NSG 3280 Pathophysiology Exam 2 – Questions and Answers | 2026
Update | 100% Correct- Galen College of Nursing.
Question 1
A patient presents with red, raised, itchy wheals on the skin that appear suddenly and disappear
within several hours. Which skin disorder is most likely?
A. Psoriasis
B. Urticaria
C. Impetigo
D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: B. Urticaria
Explanation:
Urticaria (hives) is characterized by raised, itchy wheals caused by histamine release due to
allergic reactions or immune responses.
Question 2
Which skin disorder is characterized by thick, silvery scales on erythematous plaques commonly
located on the elbows and knees?
A. Eczema
B. Psoriasis
C. Rosacea
D. Acne
Correct Answer: B. Psoriasis
Explanation:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes rapid skin cell proliferation leading to thick,
scaly plaques.
Question 3
,Which of the following populations is at highest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
A. Adolescents with acne
B. Bedridden elderly patients
C. Athletes with skin abrasions
D. Children with eczema
Correct Answer: B. Bedridden elderly patients
Explanation:
Immobility, poor circulation, and thin aging skin increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
Question 4
A nurse assesses an elderly patient and notes thinning skin, decreased elasticity, and increased
wrinkling. Which process explains these changes?
A. Increased collagen production
B. Reduced dermal blood supply
C. Excess keratin production
D. Increased melanocyte activity
Correct Answer: B. Reduced dermal blood supply
Explanation:
Aging skin experiences decreased blood flow, reduced collagen production, and loss of
elasticity.
Question 5
Which of the following describes a primary skin lesion?
A. Scar
B. Ulcer
C. Vesicle
D. Crust
Correct Answer: C. Vesicle
,Explanation:
Primary lesions originate from disease processes. Examples include macules, papules, vesicles,
and nodules.
Question 6
Which of the following is considered a secondary skin lesion?
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Scar
D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: C. Scar
Explanation:
Secondary lesions develop from primary lesions due to infection, trauma, or healing.
Question 7
Lyme disease is transmitted primarily through the bite of which organism?
A. Mosquito
B. Tick
C. Flea
D. Louse
Correct Answer: B. Tick
Explanation:
Lyme disease is transmitted by the Ixodes tick, which carries the bacterium Borrelia
burgdorferi.
Question 8
Which skin manifestation is most commonly associated with Lyme disease?
, A. Butterfly rash
B. Bull's-eye rash
C. Purple plaques
D. Vesicular rash
Correct Answer: B. Bull's-eye rash
Explanation:
The erythema migrans rash is a classic circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye.
Question 9
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by which pathogen?
A. Virus
B. Parasite
C. Bacteria
D. Fungus
Correct Answer: C. Bacteria
Explanation:
It is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted through tick bites.
Question 10
Which group of patients is most likely to develop opportunistic infections?
A. Healthy adults
B. Immunocompromised patients
C. Children under 5
D. Athletes
Correct Answer: B. Immunocompromised patients
Explanation:
Patients with weakened immune systems (HIV, chemotherapy, transplant patients) are more
vulnerable.
Update | 100% Correct- Galen College of Nursing.
Question 1
A patient presents with red, raised, itchy wheals on the skin that appear suddenly and disappear
within several hours. Which skin disorder is most likely?
A. Psoriasis
B. Urticaria
C. Impetigo
D. Melanoma
Correct Answer: B. Urticaria
Explanation:
Urticaria (hives) is characterized by raised, itchy wheals caused by histamine release due to
allergic reactions or immune responses.
Question 2
Which skin disorder is characterized by thick, silvery scales on erythematous plaques commonly
located on the elbows and knees?
A. Eczema
B. Psoriasis
C. Rosacea
D. Acne
Correct Answer: B. Psoriasis
Explanation:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes rapid skin cell proliferation leading to thick,
scaly plaques.
Question 3
,Which of the following populations is at highest risk for developing pressure ulcers?
A. Adolescents with acne
B. Bedridden elderly patients
C. Athletes with skin abrasions
D. Children with eczema
Correct Answer: B. Bedridden elderly patients
Explanation:
Immobility, poor circulation, and thin aging skin increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
Question 4
A nurse assesses an elderly patient and notes thinning skin, decreased elasticity, and increased
wrinkling. Which process explains these changes?
A. Increased collagen production
B. Reduced dermal blood supply
C. Excess keratin production
D. Increased melanocyte activity
Correct Answer: B. Reduced dermal blood supply
Explanation:
Aging skin experiences decreased blood flow, reduced collagen production, and loss of
elasticity.
Question 5
Which of the following describes a primary skin lesion?
A. Scar
B. Ulcer
C. Vesicle
D. Crust
Correct Answer: C. Vesicle
,Explanation:
Primary lesions originate from disease processes. Examples include macules, papules, vesicles,
and nodules.
Question 6
Which of the following is considered a secondary skin lesion?
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Scar
D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: C. Scar
Explanation:
Secondary lesions develop from primary lesions due to infection, trauma, or healing.
Question 7
Lyme disease is transmitted primarily through the bite of which organism?
A. Mosquito
B. Tick
C. Flea
D. Louse
Correct Answer: B. Tick
Explanation:
Lyme disease is transmitted by the Ixodes tick, which carries the bacterium Borrelia
burgdorferi.
Question 8
Which skin manifestation is most commonly associated with Lyme disease?
, A. Butterfly rash
B. Bull's-eye rash
C. Purple plaques
D. Vesicular rash
Correct Answer: B. Bull's-eye rash
Explanation:
The erythema migrans rash is a classic circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye.
Question 9
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by which pathogen?
A. Virus
B. Parasite
C. Bacteria
D. Fungus
Correct Answer: C. Bacteria
Explanation:
It is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted through tick bites.
Question 10
Which group of patients is most likely to develop opportunistic infections?
A. Healthy adults
B. Immunocompromised patients
C. Children under 5
D. Athletes
Correct Answer: B. Immunocompromised patients
Explanation:
Patients with weakened immune systems (HIV, chemotherapy, transplant patients) are more
vulnerable.
