Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Free radicals are known to cause each of the following EXCEPT:

1. Extensive cellular damage to DNA

2. Lipid oxidation damaging phospholipids

3. DNA strand breaks and base modifications

4. Decrease of the thinning of bones

The correct answer is: Decrease of the thinning of bones

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause a variety of cellular damage through oxidative stress. The other options reflect well-documented consequences of free radical activity in the body. Extensive cellular damage to DNA occurs when free radicals interact with DNA molecules, leading to mutations, which can contribute to cancer and other genetic disorders. This effect on DNA structure and function underscores the significance of free radicals in aging and disease processes. Lipid oxidation involves free radicals reacting with lipids, particularly the phospholipids that make up cellular membranes. This reaction can compromise membrane integrity and cellular function, leading to further cellular damage and contributing to the pathophysiology of a range of diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. DNA strand breaks and base modifications are critical forms of damage that free radicals can inflict. These alterations can disrupt the normal replication and expression of genes, ultimately influencing cellular functions and promoting diseases. In contrast, the option regarding the decrease of the thinning of bones does not correlate with free radical activity. While oxidative stress can play a role in bone density and health, a decrease in bone thinning would not be commonly attributed to free radicals. Bone thinning, as seen in conditions like osteoporosis, is influenced more by factors such as hormonal changes, nutrient deficits