NRS 455 Final Exam V1 | NRS 455 Pathophysiology
| Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Final Exam) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with chronic hypertension exhibits thickening of the left ventricular wall. Which
cellular adaptation is this most representative of?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypertrophy involves an increase in the size of cells, which leads to an
increase in the size of the affected organ. In this clinical scenario, the cardiac myocytes
enlarge to handle the increased workload caused by high blood pressure. This differs from
hyperplasia, which involves an increase in the number of cells rather than their size.
2. Which of the following processes characterizes the cellular change seen in the airway of a
chronic smoker where ciliated columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous
epithelium?
A. Dysplasia
B. Metaplasia
,C. Anaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. This is often a response to chronic irritation, such as cigarette
smoke in the lungs. While the new cells are better able to survive the stress, they often lack
the functional capabilities, such as mucus secretion and ciliary action, of the original cells.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient with acute inflammation. Which of the following findings are
considered local manifestations of this process? Select all that apply.
A. Swelling (Edema)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Fever
D. Redness (Erythema)
E. Pain (Dolor)
F. Leukocytosis
Correct Answer: ABDE
Explanation: Local manifestations of inflammation include the classic signs: redness, heat,
swelling, and pain. These are caused by vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
, at the site of injury. Fever and leukocytosis are systemic manifestations, not local ones,
indicating a more widespread body response.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to occur in a patient with chronic renal failure
who is not adhering to their dietary restrictions?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hyperkalemia is a common and dangerous complication of renal failure
because the kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion. When kidney function
declines, potassium builds up in the blood, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias.
Patients must strictly limit their intake of high-potassium foods to manage this risk.
5. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
| Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRS455 Final Exam) |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with chronic hypertension exhibits thickening of the left ventricular wall. Which
cellular adaptation is this most representative of?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypertrophy involves an increase in the size of cells, which leads to an
increase in the size of the affected organ. In this clinical scenario, the cardiac myocytes
enlarge to handle the increased workload caused by high blood pressure. This differs from
hyperplasia, which involves an increase in the number of cells rather than their size.
2. Which of the following processes characterizes the cellular change seen in the airway of a
chronic smoker where ciliated columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous
epithelium?
A. Dysplasia
B. Metaplasia
,C. Anaplasia
D. Neoplasia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by
another adult cell type. This is often a response to chronic irritation, such as cigarette
smoke in the lungs. While the new cells are better able to survive the stress, they often lack
the functional capabilities, such as mucus secretion and ciliary action, of the original cells.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient with acute inflammation. Which of the following findings are
considered local manifestations of this process? Select all that apply.
A. Swelling (Edema)
B. Heat (Calor)
C. Fever
D. Redness (Erythema)
E. Pain (Dolor)
F. Leukocytosis
Correct Answer: ABDE
Explanation: Local manifestations of inflammation include the classic signs: redness, heat,
swelling, and pain. These are caused by vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
, at the site of injury. Fever and leukocytosis are systemic manifestations, not local ones,
indicating a more widespread body response.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to occur in a patient with chronic renal failure
who is not adhering to their dietary restrictions?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hyperkalemia is a common and dangerous complication of renal failure
because the kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion. When kidney function
declines, potassium builds up in the blood, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias.
Patients must strictly limit their intake of high-potassium foods to manage this risk.
5. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
