NR 507 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027. CHAMBERLAIN
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, less mature cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation, such as in the airway of a smoker.
2. A patient presents with tall, peaked T waves on an EKG. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the practitioner suspect?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
,D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high potassium) increases the rate of
repolarization, leading to tall, peaked T waves and potentially leading to fatal arrhythmias.
3. In metabolic acidosis, how does the respiratory system compensate to return the pH to
normal?
A. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
B. Hyperventilation to blow off CO2
C. Retention of bicarbonate by the lungs
D. Increased production of carbonic acid
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: To compensate for metabolic acidosis, the body increases the
rate and depth of breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to lower PaCO2 levels, thereby raising
the pH.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
, D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE antibodies binding to mast cells, triggering degranulation.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of foam cells in
atherosclerosis?
A. Platelet aggregation at the site of injury
B. Calcium deposition in the tunica media
C. Smooth muscle cell atrophy
D. Macrophages engulfing oxidized LDL
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Foam cells are formed when macrophages migrate into the
arterial wall and ingest oxidized LDL cholesterol, becoming a hallmark of early
atherosclerotic plaques.
6. An individual with Huntington disease has a 50% chance of passing the gene to their
offspring. This indicates which inheritance pattern?
A. Autosomal recessive
B. X-linked recessive
C. Mitochondrial
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027. CHAMBERLAIN
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, less mature cell type?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is a reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation, such as in the airway of a smoker.
2. A patient presents with tall, peaked T waves on an EKG. Which electrolyte imbalance
should the practitioner suspect?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
,D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high potassium) increases the rate of
repolarization, leading to tall, peaked T waves and potentially leading to fatal arrhythmias.
3. In metabolic acidosis, how does the respiratory system compensate to return the pH to
normal?
A. Hypoventilation to retain CO2
B. Hyperventilation to blow off CO2
C. Retention of bicarbonate by the lungs
D. Increased production of carbonic acid
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: To compensate for metabolic acidosis, the body increases the
rate and depth of breathing (Kussmaul respirations) to lower PaCO2 levels, thereby raising
the pH.
4. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves the release of
histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
, D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE antibodies binding to mast cells, triggering degranulation.
5. What is the primary pathophysiology behind the development of foam cells in
atherosclerosis?
A. Platelet aggregation at the site of injury
B. Calcium deposition in the tunica media
C. Smooth muscle cell atrophy
D. Macrophages engulfing oxidized LDL
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Foam cells are formed when macrophages migrate into the
arterial wall and ingest oxidized LDL cholesterol, becoming a hallmark of early
atherosclerotic plaques.
6. An individual with Huntington disease has a 50% chance of passing the gene to their
offspring. This indicates which inheritance pattern?
A. Autosomal recessive
B. X-linked recessive
C. Mitochondrial
