Pathology Practice Test 17
Pathology NCLEX Practice Test
Pathology is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Pathology. This section connects disease mechanisms to clinical manifestations and nursing priorities for safe patient care. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 17th part of the Pathology series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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In the Pathology Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Pathology Practice Test 17
What is the term for the replacement of damaged tissue with connective tissue (scarring)?
- Organization
- Resolution
- Fibrosis
- Regeneration
Explanation: Answer reason: This process is driven by chronic inflammation and fibroblast activation (often via TGF-β), producing extracellular matrix that replaces normal architecture and can reduce organ function. Resolution refers to complete return to normal after inflammation, and regeneration is replacement by the same cell type with restored structure and function. Organization is used more specifically for conversion of exudate/thrombus into granulation tissue and subsequent scar, but the general term for scar formation is fibrotic replacement.
Classic sign of hepatic coma is-?
- Altered consciousness
- Unconsciousness
- Mood change
- Flapping hand tremors
Explanation: Answer reason: This manifests as a flapping tremor when the patient extends the wrists, making it a characteristic bedside sign. Altered consciousness, mood changes, and even unconsciousness can occur, but they are nonspecific and can be seen in many metabolic or neurologic conditions. The distinctive feature pointing specifically toward hepatic encephalopathy is asterixis.
Which symptom is expected with hyperammonemia?
- Positive Phalen test- carpel tunnel
- Hyperreflexia-In hyperammonia you will usually see hypotonia
- Confusion-
- Positive Psoas sign-in appendicitis
Explanation: Answer reason: The hallmark early clinical change is altered mental status (e.g., confusion) that can progress to lethargy and coma if untreated. This directly matches the expected manifestation of hyperammonemia compared with unrelated exam findings like Phalen or psoas signs. Hyperreflexia is not the typical defining feature; neuromuscular changes more often include asterixis and decreased level of consciousness as encephalopathy worsens.
A 12-year-old child is seen in the emergency department with a diagnosis of possible bacterial meningitis (fulminating meningococcemia). Which finding would the nurse specifically expect to note in this infection?
- A fine rash with some bruising
- Frequent seizure activity
- Positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs
- Nuchal rigidity progressing to opisthotonos
Explanation: Answer reason: A rash with bruising is therefore a key discriminating bedside finding that points specifically to meningococcal sepsis rather than nonspecific meningeal irritation alone. Kernig and Brudzinski signs and nuchal rigidity can occur in bacterial meningitis of various etiologies and are not unique to meningococcal infection. Seizures may occur with meningitis but are variable and less characteristic than the distinctive hemorrhagic rash in meningococcemia.
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