2025/2026 – Rasmussen University |
Essentials of Pathophysiology | Verified A+
Questions & Answers
This final exam for NUR 2063 Pathophysiology (2025) includes 50 verified questions on cellular
injury, inflammation, immune disorders, neoplasia, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine,
and neurological pathophysiology. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, the correct
answer in RED, and detailed rationales with clinical implications.
Question 1: What is the primary mechanism of cellular hypertrophy in cardiac muscle?
A. Increased cell number
B. Increased cell size due to protein synthesis
C. Cell death and replacement
D. Decreased apoptosis
Correct Answer: B. Increased cell size due to protein synthesis
Rationale: Hypertrophy involves enlarged cells from workload; in heart, pressure overload (e.g.,
HTN) increases sarcomeres. Clinical Implication: Leads to heart failure; reversible early.
Question 2: In acute inflammation, the role of histamine is:
A. Chemotaxis for neutrophils
B. Vasodilation and increased permeability
C. Phagocytosis
D. Tissue repair
Correct Answer: B. Vasodilation and increased permeability
Rationale: Histamine from mast cells causes redness and edema. Clinical Implication: Allows
leukocyte extravasation; antihistamines for allergy.
Question 3: The hallmark of type I hypersensitivity is:
A. Immune complex deposition
B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
C. T-cell mediated
D. Antibody-mediated cytotoxicity
, Correct Answer: B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
Rationale: Type I = immediate (anaphylaxis). Clinical Implication: Epinephrine for
anaphylaxis.
Question 4: The primary difference between benign and malignant neoplasms is:
A. Growth rate
B. Invasive growth and metastasis
C. Cell size
D. Location
Correct Answer: B. Invasive growth and metastasis
Rationale: Malignant infiltrates and spreads. Clinical Implication: Biopsy and staging.
Question 5: In atherosclerosis, oxidized LDL causes:
A. Plaque stabilization
B. Endothelial inflammation and foam cell formation
C. Vasodilation
D. Lipid reduction
Correct Answer: B. Endothelial inflammation and foam cell formation
Rationale: Oxidized LDL recruits monocytes. Clinical Implication: Statins prevent oxidation.
Question 6: Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes?
A. Autoimmune beta cell destruction
B. Insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction
C. Glucagon deficiency
D. Cortisol excess
Correct Answer: B. Insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction
Rationale: Peripheral resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Clinical Implication: Lifestyle
+ metformin.
Question 7: Primary cause of ARDS?
A. Airway obstruction
B. Increased alveolar-capillary permeability
C. Pneumothorax
D. Pleural effusion
Correct Answer: B. Increased alveolar-capillary permeability
Rationale: Non-cardiogenic edema. Clinical Implication: Low tidal volume ventilation.