NURS 5315 Exam 1 V2 | NURS 5315
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 1) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. A clinician is educating a patient about the cellular adaptation that occurs when the heart’s
workload increases, leading to an increase in the size of the myocardial cells. Which term
should the clinician use?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in the size of cells, which in turn
increases the size of the organ. This is a common adaptive response in the heart when it
must pump against increased resistance, such as in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia,
hypertrophy does not involve the creation of new cells but rather the enlargement of
existing ones.
,2. A 45-year-old male smoker has a biopsy of his bronchial epithelium which reveals that the
normal ciliated columnar epithelium has been replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type. In smokers, the chronic irritation from smoke causes the delicate ciliated
columnar cells to be replaced by tougher squamous cells. While this provides more
protection, the loss of cilia impairs the clearing of mucus and debris from the airway.
3. When assessing a patient with a suspected chromosomal abnormality, the nurse notes the
patient has a karyotype of 45, X. Which condition is associated with this finding?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Klinefelter Syndrome
C. Down Syndrome
D. Cri du Chat Syndrome
Answer: A
, Rationale: Turner Syndrome is characterized by the presence of only one X chromosome,
resulting in a 45, X karyotype. Affected individuals are female and typically present with
short stature, webbing of the neck, and infertility. It is a classic example of monosomy
involving the sex chromosomes.
4. A patient is experiencing significant edema after a burn injury. Which of the following
mechanisms is primarily responsible for this fluid shift into the interstitial space?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Increased interstitial hydrostatic pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Burn injuries trigger a massive inflammatory response that increases the
permeability of the capillary walls. This allows plasma proteins and fluids to leak into the
interstitial space, leading to significant edema. The loss of vascular volume can also lead to
hypovolemic shock if not managed appropriately.
5. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Thirst
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Hypertension
Advanced Pathophysiology | Actual Q&A
with Rationale (NURS5315 Exam 1) | The
University of Texas at Arlington
1. A clinician is educating a patient about the cellular adaptation that occurs when the heart’s
workload increases, leading to an increase in the size of the myocardial cells. Which term
should the clinician use?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in the size of cells, which in turn
increases the size of the organ. This is a common adaptive response in the heart when it
must pump against increased resistance, such as in hypertension. Unlike hyperplasia,
hypertrophy does not involve the creation of new cells but rather the enlargement of
existing ones.
,2. A 45-year-old male smoker has a biopsy of his bronchial epithelium which reveals that the
normal ciliated columnar epithelium has been replaced by stratified squamous epithelium.
This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: C
Rationale: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another
mature cell type. In smokers, the chronic irritation from smoke causes the delicate ciliated
columnar cells to be replaced by tougher squamous cells. While this provides more
protection, the loss of cilia impairs the clearing of mucus and debris from the airway.
3. When assessing a patient with a suspected chromosomal abnormality, the nurse notes the
patient has a karyotype of 45, X. Which condition is associated with this finding?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Klinefelter Syndrome
C. Down Syndrome
D. Cri du Chat Syndrome
Answer: A
, Rationale: Turner Syndrome is characterized by the presence of only one X chromosome,
resulting in a 45, X karyotype. Affected individuals are female and typically present with
short stature, webbing of the neck, and infertility. It is a classic example of monosomy
involving the sex chromosomes.
4. A patient is experiencing significant edema after a burn injury. Which of the following
mechanisms is primarily responsible for this fluid shift into the interstitial space?
A. Increased capillary oncotic pressure
B. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Increased interstitial hydrostatic pressure
Answer: C
Rationale: Burn injuries trigger a massive inflammatory response that increases the
permeability of the capillary walls. This allows plasma proteins and fluids to leak into the
interstitial space, leading to significant edema. The loss of vascular volume can also lead to
hypovolemic shock if not managed appropriately.
5. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation is
the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Thirst
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Hypertension
