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NURS 504 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM Exam 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100% Latest
Already Graded A+
QUESTION 1
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
plasma membrane?
A) Synthesis of proteins
B) Storage of genetic material
C) Regulation of the passage of substances into and out of the cell
D) Production of adenosine triphosphate
Answer: C) Regulation of the passage of substances into and out of the
cell
Explanation: The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, controlling
the movement of ions, nutrients, and waste products. Protein synthesis
occurs at ribosomes, genetic material is stored in the nucleus, and ATP
is produced in the mitochondria.
QUESTION 2
In a patient with metabolic acidosis, which compensatory mechanism is
most likely to be activated?
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A) Increased respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide
B) Decreased respiratory rate to retain carbon dioxide
C) Increased renal excretion of bicarbonate
D) Decreased renal excretion of hydrogen ions
Answer: A) Increased respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide
Explanation: In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing
the respiratory rate (hyperventilation) to eliminate CO2, which reduces
carbonic acid and raises pH. Renal compensation is slower and would
involve retaining bicarbonate and excreting H+.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is an example of a second messenger in cellular
signaling?
A) Adenylate cyclase
B) Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
C) G protein
D) Receptor tyrosine kinase
Answer: B) Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
Explanation: cAMP is a classic second messenger that amplifies signals
from first messengers like hormones. Adenylate cyclase is the enzyme
that produces cAMP, G proteins are transducers, and receptor tyrosine
kinases are receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity.
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QUESTION 4
A patient presents with edema due to decreased plasma oncotic
pressure. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause?
A) Liver failure
B) Heart failure
C) Acute kidney injury
D) Deep vein thrombosis
Answer: A) Liver failure
Explanation: Plasma oncotic pressure is largely determined by albumin,
which is synthesized in the liver. Liver failure reduces albumin
production, decreasing oncotic pressure and leading to fluid shifting
into the interstitial space. Heart failure causes increased hydrostatic
pressure, kidney injury causes sodium/water retention, and DVT causes
localized venous obstruction.
QUESTION 5
Inflammation is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Redness
B) Heat
C) Pallor
D) Swelling
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Answer: C) Pallor
Explanation: The classic signs of inflammation are rubor (redness), calor
(heat), tumor (swelling), and dolor (pain). Pallor is associated with
decreased blood flow, such as in ischemia, not with the vasodilation and
increased blood flow typical of acute inflammation.
QUESTION 6
Which of the following represents a reversible cellular injury?
A) Apoptosis
B) Necrosis
C) Cellular swelling
D) Karyolysis
Answer: C) Cellular swelling
Explanation: Cellular swelling, or hydropic change, is an early reversible
response to injury involving failure of the sodium-potassium pump.
Apoptosis and necrosis are forms of cell death, and karyolysis is a
nuclear change seen in irreversible injury.
QUESTION 7
The primary mechanism of action of loop diuretics such as furosemide
is:
A) Inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule
NURS 504 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDTERM Exam 2026-2027
BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100% Latest
Already Graded A+
QUESTION 1
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
plasma membrane?
A) Synthesis of proteins
B) Storage of genetic material
C) Regulation of the passage of substances into and out of the cell
D) Production of adenosine triphosphate
Answer: C) Regulation of the passage of substances into and out of the
cell
Explanation: The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, controlling
the movement of ions, nutrients, and waste products. Protein synthesis
occurs at ribosomes, genetic material is stored in the nucleus, and ATP
is produced in the mitochondria.
QUESTION 2
In a patient with metabolic acidosis, which compensatory mechanism is
most likely to be activated?
,2|Page
A) Increased respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide
B) Decreased respiratory rate to retain carbon dioxide
C) Increased renal excretion of bicarbonate
D) Decreased renal excretion of hydrogen ions
Answer: A) Increased respiratory rate to blow off carbon dioxide
Explanation: In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing
the respiratory rate (hyperventilation) to eliminate CO2, which reduces
carbonic acid and raises pH. Renal compensation is slower and would
involve retaining bicarbonate and excreting H+.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is an example of a second messenger in cellular
signaling?
A) Adenylate cyclase
B) Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
C) G protein
D) Receptor tyrosine kinase
Answer: B) Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
Explanation: cAMP is a classic second messenger that amplifies signals
from first messengers like hormones. Adenylate cyclase is the enzyme
that produces cAMP, G proteins are transducers, and receptor tyrosine
kinases are receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity.
,3|Page
QUESTION 4
A patient presents with edema due to decreased plasma oncotic
pressure. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause?
A) Liver failure
B) Heart failure
C) Acute kidney injury
D) Deep vein thrombosis
Answer: A) Liver failure
Explanation: Plasma oncotic pressure is largely determined by albumin,
which is synthesized in the liver. Liver failure reduces albumin
production, decreasing oncotic pressure and leading to fluid shifting
into the interstitial space. Heart failure causes increased hydrostatic
pressure, kidney injury causes sodium/water retention, and DVT causes
localized venous obstruction.
QUESTION 5
Inflammation is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Redness
B) Heat
C) Pallor
D) Swelling
, 4|Page
Answer: C) Pallor
Explanation: The classic signs of inflammation are rubor (redness), calor
(heat), tumor (swelling), and dolor (pain). Pallor is associated with
decreased blood flow, such as in ischemia, not with the vasodilation and
increased blood flow typical of acute inflammation.
QUESTION 6
Which of the following represents a reversible cellular injury?
A) Apoptosis
B) Necrosis
C) Cellular swelling
D) Karyolysis
Answer: C) Cellular swelling
Explanation: Cellular swelling, or hydropic change, is an early reversible
response to injury involving failure of the sodium-potassium pump.
Apoptosis and necrosis are forms of cell death, and karyolysis is a
nuclear change seen in irreversible injury.
QUESTION 7
The primary mechanism of action of loop diuretics such as furosemide
is:
A) Inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule
