Nurses – Complete Study Guide & Practice
Questions | Galen College Of Nursing Actual
Practice Exam
This guide covers the essential concepts for NSG 3280 Exam 1 (Pathophysiology for
Nurses I) at Galen College of Nursing, updated for 2026. The exam focuses on
Fundamentals of Pathophysiology, Cellular Regulation, Stress Response, and Alterations in
Glucose Metabolism .
SECTION 1: Introduction to Pathophysiology (Chapter 1)
Key Definitions
Q1: What is pathophysiology?
A. The study of the structure of the human body
B. The study of abnormalities in the physiologic functioning of living beings
C. The study of drug interactions within the body
D. The study of psychological responses to illness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pathophysiology is defined as the study of abnormalities in the physiologic
functioning of living beings. It seeks to reveal the physiologic responses of an organism to
disruptions in its internal or external environment .
Q2: A patient's disease has no identifiable cause. How should the nurse document
this etiology?
, A. Iatrogenic
B. Idiopathic
C. Nosocomial
D. Pathogenic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Idiopathic refers to a disease where the cause is unknown. Iatrogenic = caused
by medical treatment; Nosocomial = hospital-acquired; Pathogenic = caused by
microorganisms .
Q3: A patient develops a urinary tract infection following insertion of a urinary
catheter. This is an example of which type of etiology?
A. Idiopathic
B. Congenital
C. Iatrogenic
D. Genetic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Iatrogenic conditions result from unintended or unwanted medical treatment. The
catheter insertion was a medical intervention that led to an adverse outcome .
Disease Stages & Clinical Course
Q4: Which term describes the development of a disease from the initial stimulus to
the ultimate expression of manifestations?
A. Etiology
B. Pathogenesis
C. Epidemiology
D. Prognosis