PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 2026–2027 Genetics
and Nursing Practice Questions 1–25 (Answers
+ Rationales) ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is teaching a client about genetics. Which statement best describes a gene?
A. A protein produced by the immune system
B. A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a trait
C. A structure that stores energy in cells
D. A type of blood cell
Correct Answer: B. A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a trait
Rationale:
A gene is a segment of DNA that carries instructions for producing proteins and influencing
inherited characteristics.
2. A nurse explains that chromosomes are located in which cellular structure?
A. Cell membrane
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondria only
D. Cytoplasm
Correct Answer: B. Nucleus
Rationale:
Chromosomes are organized structures made of DNA and proteins located primarily inside the
nucleus of cells.
3. A client asks why siblings can have different physical characteristics despite having the
same parents. The nurse explains this occurs because of:
,A. Identical DNA sequences
B. Genetic variation during reproduction
C. Lack of chromosomes
D. Environmental factors only
Correct Answer: B. Genetic variation during reproduction
Rationale:
Genetic recombination during meiosis creates differences among siblings.
4. A nurse is reviewing a family history. Which inheritance pattern involves one affected
parent passing a condition to approximately half of offspring?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. Autosomal recessive
C. X-linked recessive
D. Mitochondrial only
Correct Answer: A. Autosomal dominant
Rationale:
Autosomal dominant disorders require only one abnormal gene copy for expression.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with cystic fibrosis. Which inheritance pattern should the nurse
recognize?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. Autosomal recessive
C. X-linked dominant
D. Chromosomal deletion
Correct Answer: B. Autosomal recessive
Rationale:
Cystic fibrosis occurs when a person inherits two defective copies of the CFTR gene.
6. A nurse explains that a carrier of a genetic disorder:
A. Always develops severe symptoms
B. Has one abnormal gene but may not show symptoms
,C. Cannot pass genes to children
D. Has no genetic material
Correct Answer: B. Has one abnormal gene but may not show symptoms
Rationale:
Carriers often have one normal and one mutated gene and can pass the mutation to offspring.
7. Which genetic disorder is associated with an extra chromosome 21?
A. Turner syndrome
B. Down syndrome
C. Klinefelter syndrome
D. Huntington disease
Correct Answer: B. Down syndrome
Rationale:
Down syndrome results from trisomy 21, meaning an extra copy of chromosome 21.
8. A nurse understands that genetic mutations occur when:
A. DNA sequence changes
B. Cells stop dividing permanently
C. Proteins disappear completely
D. Blood cells decrease
Correct Answer: A. DNA sequence changes
Rationale:
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that may alter protein production or function.
9. A nurse is educating a pregnant client about prenatal genetic testing. The purpose is to:
A. Determine the baby’s personality
B. Identify possible genetic abnormalities
C. Guarantee a healthy pregnancy
D. Change inherited genes
Correct Answer: B. Identify possible genetic abnormalities
, Rationale:
Prenatal screening and testing help identify possible chromosomal or genetic conditions.
10. A nurse is caring for a client considering genetic testing. The nurse should first:
A. Provide genetic counseling resources
B. Encourage immediate testing
C. Make the decision for the client
D. Avoid discussing risks
Correct Answer: A. Provide genetic counseling resources
Rationale:
Genetic counseling helps clients understand benefits, limitations, risks, and possible outcomes.
11. Which condition is caused by a mutation affecting hemoglobin production?
A. Hemophilia
B. Sickle cell disease
C. Huntington disease
D. Down syndrome
Correct Answer: B. Sickle cell disease
Rationale:
Sickle cell disease results from a mutation in the beta-globin gene causing abnormal
hemoglobin.
12. A nurse explains that genetic counseling includes:
A. Diagnosis and medication administration only
B. Risk assessment and informed decision-making
C. Elimination of all genetic diseases
D. Changing a person's DNA
Correct Answer: B. Risk assessment and informed decision-making
Rationale:
Genetic counseling supports informed choices by explaining inheritance patterns and risks.
and Nursing Practice Questions 1–25 (Answers
+ Rationales) ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is teaching a client about genetics. Which statement best describes a gene?
A. A protein produced by the immune system
B. A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a trait
C. A structure that stores energy in cells
D. A type of blood cell
Correct Answer: B. A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a trait
Rationale:
A gene is a segment of DNA that carries instructions for producing proteins and influencing
inherited characteristics.
2. A nurse explains that chromosomes are located in which cellular structure?
A. Cell membrane
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondria only
D. Cytoplasm
Correct Answer: B. Nucleus
Rationale:
Chromosomes are organized structures made of DNA and proteins located primarily inside the
nucleus of cells.
3. A client asks why siblings can have different physical characteristics despite having the
same parents. The nurse explains this occurs because of:
,A. Identical DNA sequences
B. Genetic variation during reproduction
C. Lack of chromosomes
D. Environmental factors only
Correct Answer: B. Genetic variation during reproduction
Rationale:
Genetic recombination during meiosis creates differences among siblings.
4. A nurse is reviewing a family history. Which inheritance pattern involves one affected
parent passing a condition to approximately half of offspring?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. Autosomal recessive
C. X-linked recessive
D. Mitochondrial only
Correct Answer: A. Autosomal dominant
Rationale:
Autosomal dominant disorders require only one abnormal gene copy for expression.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with cystic fibrosis. Which inheritance pattern should the nurse
recognize?
A. Autosomal dominant
B. Autosomal recessive
C. X-linked dominant
D. Chromosomal deletion
Correct Answer: B. Autosomal recessive
Rationale:
Cystic fibrosis occurs when a person inherits two defective copies of the CFTR gene.
6. A nurse explains that a carrier of a genetic disorder:
A. Always develops severe symptoms
B. Has one abnormal gene but may not show symptoms
,C. Cannot pass genes to children
D. Has no genetic material
Correct Answer: B. Has one abnormal gene but may not show symptoms
Rationale:
Carriers often have one normal and one mutated gene and can pass the mutation to offspring.
7. Which genetic disorder is associated with an extra chromosome 21?
A. Turner syndrome
B. Down syndrome
C. Klinefelter syndrome
D. Huntington disease
Correct Answer: B. Down syndrome
Rationale:
Down syndrome results from trisomy 21, meaning an extra copy of chromosome 21.
8. A nurse understands that genetic mutations occur when:
A. DNA sequence changes
B. Cells stop dividing permanently
C. Proteins disappear completely
D. Blood cells decrease
Correct Answer: A. DNA sequence changes
Rationale:
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that may alter protein production or function.
9. A nurse is educating a pregnant client about prenatal genetic testing. The purpose is to:
A. Determine the baby’s personality
B. Identify possible genetic abnormalities
C. Guarantee a healthy pregnancy
D. Change inherited genes
Correct Answer: B. Identify possible genetic abnormalities
, Rationale:
Prenatal screening and testing help identify possible chromosomal or genetic conditions.
10. A nurse is caring for a client considering genetic testing. The nurse should first:
A. Provide genetic counseling resources
B. Encourage immediate testing
C. Make the decision for the client
D. Avoid discussing risks
Correct Answer: A. Provide genetic counseling resources
Rationale:
Genetic counseling helps clients understand benefits, limitations, risks, and possible outcomes.
11. Which condition is caused by a mutation affecting hemoglobin production?
A. Hemophilia
B. Sickle cell disease
C. Huntington disease
D. Down syndrome
Correct Answer: B. Sickle cell disease
Rationale:
Sickle cell disease results from a mutation in the beta-globin gene causing abnormal
hemoglobin.
12. A nurse explains that genetic counseling includes:
A. Diagnosis and medication administration only
B. Risk assessment and informed decision-making
C. Elimination of all genetic diseases
D. Changing a person's DNA
Correct Answer: B. Risk assessment and informed decision-making
Rationale:
Genetic counseling supports informed choices by explaining inheritance patterns and risks.
