(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Wilkes
1. Which term describes the study of functional changes in the body that result
from disease?
A) Pathophysiology
B) Etiology
C) Epidemiology
D) Pathogenesis
Correct Answer: Pathophysiology
Rationale: Pathophysiology bridges basic science and clinical medicine by
examining how physiological processes are altered by disease. Etiology is the
cause of disease; epidemiology studies disease patterns; pathogenesis is the
mechanism of disease development.
2. The causative mechanism of a disease is best defined as:
A) Pathogenesis
B) Etiology
C) Clinical manifestation
D) Outcome
Correct Answer: Etiology
,Rationale: Etiology answers the “why” of a disease, identifying the underlying
cause or contributing factors. Idiopathic means unknown cause; iatrogenic
means caused by medical intervention.
3. The study of the pattern of disease among groups or populations is known as:
A) Incidence
B) Prevalence
C) Epidemiology
D) Pathophysiology
Correct Answer: Epidemiology
Rationale: Epidemiology examines the distribution and determinants of
health‑related states in specific populations. Incidence is new cases; prevalence
is existing cases.
4. The sequence of events that occurs between the initial stimulus and the
manifestations of a disease is called:
A) Etiology
B) Clinical outcome
C) Diagnosis
D) Pathogenesis
Correct Answer: Pathogenesis
, Rationale: Pathogenesis describes the step‑by‑step progression from the initial
trigger to the full expression of disease. This includes cellular and molecular
events leading to clinical signs.
5. A disease of unknown cause is referred to as:
A) Idiopathic
B) Iatrogenic
C) Nosocomial
D) Congenital
Correct Answer: Idiopathic
Rationale: Idiopathic (cryptogenic) disorders arise from an unknown origin.
Iatrogenic results from medical intervention; nosocomial is hospital‑acquired;
congenital is present at birth.
6. Primary prevention is best described as actions that:
A) Detect disease early through screening
B) Prevent the initial occurrence of a disease
C) Reduce relapses and chronic conditions
D) Provide rehabilitation after an illness
Correct Answer: Prevent the initial occurrence of a disease