. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D. Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the main protein responsible for maintaining plasma
oncotic pressure. Low albumin leads to fluid leaking out of capillaries into the interstitial
space.
6. Which of the following acid-base imbalances would you expect in a patient with severe,
prolonged vomiting?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
