NU 545 Pathophysiology Exam 1 Study Guide |
University of South Alabama Advanced
Nursing Exam Prep 2026/2027
,Pathophysiology Study of abnormalities of physiologic functioning in living beings
Pathology Study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, cells, and
bodily fluids
Physiology Study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms
Etiology Cause or reason for a disease or phenomenon
Idiopathic Cause is unknown
Iatrogenic Caused by unintended or unwanted medical treatment
Risk factor A factor that increases the probability of developing a disease
Pathogenesis Development of a disease from the initial stimulus to the expression of clinical
manifestations
Clinical manifestations Signs and symptoms that show a disease or pathophysiologic process is present
Symptom Subjective information reported by the patient
Sign Objective finding observed through examination, labs, or imaging
Diagnosis Determining what is wrong with the patient
Treatment What is done to manage or treat a disease
Latent period Time between exposure to a disease-causing agent and when symptoms begin
Incubation period Time between exposure to an infectious agent and appearance of symptoms
, Prodromal period Early period of disease when vague or general symptoms appear
Acute phase Manifest illness with more obvious signs and symptoms that usually develops
rapidly
Subclinical phase Disease is present but symptoms are not obvious
Acute disease Disease that develops quickly and usually lasts a short time
Chronic disease Disease that develops or progresses slowly and lasts a long time
Exacerbation Worsening or increase in disease symptoms
Remission Period when disease symptoms decrease or disappear
Convalescence Recovery period after illness
Sequela Condition or complication that remains after the original disease
Factors affecting disease Age, gender, genetics, ethnic background, geographic area, culture, socioeconomic
status, lifestyle, situation, and time
Primary prevention Preventing disease before it occurs; examples include immunizations, education,
improved nutrition, sanitation, and safety precautions
Secondary prevention Screening and early detection of disease; examples include physical exams, routine
screening, and self-breast exams
Tertiary prevention Treatment and rehabilitation after disease is established
Plasma membrane Acts as a barrier, separates intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid, and protects
internal organelles
Membrane proteins Transport charged ions and perform most membrane functions
University of South Alabama Advanced
Nursing Exam Prep 2026/2027
,Pathophysiology Study of abnormalities of physiologic functioning in living beings
Pathology Study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, cells, and
bodily fluids
Physiology Study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms
Etiology Cause or reason for a disease or phenomenon
Idiopathic Cause is unknown
Iatrogenic Caused by unintended or unwanted medical treatment
Risk factor A factor that increases the probability of developing a disease
Pathogenesis Development of a disease from the initial stimulus to the expression of clinical
manifestations
Clinical manifestations Signs and symptoms that show a disease or pathophysiologic process is present
Symptom Subjective information reported by the patient
Sign Objective finding observed through examination, labs, or imaging
Diagnosis Determining what is wrong with the patient
Treatment What is done to manage or treat a disease
Latent period Time between exposure to a disease-causing agent and when symptoms begin
Incubation period Time between exposure to an infectious agent and appearance of symptoms
, Prodromal period Early period of disease when vague or general symptoms appear
Acute phase Manifest illness with more obvious signs and symptoms that usually develops
rapidly
Subclinical phase Disease is present but symptoms are not obvious
Acute disease Disease that develops quickly and usually lasts a short time
Chronic disease Disease that develops or progresses slowly and lasts a long time
Exacerbation Worsening or increase in disease symptoms
Remission Period when disease symptoms decrease or disappear
Convalescence Recovery period after illness
Sequela Condition or complication that remains after the original disease
Factors affecting disease Age, gender, genetics, ethnic background, geographic area, culture, socioeconomic
status, lifestyle, situation, and time
Primary prevention Preventing disease before it occurs; examples include immunizations, education,
improved nutrition, sanitation, and safety precautions
Secondary prevention Screening and early detection of disease; examples include physical exams, routine
screening, and self-breast exams
Tertiary prevention Treatment and rehabilitation after disease is established
Plasma membrane Acts as a barrier, separates intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid, and protects
internal organelles
Membrane proteins Transport charged ions and perform most membrane functions
