,NU 137 Exam 1 Fundamentals of Nursing Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which statement best defines illness?
A) A person's perception of wellness
B) A state in which the normal functioning of the body is disrupted
C) A condition that always results in hospitalization
D) A temporary emotional response
Correct Answer: B) A state in which the normal functioning of the body is
disrupted
Rationale: Illness refers to an abnormal state in which normal physical,
psychological, or social functioning is altered.
Q2. What is a primary illness?
A) An illness caused by another disease
B) An illness resulting from treatment
C) An illness that develops independently rather than as a consequence of
another illness
D) An illness that occurs only in older adults
Correct Answer: C) An illness that develops independently rather than as a
consequence of another illness
Rationale: A primary illness is the original condition and is not caused by
another underlying illness.
Q3. What is a secondary illness?
A) An illness that results from or is caused by another illness
B) An illness with no known cause
C) A temporary emotional response
D) A condition present only at birth
Correct Answer: A) An illness that results from or is caused by another illness
Rationale: A secondary illness develops as a consequence of a primary
illness or another underlying condition.
Q4. Which term describes an illness that develops suddenly and
generally lasts for a short period?
A) Chronic illness
B) Terminal illness
, C) Acute illness
D) Progressive illness
Correct Answer: C) Acute illness
Rationale: Acute illness typically has a sudden onset and a relatively short
duration.
Q5. Which term describes an illness that develops slowly and
persists over a prolonged period?
A) Chronic illness
B) Acute illness
C) Primary illness
D) Terminal illness
Correct Answer: A) Chronic illness
Rationale: Chronic illness usually develops gradually and continues over an
extended period.
Q6. Which term describes a disease for which there is no cure and
that is expected to eventually result in death?
A) Acute illness
B) Terminal illness
C) Secondary illness
D) Minor illness
Correct Answer: B) Terminal illness
Rationale: A terminal illness is a progressive condition that cannot be cured
and is expected to result in death.
Q7. Which statement best describes high-level wellness?
A) Freedom from all illness
B) An ideal state of well-being across multiple dimensions of health
C) Absence of physical symptoms only
D) Dependence on medical treatment
Correct Answer: B) An ideal state of well-being across multiple dimensions of
health
Rationale: High-level wellness reflects optimal functioning across physical,
psychological, social, spiritual, and other dimensions of health.
2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which statement best defines illness?
A) A person's perception of wellness
B) A state in which the normal functioning of the body is disrupted
C) A condition that always results in hospitalization
D) A temporary emotional response
Correct Answer: B) A state in which the normal functioning of the body is
disrupted
Rationale: Illness refers to an abnormal state in which normal physical,
psychological, or social functioning is altered.
Q2. What is a primary illness?
A) An illness caused by another disease
B) An illness resulting from treatment
C) An illness that develops independently rather than as a consequence of
another illness
D) An illness that occurs only in older adults
Correct Answer: C) An illness that develops independently rather than as a
consequence of another illness
Rationale: A primary illness is the original condition and is not caused by
another underlying illness.
Q3. What is a secondary illness?
A) An illness that results from or is caused by another illness
B) An illness with no known cause
C) A temporary emotional response
D) A condition present only at birth
Correct Answer: A) An illness that results from or is caused by another illness
Rationale: A secondary illness develops as a consequence of a primary
illness or another underlying condition.
Q4. Which term describes an illness that develops suddenly and
generally lasts for a short period?
A) Chronic illness
B) Terminal illness
, C) Acute illness
D) Progressive illness
Correct Answer: C) Acute illness
Rationale: Acute illness typically has a sudden onset and a relatively short
duration.
Q5. Which term describes an illness that develops slowly and
persists over a prolonged period?
A) Chronic illness
B) Acute illness
C) Primary illness
D) Terminal illness
Correct Answer: A) Chronic illness
Rationale: Chronic illness usually develops gradually and continues over an
extended period.
Q6. Which term describes a disease for which there is no cure and
that is expected to eventually result in death?
A) Acute illness
B) Terminal illness
C) Secondary illness
D) Minor illness
Correct Answer: B) Terminal illness
Rationale: A terminal illness is a progressive condition that cannot be cured
and is expected to result in death.
Q7. Which statement best describes high-level wellness?
A) Freedom from all illness
B) An ideal state of well-being across multiple dimensions of health
C) Absence of physical symptoms only
D) Dependence on medical treatment
Correct Answer: B) An ideal state of well-being across multiple dimensions of
health
Rationale: High-level wellness reflects optimal functioning across physical,
psychological, social, spiritual, and other dimensions of health.
