NSG 530 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE PREP
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, often in response to chronic irritation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another adult cell type. A classic example is the change in bronchial lining from ciliated
columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium in smokers.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of cellular edema during
hypoxic injury?
A. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
,B. Increase in intracellular calcium levels
C. Decrease in protein synthesis
D. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to reduced ATP production. Without ATP, the
Na+/K+ pump fails, leading to an accumulation of intracellular sodium, which draws water
into the cell, causing swelling (oncosis).
3. In the process of apoptosis, which enzymes are responsible for the execution phase that
leads to DNA fragmentation?
A. Kinases
B. Polymerases
C. Caspases
D. Amylases
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Caspases are proteolytic enzymes that are activated in a cascade
to carry out the programmed cell death process known as apoptosis.
4. What is the primary epigenetic mechanism where a methyl group is added to the cytosine
base of DNA, typically resulting in gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
, B. Ubiquitination
C. RNA interference
D. DNA methylation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves the attachment of a methyl group to a
cytosine, which usually inhibits gene expression (silencing).
5. A patient presents with extreme fatigue and a beefy red tongue. Laboratory results show
macrocytic, normochromic anemia. Which deficiency is most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Vitamin C deficiency
C. Folate deficiency
D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin B12 deficiency (often due to lack of intrinsic factor in
Pernicious Anemia) leads to macrocytic anemia and neurologic symptoms, often
accompanied by glossitis (red tongue).
6. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE PREP
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell
type by another, often in response to chronic irritation?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another adult cell type. A classic example is the change in bronchial lining from ciliated
columnar epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium in smokers.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of cellular edema during
hypoxic injury?
A. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
,B. Increase in intracellular calcium levels
C. Decrease in protein synthesis
D. Failure of the sodium-potassium pump
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoxia leads to reduced ATP production. Without ATP, the
Na+/K+ pump fails, leading to an accumulation of intracellular sodium, which draws water
into the cell, causing swelling (oncosis).
3. In the process of apoptosis, which enzymes are responsible for the execution phase that
leads to DNA fragmentation?
A. Kinases
B. Polymerases
C. Caspases
D. Amylases
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Caspases are proteolytic enzymes that are activated in a cascade
to carry out the programmed cell death process known as apoptosis.
4. What is the primary epigenetic mechanism where a methyl group is added to the cytosine
base of DNA, typically resulting in gene silencing?
A. Histone acetylation
, B. Ubiquitination
C. RNA interference
D. DNA methylation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DNA methylation involves the attachment of a methyl group to a
cytosine, which usually inhibits gene expression (silencing).
5. A patient presents with extreme fatigue and a beefy red tongue. Laboratory results show
macrocytic, normochromic anemia. Which deficiency is most likely?
A. Iron deficiency
B. Vitamin C deficiency
C. Folate deficiency
D. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Vitamin B12 deficiency (often due to lack of intrinsic factor in
Pernicious Anemia) leads to macrocytic anemia and neurologic symptoms, often
accompanied by glossitis (red tongue).
6. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
