rationales. These questions are designed to review key concepts in applied pathophysiology relevant to
advanced practice nursing. You may use these as a study aid or self-assessment tool.
Revision Test: Applied Pathophysiology
Question 1
Which of the following best distinguishes acute inflammation from chronic inflammation?
A. Presence of neutrophils exclusively in acute inflammation
B. Rapid onset with short duration in acute inflammation versus gradual onset and persistence in
chronic inflammation
C. Exclusively cell-mediated immunity in acute inflammation
D. Lack of vascular changes in chronic inflammation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Acute inflammation is characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and predominance of neutrophils.
In contrast, chronic inflammation develops gradually, lasts longer, and is often associated with a mix of
lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells. Answer B captures these differences accurately.
Question 2
A patient with left-sided heart failure typically presents with which of the following
pathophysiological changes?
A. Peripheral edema and hepatomegaly
B. Pulmonary congestion and reduced gas exchange
C. Elevated systemic vascular resistance
D. Increased contractility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Left-sided heart failure leads to backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary
congestion, interstitial edema, and impaired gas exchange. Peripheral edema and hepatomegaly are
more typical of right-sided failure. This makes option B the most accurate description.
Question 3
In type 2 diabetes mellitus, which of the following is the primary underlying mechanism?
A. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells
B. Insulin resistance coupled with relative insulin deficiency
, C. Complete lack of insulin production
D. Overproduction of glucagon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is mainly characterized by insulin resistance, where body tissues do not
respond adequately to insulin, along with a relative deficiency in insulin secretion. Unlike type 1
diabetes, autoimmune destruction is not the primary cause. Hence, option B is correct.
Question 4
Which laboratory finding is most indicative of acute pancreatitis?
A. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels
B. High blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Low serum calcium levels
D. Increased liver transaminases
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Acute pancreatitis typically presents with markedly elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase, which
are released from the damaged pancreatic acinar cells. Although other lab values can be abnormal,
option A is the hallmark finding.
Question 5
What is the rationale for using ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure?
A. They directly increase myocardial contractility.
B. They reduce afterload and preload by inhibiting angiotensin II formation.
C. They stimulate the release of catecholamines to improve cardiac output.
D. They cause vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and
reduced workload on the heart (both preload and afterload reduction). This mechanism improves
symptoms and overall cardiac function in heart failure. Option B correctly explains the rationale.
Question 6
Which of the following best describes the pathophysiological process involved in atherosclerosis?