, NSG 3280 Exam 2 – Pathophysiology
(2026/2027) | Galen College of Nursing |
Complete Practice Exam Questions &
Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales
| Latest Study Guide | A+ Graded
Q1. A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis reports
increasing joint pain and stiffness. The nurse understands
that this autoimmune disease is characterized by:
A) Excessive production of antibodies against self-
antigens
B) Deficiency of T suppressor cells
C) Overproduction of histamine by mast cells
D) Failure of the thymus gland
Correct Answer: A. Excessive production of antibodies
against self-antigens
Rationale: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis result from the immune system's inability to
distinguish self from non-self, leading to the production
of autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues.
,Q2. A patient with a history of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) presents with a butterfly rash on the
face, joint pain, and fatigue. The nurse recognizes that
SLE is classified as which type of hypersensitivity
reaction?
A) Type I hypersensitivity
B) Type II hypersensitivity
C) Type III hypersensitivity
D) Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: C. Type III hypersensitivity
Rationale: SLE is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction
characterized by the formation of immune complexes
that deposit in tissues (skin, kidneys, joints), triggering
inflammation and tissue damage.
Q3. A child stung by a bee develops hives, wheezing, and
difficulty breathing within minutes. This reaction is most
characteristic of:
, A) Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
B) Type II hypersensitivity (cytotoxic)
C) Type III hypersensitivity (immune complex)
D) Type IV hypersensitivity (delayed)
Correct Answer: A. Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
Rationale: Bee sting anaphylaxis is a classic Type I
hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE antibodies that
trigger mast cell degranulation and release of histamine
and other mediators.
Q4. A patient receives a tuberculin skin test (PPD). The
nurse checks the site 48 hours later and notes induration.
This reaction is an example of:
A) Type I hypersensitivity
B) Type II hypersensitivity
C) Type III hypersensitivity
D) Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: D. Type IV hypersensitivity
(2026/2027) | Galen College of Nursing |
Complete Practice Exam Questions &
Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales
| Latest Study Guide | A+ Graded
Q1. A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis reports
increasing joint pain and stiffness. The nurse understands
that this autoimmune disease is characterized by:
A) Excessive production of antibodies against self-
antigens
B) Deficiency of T suppressor cells
C) Overproduction of histamine by mast cells
D) Failure of the thymus gland
Correct Answer: A. Excessive production of antibodies
against self-antigens
Rationale: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis result from the immune system's inability to
distinguish self from non-self, leading to the production
of autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues.
,Q2. A patient with a history of systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) presents with a butterfly rash on the
face, joint pain, and fatigue. The nurse recognizes that
SLE is classified as which type of hypersensitivity
reaction?
A) Type I hypersensitivity
B) Type II hypersensitivity
C) Type III hypersensitivity
D) Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: C. Type III hypersensitivity
Rationale: SLE is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction
characterized by the formation of immune complexes
that deposit in tissues (skin, kidneys, joints), triggering
inflammation and tissue damage.
Q3. A child stung by a bee develops hives, wheezing, and
difficulty breathing within minutes. This reaction is most
characteristic of:
, A) Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
B) Type II hypersensitivity (cytotoxic)
C) Type III hypersensitivity (immune complex)
D) Type IV hypersensitivity (delayed)
Correct Answer: A. Type I hypersensitivity (anaphylactic)
Rationale: Bee sting anaphylaxis is a classic Type I
hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE antibodies that
trigger mast cell degranulation and release of histamine
and other mediators.
Q4. A patient receives a tuberculin skin test (PPD). The
nurse checks the site 48 hours later and notes induration.
This reaction is an example of:
A) Type I hypersensitivity
B) Type II hypersensitivity
C) Type III hypersensitivity
D) Type IV hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: D. Type IV hypersensitivity
