NURS 5315 UTA Exam 1 Nursing Pathophysiology Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Practice Questions and Correct Answers
1. A patient presents with symptoms of wet gangrene in their lower limb. What
immediate clinical considerations should be taken into account?
Monitoring for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Potential for systemic infection and the need for urgent surgical
intervention.
Administering antibiotics without further assessment.
Encouraging the patient to rest and avoid movement.
2. Describe the significance of prostate specific antigen in the diagnosis of
prostate cancer.
Prostate specific antigen is a marker for liver function.
Prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by prostate cells,
and elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer.
Prostate specific antigen is a hormone that regulates testosterone
levels.
Prostate specific antigen is a type of antibody involved in immune
response.
3. Describe the process of osmosis and its significance in cellular function.
Osmosis refers to the diffusion of gases in the bloodstream, affecting
respiration.
Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable
membrane, crucial for maintaining cellular fluid balance.
Osmosis is the process of cell division that leads to tissue growth.
, Osmosis is the active transport of nutrients into cells, which is essential
for energy production.
4. What is the normal osmolality range in milliosmoles per kilogram of water
(mOsm)?
300-320 mOsm
250-270 mOsm
280-295 mOsm
320-340 mOsm
5. What causes the swelling and distension of cells in oncosis?
Calcium and potassium leaving the cell
Glucose accumulation in the cell
Sodium and water entering the cell
Lactic acid buildup in the cell
6. Describe the potential effects of acidosis on the central nervous system
(CNS).
Acidosis can lead to CNS depression, resulting in symptoms such as
restlessness, confusion, and seizures.
Acidosis enhances CNS activity, causing increased alertness and
energy.
Acidosis has no significant effects on the CNS.
Acidosis only affects the respiratory system, not the CNS.
7. What does the term "blastoma" refer to in tumor classification?
Benign tumors
, Hematopoietic malignancies
Malignancy of undifferentiated cells
Tumors named after physicians
8. Oncosis means swelling and is a form of cell death due to failure of the Na/K
pump. Which of the following is associated with this movement of water and
ions into the cells?
Decreased mitochondrial function
Increased membrane permeability
Dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles
9. Which statement is true about potassium ions in acid base balance?
Acidosis causes potassium to move FROM cells into the
extracellular fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Acidosis causes potassium to move INTO cells from the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Alkalosis causes potassium to move INTO cells from the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Alkalosis causes potassium to move FROM cells into the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
10. If a patient presents with fatty infiltration of the liver due to a high-fat diet,
what dietary changes would you recommend to prevent further liver
damage?
Increase alcohol consumption to improve liver function.
Reduce fat intake and increase consumption of fruits and
vegetables.
, Increase protein intake and decrease carbohydrate intake.
Maintain the current diet to avoid stress on the liver.
11. What condition is characterized by a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues?
Hypoxia
Necrosis
Ischemia
Anemia
12. In a clinical scenario, if a patient presents with elevated triglycerides and
normal serum sodium levels, what condition might they be experiencing?
Isotonic hyponatremia
True hypovolemia
Hypernatremia
Dehydration
13. What are some common causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Anxiety, pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure, or
salicylate overdose
Dehydration, renal failure, liver cirrhosis
Hypoxia, hypercapnia, metabolic acidosis
Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia
14. A polymorphic gene is a gene that has ______ _.
More than one common allele within a population
2026/2027 | Practice Questions and Correct Answers
1. A patient presents with symptoms of wet gangrene in their lower limb. What
immediate clinical considerations should be taken into account?
Monitoring for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Potential for systemic infection and the need for urgent surgical
intervention.
Administering antibiotics without further assessment.
Encouraging the patient to rest and avoid movement.
2. Describe the significance of prostate specific antigen in the diagnosis of
prostate cancer.
Prostate specific antigen is a marker for liver function.
Prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by prostate cells,
and elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer.
Prostate specific antigen is a hormone that regulates testosterone
levels.
Prostate specific antigen is a type of antibody involved in immune
response.
3. Describe the process of osmosis and its significance in cellular function.
Osmosis refers to the diffusion of gases in the bloodstream, affecting
respiration.
Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable
membrane, crucial for maintaining cellular fluid balance.
Osmosis is the process of cell division that leads to tissue growth.
, Osmosis is the active transport of nutrients into cells, which is essential
for energy production.
4. What is the normal osmolality range in milliosmoles per kilogram of water
(mOsm)?
300-320 mOsm
250-270 mOsm
280-295 mOsm
320-340 mOsm
5. What causes the swelling and distension of cells in oncosis?
Calcium and potassium leaving the cell
Glucose accumulation in the cell
Sodium and water entering the cell
Lactic acid buildup in the cell
6. Describe the potential effects of acidosis on the central nervous system
(CNS).
Acidosis can lead to CNS depression, resulting in symptoms such as
restlessness, confusion, and seizures.
Acidosis enhances CNS activity, causing increased alertness and
energy.
Acidosis has no significant effects on the CNS.
Acidosis only affects the respiratory system, not the CNS.
7. What does the term "blastoma" refer to in tumor classification?
Benign tumors
, Hematopoietic malignancies
Malignancy of undifferentiated cells
Tumors named after physicians
8. Oncosis means swelling and is a form of cell death due to failure of the Na/K
pump. Which of the following is associated with this movement of water and
ions into the cells?
Decreased mitochondrial function
Increased membrane permeability
Dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles
9. Which statement is true about potassium ions in acid base balance?
Acidosis causes potassium to move FROM cells into the
extracellular fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Acidosis causes potassium to move INTO cells from the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Alkalosis causes potassium to move INTO cells from the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
Alkalosis causes potassium to move FROM cells into the extracellular
fluid (plasma) in exchange for hydrogen ions
10. If a patient presents with fatty infiltration of the liver due to a high-fat diet,
what dietary changes would you recommend to prevent further liver
damage?
Increase alcohol consumption to improve liver function.
Reduce fat intake and increase consumption of fruits and
vegetables.
, Increase protein intake and decrease carbohydrate intake.
Maintain the current diet to avoid stress on the liver.
11. What condition is characterized by a deficiency of oxygen in the tissues?
Hypoxia
Necrosis
Ischemia
Anemia
12. In a clinical scenario, if a patient presents with elevated triglycerides and
normal serum sodium levels, what condition might they be experiencing?
Isotonic hyponatremia
True hypovolemia
Hypernatremia
Dehydration
13. What are some common causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Anxiety, pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure, or
salicylate overdose
Dehydration, renal failure, liver cirrhosis
Hypoxia, hypercapnia, metabolic acidosis
Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia
14. A polymorphic gene is a gene that has ______ _.
More than one common allele within a population
