Pyknosis is characterized by?

Appeared in: SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Pyknosis is one of the key nuclear changes seen in cells undergoing necrosis (a type of cell death).
It is defined by the irreversible condensation of the chromatin within the nucleus.
This condensation results in the nucleus shrinking in size and becoming a small, dense, and darkly stained (hyperchromatic or basophilic) body.

Option A: While the pyknotic nucleus is intensely basophilic (darkly stained), this is a consequence of the chromatin condensation and shrinkage. The primary defining event is the shrinkage itself.
Option C: This describes karyorrhexis, which is the fragmentation of the nucleus that often follows pyknosis.
Option D: The changes in pyknosis involve the entire nucleus, not just the nucleolus. While the nucleolus is affected, its disintegration is not the defining characteristic of pyknosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nuclear changes during cell death (necrosis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In clinical practice, nurses will encounter pathology reports for patients who have had biopsies. Terms like pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis indicate cell death (necrosis).
Recognizing these terms helps in understanding the severity and nature of tissue damage in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, or severe infections.
What if? If a pathology report on a liver biopsy mentions extensive pyknosis and karyorrhexis, it indicates widespread, irreversible liver cell death, suggesting a more severe prognosis than a report showing only reversible changes like cellular swelling.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Pyknosis'.
This is a factual recall question from the subject of Pathology.
Recall the sequence of nuclear changes that occur during cell death (necrosis): Pyknosis -> Karyorrhexis -> Karyolysis.
Remember the definition for each stage: Pyknosis (shrinkage), Karyorrhexis (fragmentation), and Karyolysis (fading/dissolution).
Match the term 'Pyknosis' with its correct definition, 'Nuclear shrinkage', among the given options.
Differentiate it from the other options, which describe either a consequence (basophilia) or a subsequent stage (disintegration/karyorrhexis).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 70-72

Practise the full SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.