NURS 5315 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2…
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NURS 5315 Advanced
Pathophysiology Exam 1
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027 | UTA | Latest Verified
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 213 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 213 verified questions with provided correct answers and detailed
rationales, covering advanced pathophysiology. It is suitable for students preparing for
exams, reviewing course material, or engaging in certification preparation. The content
directly aligns with understanding complex physiological processes and their alterations.
TOPICS
• Cellular Electrophysiology • Cellular Adaptation and Injury
• Aging and Cellular Senescence • Metabolism and Biochemical Pathways
• Neoplasia: Tumors and Markers • Metastasis and Cancer Progression
• Syndromes and Systemic Effects • Acid-Base Balance and Buffers
• Genetics and Inheritance
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 213
Steps of the Action Potential
CORRECT ANSWER
Depolarization
Repolarization
Hyperpolarization
RATIONALE
The action potential progresses through sequential phases driven by voltage-gated ion channel
activity: rapid sodium influx causes depolarization, followed by potassium efflux leading to
repolarization, and a brief period of hyperpolarization as potassium channels close slowly. This
sequence represents the fundamental ionic events underlying neuronal excitability.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 213
Depolarization
CORRECT ANSWER
movement of the intracellular charge towards zero (more positive charge)
Voltage gated Na channels open and allow Na to enter the cell -> voltage inside the cell moves
towards zero
RATIONALE
Depolarization occurs when voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing influx of sodium ions
which shifts the intracellular charge toward zero, making it more positive. This influx of positive
charge is the defining characteristic of the depolarization phase of an action potential.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 213
Repolarization
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Once the intracellular charge reaches zero, the negative polarity of the inside of the cell is
restored back to its baseline of -70 to -85 mV
-Na channels close, K channels open
RATIONALE
Repolarization restores the resting membrane potential by inactivating sodium channels and
opening potassium channels, allowing potassium efflux and returning the intracellular charge to
negative values. This process is critical for resetting the neuron's electrical state after an action
potential.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 213
Hyperpolarization
CORRECT ANSWER
when the cell's resting membrane potential is greater than -85mV. Is less excitable, because
there is a greater distance between the resting membrane potential and the threshold
potential.
RATIONALE
Hyperpolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting
potential, increasing the distance to the threshold potential and thus reducing neuronal
excitability. This state requires a larger depolarization stimulus to reach the threshold for action
potential generation.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 213
In order for the action potential to be sucessful
CORRECT ANSWER
t has to depolarize by 15-20 mV (threshold potential) to reach -55 to -65 mV.
RATIONALE
Depolarization to the threshold potential, typically -55 to -65 mV achieved by a 15-20 mV increase
from resting potential, is required to activate voltage-gated sodium channels and propagate the
action potential. This principle of threshold activation is the key concept tested.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 213
An alteration in action potential may result from
CORRECT ANSWER
neurologic diseases, muscle disease or electrolyte imbalances.
RATIONALE
The action potential relies on precise ion gradients and membrane permeability, which can be
disrupted by neuromuscular pathology or imbalances in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and
calcium. These factors directly influence the electrical excitability and propagation of nerve and
muscle impulses.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 213
What is the main protein responsible for maintaining the correct balance of extracellular Na
and intracellular K, which is needed for cellular excitation and membrane conductivity.
CORRECT ANSWER
Na+-K+ ATPase
RATIONALE
The Na+-K+ ATPase is the primary active transporter that maintains the electrochemical gradient
across the cell membrane by pumping three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions
into the cell, which is critical for cellular excitability and nerve impulse transmission. This ion
pump's continuous action ensures the high extracellular sodium and high intracellular potassium
concentrations required for proper membrane potential.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 213
Resting membrane potential
CORRECT ANSWER
when the cell is in a nonexcited state and is at -70 to -85 mV.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NURS 5315 Advanced
Pathophysiology Exam 1
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027 | UTA | Latest Verified
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 213 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 213 verified questions with provided correct answers and detailed
rationales, covering advanced pathophysiology. It is suitable for students preparing for
exams, reviewing course material, or engaging in certification preparation. The content
directly aligns with understanding complex physiological processes and their alterations.
TOPICS
• Cellular Electrophysiology • Cellular Adaptation and Injury
• Aging and Cellular Senescence • Metabolism and Biochemical Pathways
• Neoplasia: Tumors and Markers • Metastasis and Cancer Progression
• Syndromes and Systemic Effects • Acid-Base Balance and Buffers
• Genetics and Inheritance
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 213
Steps of the Action Potential
CORRECT ANSWER
Depolarization
Repolarization
Hyperpolarization
RATIONALE
The action potential progresses through sequential phases driven by voltage-gated ion channel
activity: rapid sodium influx causes depolarization, followed by potassium efflux leading to
repolarization, and a brief period of hyperpolarization as potassium channels close slowly. This
sequence represents the fundamental ionic events underlying neuronal excitability.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 213
Depolarization
CORRECT ANSWER
movement of the intracellular charge towards zero (more positive charge)
Voltage gated Na channels open and allow Na to enter the cell -> voltage inside the cell moves
towards zero
RATIONALE
Depolarization occurs when voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing influx of sodium ions
which shifts the intracellular charge toward zero, making it more positive. This influx of positive
charge is the defining characteristic of the depolarization phase of an action potential.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 213
Repolarization
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Once the intracellular charge reaches zero, the negative polarity of the inside of the cell is
restored back to its baseline of -70 to -85 mV
-Na channels close, K channels open
RATIONALE
Repolarization restores the resting membrane potential by inactivating sodium channels and
opening potassium channels, allowing potassium efflux and returning the intracellular charge to
negative values. This process is critical for resetting the neuron's electrical state after an action
potential.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 213
Hyperpolarization
CORRECT ANSWER
when the cell's resting membrane potential is greater than -85mV. Is less excitable, because
there is a greater distance between the resting membrane potential and the threshold
potential.
RATIONALE
Hyperpolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting
potential, increasing the distance to the threshold potential and thus reducing neuronal
excitability. This state requires a larger depolarization stimulus to reach the threshold for action
potential generation.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 213
In order for the action potential to be sucessful
CORRECT ANSWER
t has to depolarize by 15-20 mV (threshold potential) to reach -55 to -65 mV.
RATIONALE
Depolarization to the threshold potential, typically -55 to -65 mV achieved by a 15-20 mV increase
from resting potential, is required to activate voltage-gated sodium channels and propagate the
action potential. This principle of threshold activation is the key concept tested.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 213
An alteration in action potential may result from
CORRECT ANSWER
neurologic diseases, muscle disease or electrolyte imbalances.
RATIONALE
The action potential relies on precise ion gradients and membrane permeability, which can be
disrupted by neuromuscular pathology or imbalances in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and
calcium. These factors directly influence the electrical excitability and propagation of nerve and
muscle impulses.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 213
What is the main protein responsible for maintaining the correct balance of extracellular Na
and intracellular K, which is needed for cellular excitation and membrane conductivity.
CORRECT ANSWER
Na+-K+ ATPase
RATIONALE
The Na+-K+ ATPase is the primary active transporter that maintains the electrochemical gradient
across the cell membrane by pumping three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions
into the cell, which is critical for cellular excitability and nerve impulse transmission. This ion
pump's continuous action ensures the high extracellular sodium and high intracellular potassium
concentrations required for proper membrane potential.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 213
Resting membrane potential
CORRECT ANSWER
when the cell is in a nonexcited state and is at -70 to -85 mV.
Page 4
