,NSG3280/NSG 3280 Exam 4 | Pathophysiology for
Nurses I | Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of a gonorrheal infection?
A) A spirochete-mediated destruction of large joints
B) Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
C) A viral latency in sensory ganglia leading to recurrent lesions
D) A fungal overgrowth in the vaginal mucosa
Correct Answer: Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
Rationale: Gonorrhea is caused by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, a gram-negative diplococcus. Its
pathophysiology involves attaching to and penetrating columnar epithelium, which triggers an intense
inflammatory response. This explains the hallmark symptoms of dysuria, purulent discharge, and
urethritis.
2. A researcher is studying the pathogenesis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Which organism is
most commonly associated with this condition?
A) *Treponema pallidum*
B) *Escherichia coli*
C) *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
D) *Candida albicans*
Correct Answer: *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
Rationale: While both *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* and *Chlamydia trachomatis* are common causes of
PID, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* is the organism most frequently associated with it. These bacteria ascend
from the cervix into the upper reproductive tract, causing inflammation and potential scarring of the
fallopian tubes.
,3. A sexually active young adult presents with dysuria and a purulent urethral discharge. Which
pathophysiologic process is most consistent with these findings?
A) Viral latency in sensory ganglia
B) Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
C) Fungal overgrowth in the vaginal mucosa
D) Spirochete-mediated destruction of tissue
Correct Answer: Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
Rationale: The classic presentation of urethritis with purulent discharge in a sexually active individual is
highly suggestive of gonorrhea. The pathophysiology involves *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* attaching to and
invading columnar epithelial cells, leading to a local inflammatory response that produces the discharge
and dysuria.
4. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of a syphilis infection?
A) A gram-negative diplococcal invasion of the mucous membranes
B) A spirochete-mediated invasion and dissemination throughout the body
C) A viral infection that remains latent in nerve ganglia
D) A fungal infection that causes chronic skin lesions
Correct Answer: A spirochete-mediated invasion and dissemination throughout the body
Rationale: Syphilis is caused by the spirochete *Treponema pallidum*. Its pathophysiology involves
direct invasion of mucous membranes, followed by dissemination through the bloodstream and
lymphatic system to virtually any organ in the body. This ability to spread explains its diverse clinical
manifestations.
5. A patient is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection that is a known risk factor for cervical
cancer. Which infection is this?
A) Syphilis
B) Gonorrhea
C) Human papillomavirus (HPV)
, D) Chlamydia
Correct Answer: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Rationale: Persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established
and significant risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. The virus's oncoproteins interfere with
tumor suppressor genes, leading to cellular dysplasia and malignancy.
6. A nurse is educating a new mother about a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted
during birth, potentially causing ophthalmia neonatorum. Which infection is the nurse referring to?
A) Syphilis
B) Gonorrhea
C) HPV
D) Herpes simplex virus
Correct Answer: Gonorrhea
Rationale: While both gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause ophthalmia neonatorum (a serious eye
infection in newborns), gonorrhea is a classic example. The infection is transmitted as the baby passes
through the birth canal, and if untreated, it can lead to blindness.
7. A patient is diagnosed with epididymitis. The nurse understands that this condition is most commonly
caused by which of the following?
A) Urinary tract obstruction
B) Gonorrhea or chlamydia
C) A fungal infection
D) Trauma to the scrotum
Correct Answer: Gonorrhea or chlamydia
Nurses I | Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of a gonorrheal infection?
A) A spirochete-mediated destruction of large joints
B) Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
C) A viral latency in sensory ganglia leading to recurrent lesions
D) A fungal overgrowth in the vaginal mucosa
Correct Answer: Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
Rationale: Gonorrhea is caused by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, a gram-negative diplococcus. Its
pathophysiology involves attaching to and penetrating columnar epithelium, which triggers an intense
inflammatory response. This explains the hallmark symptoms of dysuria, purulent discharge, and
urethritis.
2. A researcher is studying the pathogenesis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Which organism is
most commonly associated with this condition?
A) *Treponema pallidum*
B) *Escherichia coli*
C) *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
D) *Candida albicans*
Correct Answer: *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
Rationale: While both *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* and *Chlamydia trachomatis* are common causes of
PID, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* is the organism most frequently associated with it. These bacteria ascend
from the cervix into the upper reproductive tract, causing inflammation and potential scarring of the
fallopian tubes.
,3. A sexually active young adult presents with dysuria and a purulent urethral discharge. Which
pathophysiologic process is most consistent with these findings?
A) Viral latency in sensory ganglia
B) Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
C) Fungal overgrowth in the vaginal mucosa
D) Spirochete-mediated destruction of tissue
Correct Answer: Gram-negative diplococci invading columnar epithelium
Rationale: The classic presentation of urethritis with purulent discharge in a sexually active individual is
highly suggestive of gonorrhea. The pathophysiology involves *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* attaching to and
invading columnar epithelial cells, leading to a local inflammatory response that produces the discharge
and dysuria.
4. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of a syphilis infection?
A) A gram-negative diplococcal invasion of the mucous membranes
B) A spirochete-mediated invasion and dissemination throughout the body
C) A viral infection that remains latent in nerve ganglia
D) A fungal infection that causes chronic skin lesions
Correct Answer: A spirochete-mediated invasion and dissemination throughout the body
Rationale: Syphilis is caused by the spirochete *Treponema pallidum*. Its pathophysiology involves
direct invasion of mucous membranes, followed by dissemination through the bloodstream and
lymphatic system to virtually any organ in the body. This ability to spread explains its diverse clinical
manifestations.
5. A patient is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection that is a known risk factor for cervical
cancer. Which infection is this?
A) Syphilis
B) Gonorrhea
C) Human papillomavirus (HPV)
, D) Chlamydia
Correct Answer: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Rationale: Persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established
and significant risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. The virus's oncoproteins interfere with
tumor suppressor genes, leading to cellular dysplasia and malignancy.
6. A nurse is educating a new mother about a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted
during birth, potentially causing ophthalmia neonatorum. Which infection is the nurse referring to?
A) Syphilis
B) Gonorrhea
C) HPV
D) Herpes simplex virus
Correct Answer: Gonorrhea
Rationale: While both gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause ophthalmia neonatorum (a serious eye
infection in newborns), gonorrhea is a classic example. The infection is transmitted as the baby passes
through the birth canal, and if untreated, it can lead to blindness.
7. A patient is diagnosed with epididymitis. The nurse understands that this condition is most commonly
caused by which of the following?
A) Urinary tract obstruction
B) Gonorrhea or chlamydia
C) A fungal infection
D) Trauma to the scrotum
Correct Answer: Gonorrhea or chlamydia
