UExcel Pathophysiology

Question 1

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Accepted Answer

Insulin resistance combined with relative insulin deficiency

Answer

Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas

Answer

Complete absence of insulin production

Answer

Excessive glucagon secretion only

Question 2

In heart failure, cardiac output decreases because:

Accepted Answer

The heart beats too fast to fill properly or cannot pump effectively enough to meet body demands

Answer

Blood pressure is always too low

Answer

The kidneys fail to retain sodium

Answer

Peripheral vascular resistance decreases

Question 3

What distinguishes a benign tumor from a malignant tumor?

Accepted Answer

Benign tumors are encapsulated and do not invade surrounding tissue; malignant tumors invade and can metastasize

Answer

Benign tumors are always small; malignant tumors are large

Answer

Benign tumors occur only in skin; malignant tumors occur internally

Answer

Benign tumors always require surgery; malignant tumors do not

Question 4

Which cellular adaptation involves the replacement of one mature cell type with another?

Accepted Answer

Metaplasia

Answer

Hypertrophy

Answer

Atrophy

Answer

Hyperplasia

Question 5

What is the main cause of atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue forming plaques in arterial walls

Answer

Viral infection of arterial walls

Answer

Autoimmune destruction of arterial endothelium

Answer

Bacterial colonization of the coronary arteries

Question 6

In anemia, the most common symptom results from:

Accepted Answer

Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood causing tissue hypoxia

Answer

Excess red blood cells clogging capillaries

Answer

Elevated white blood cell counts

Answer

Decreased blood volume only