Nightingale College Midterm Exam 2026–2027 |
Study Guide, Practice Questions & Detailed
Rationales
THIS EXAM REVIEW INCLUDES
➢ Nightingale College Pathophysiology Midterm review
➢ Pathophysiology practice questions, where included
➢ Answers and detailed rationales, where provided
, Pathophysiology Midterm Test Bank
1. A nursing student is studying the underlying changes in body
physiology that result from disease. Which term describes this field of
study?
A. Pathology
B. Pathophysiology
C. Etiology
D. Epidemiology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pathophysiology is defined as the study of the underlying
changes in body physiology (molecular, cellular, and organ systems)
that result from disease or injury. Pathology (A) focuses on structural
alterations, etiology (C) is the study of disease causes, and
epidemiology (D) tracks disease patterns in populations.
2. A pathologist is examining tissue samples to identify structural
changes that indicate disease. Which term best describes this
practice?
A. Pathophysiology
B. Diagnosis
,C. Pathology
D. Etiology
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pathology is the investigation of structural alterations in
cells, tissues, and organs, which can help identify the cause of a
particular disease. Pathophysiology (A) deals with functional changes,
diagnosis (B) is the naming of a disease, and etiology (D) is the study of
causes.
3. A patient presents with fever, cough, and fatigue. The healthcare
provider collects history, performs a physical exam, and orders
laboratory tests to identify the disease. This process is called:
A. Etiology
B. Diagnosis
C. Epidemiology
D. Pathology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diagnosis is the naming or identification of a disease and is
made from evaluation of evidence accumulated from presenting signs
and symptoms, health and medical history, physical examination,
laboratory tests, and imaging. Etiology (A) is the study of causes,
, epidemiology (C) tracks disease patterns, and pathology (D) examines
structural alterations.
4. Researchers are studying the cause of a new infectious disease.
Which term describes this area of investigation?
A. Pathophysiology
B. Diagnosis
C. Epidemiology
D. Etiology
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Etiology is the study of the CAUSE of disease.
Pathophysiology (A) studies functional changes, diagnosis (B) identifies
diseases, and epidemiology (C) tracks disease occurrence and
transmission patterns.
5. Public health officials are tracking the spread of influenza across
different geographic regions. This is an example of:
A. Etiology
B. Epidemiology
C. Pathology
D. Pathophysiology