,NSG 3280 Pathophysiology Exams 1–4 | Questions &
Correct Answers | 2026/2027 Updated (Graded A+) –
Galen College
COURSE OVERVIEW – NSG 3280 EXAMS 1–4
Question
Exam Focus Areas
Numbers
Exam Fundamentals of Pathophysiology, Cellular
1–50
1 Regulation, Glucose Metabolism
Exam Inflammation, Immunity, Infectious
51–100
2 Processes, Respiratory & Skin Disorders
Exam Neurological Disorders, Trauma, Increased
101–150
3 ICP, Neurodegenerative Diseases
Exam Reproductive, Genitourinary, Renal
151–200
4 Disorders & Fluid/Electrolyte Balance
EXAM 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
CELLULAR REGULATION (Questions 1–50)
, 1. Which of the following best defines
pathophysiology?
• A. The study of drug interactions in the body
• B. The study of structural changes caused by disease
• C. The study of functional changes in the body due to
disease
• D. The study of psychological responses to illness
Answer: C – The study of functional changes in the
body due to disease
Rationale: Pathophysiology focuses on how physiological
processes are altered by disease or injury. It integrates
knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to
understand disease mechanisms.
2. In cellular adaptation, atrophy refers to:
• A. Increase in cell size
• B. Decrease in cell size
• C. Increase in cell number
• D. Change in cell type
Answer: B – Decrease in cell size
Rationale: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size due to disuse,
malnutrition, decreased workload, or denervation. It is a
reversible cellular adaptation if the stimulus is removed.
, 3. Which type of cell death is programmed and
typically does not cause inflammation?
• A. Necrosis
• B. Apoptosis
• C. Gangrene
• D. Pyroptosis
Answer: B – Apoptosis
Rationale: Apoptosis is a regulated, energy-dependent
process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells without
triggering an inflammatory response. Necrosis is
unprogrammed and causes inflammation.
4. A patient with long-standing hypertension develops
thickening of the left ventricular wall. This is an
example of:
• A. Physiologic hypertrophy
• B. Pathologic hypertrophy
• C. Physiologic hyperplasia
• D. Pathologic hyperplasia
Answer: B – Pathologic hypertrophy
Rationale: The heart responds to increased afterload
Correct Answers | 2026/2027 Updated (Graded A+) –
Galen College
COURSE OVERVIEW – NSG 3280 EXAMS 1–4
Question
Exam Focus Areas
Numbers
Exam Fundamentals of Pathophysiology, Cellular
1–50
1 Regulation, Glucose Metabolism
Exam Inflammation, Immunity, Infectious
51–100
2 Processes, Respiratory & Skin Disorders
Exam Neurological Disorders, Trauma, Increased
101–150
3 ICP, Neurodegenerative Diseases
Exam Reproductive, Genitourinary, Renal
151–200
4 Disorders & Fluid/Electrolyte Balance
EXAM 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
CELLULAR REGULATION (Questions 1–50)
, 1. Which of the following best defines
pathophysiology?
• A. The study of drug interactions in the body
• B. The study of structural changes caused by disease
• C. The study of functional changes in the body due to
disease
• D. The study of psychological responses to illness
Answer: C – The study of functional changes in the
body due to disease
Rationale: Pathophysiology focuses on how physiological
processes are altered by disease or injury. It integrates
knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to
understand disease mechanisms.
2. In cellular adaptation, atrophy refers to:
• A. Increase in cell size
• B. Decrease in cell size
• C. Increase in cell number
• D. Change in cell type
Answer: B – Decrease in cell size
Rationale: Atrophy is a reduction in cell size due to disuse,
malnutrition, decreased workload, or denervation. It is a
reversible cellular adaptation if the stimulus is removed.
, 3. Which type of cell death is programmed and
typically does not cause inflammation?
• A. Necrosis
• B. Apoptosis
• C. Gangrene
• D. Pyroptosis
Answer: B – Apoptosis
Rationale: Apoptosis is a regulated, energy-dependent
process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells without
triggering an inflammatory response. Necrosis is
unprogrammed and causes inflammation.
4. A patient with long-standing hypertension develops
thickening of the left ventricular wall. This is an
example of:
• A. Physiologic hypertrophy
• B. Pathologic hypertrophy
• C. Physiologic hyperplasia
• D. Pathologic hyperplasia
Answer: B – Pathologic hypertrophy
Rationale: The heart responds to increased afterload
