,NSG 3280 Exam 1 | Pathophysiology for Nurses I (2026/2027)
PDF | Nursing | Galen College
1. Which of the following best defines pathophysiology?
A) The study of the structure and function of the human body
B) The study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living beings
C) The study of the causes and origins of disease
D) The study of the diagnosis and treatment of disease
Correct Answer: The study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living
beings
Rationale: Pathophysiology is the study of abnormalities in the physiologic
functioning of living beings, essentially the study of disease. It focuses on the
functional changes that occur in the body as a result of disease. Anatomy and
physiology study normal structure and function, etiology studies causes, and
pathology studies the diagnosis of disease through examination of organs and
tissues.
2. What is the primary focus of etiology in pathophysiology?
A) The development and progression of a disease
B) The study of the causes or reasons for a disease
C) The observable manifestations of a disease
D) The treatment and management of a disease
,Correct Answer: The study of the causes or reasons for a disease
Rationale: Etiology is the study of the causes or reasons for a phenomenon,
identifying causal factors that provoke a particular disease or injury.
Pathogenesis refers to the development and progression of a disease. Clinical
manifestations are the signs and symptoms of a disease, and treatment
implications refer to management strategies.
3. Which term describes a disease with an unknown cause?
A) Iatrogenic
B) Idiopathic
C) Nosocomial
D) Congenital
Correct Answer: Idiopathic
Rationale: Idiopathic diseases are those with an unknown cause. Iatrogenic
diseases result from unintended or unwanted medical treatment. Nosocomial
infections are acquired in a healthcare setting. Congenital diseases are present
at birth. Understanding these classifications helps nurses identify the origin of a
patient's condition.
4. What is the primary characteristic of a subclinical stage of disease?
A) The disease process is well established, but the patient functions normally
B) The first sign or symptom appears indicating onset of disease
, C) The disease is at full intensity with severe symptoms
D) The patient is in the recovery phase after an illness
Correct Answer: The disease process is well established, but the patient
functions normally
Rationale: In the subclinical stage, the disease process is well established, but
the patient can perform normally and may not seek medical attention. The
prodromal period is when the first sign or symptom appears. Manifest illness is
the full intensity of the disease. Convalescence is the stage of recovery.
5. Which term refers to a sudden increase in the severity of a disease or its signs
and symptoms?
A) Remission
B) Exacerbation
C) Convalescence
D) Sequela
Correct Answer: Exacerbation
Rationale: An exacerbation is a sudden increase in the severity of a disease or its
signs and symptoms. Remission is a decrease in severity or symptoms.
Convalescence is the stage of recovery after a disease, injury, or surgical
procedure. A sequela is a subsequent pathologic condition resulting from an
illness.
PDF | Nursing | Galen College
1. Which of the following best defines pathophysiology?
A) The study of the structure and function of the human body
B) The study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living beings
C) The study of the causes and origins of disease
D) The study of the diagnosis and treatment of disease
Correct Answer: The study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living
beings
Rationale: Pathophysiology is the study of abnormalities in the physiologic
functioning of living beings, essentially the study of disease. It focuses on the
functional changes that occur in the body as a result of disease. Anatomy and
physiology study normal structure and function, etiology studies causes, and
pathology studies the diagnosis of disease through examination of organs and
tissues.
2. What is the primary focus of etiology in pathophysiology?
A) The development and progression of a disease
B) The study of the causes or reasons for a disease
C) The observable manifestations of a disease
D) The treatment and management of a disease
,Correct Answer: The study of the causes or reasons for a disease
Rationale: Etiology is the study of the causes or reasons for a phenomenon,
identifying causal factors that provoke a particular disease or injury.
Pathogenesis refers to the development and progression of a disease. Clinical
manifestations are the signs and symptoms of a disease, and treatment
implications refer to management strategies.
3. Which term describes a disease with an unknown cause?
A) Iatrogenic
B) Idiopathic
C) Nosocomial
D) Congenital
Correct Answer: Idiopathic
Rationale: Idiopathic diseases are those with an unknown cause. Iatrogenic
diseases result from unintended or unwanted medical treatment. Nosocomial
infections are acquired in a healthcare setting. Congenital diseases are present
at birth. Understanding these classifications helps nurses identify the origin of a
patient's condition.
4. What is the primary characteristic of a subclinical stage of disease?
A) The disease process is well established, but the patient functions normally
B) The first sign or symptom appears indicating onset of disease
, C) The disease is at full intensity with severe symptoms
D) The patient is in the recovery phase after an illness
Correct Answer: The disease process is well established, but the patient
functions normally
Rationale: In the subclinical stage, the disease process is well established, but
the patient can perform normally and may not seek medical attention. The
prodromal period is when the first sign or symptom appears. Manifest illness is
the full intensity of the disease. Convalescence is the stage of recovery.
5. Which term refers to a sudden increase in the severity of a disease or its signs
and symptoms?
A) Remission
B) Exacerbation
C) Convalescence
D) Sequela
Correct Answer: Exacerbation
Rationale: An exacerbation is a sudden increase in the severity of a disease or its
signs and symptoms. Remission is a decrease in severity or symptoms.
Convalescence is the stage of recovery after a disease, injury, or surgical
procedure. A sequela is a subsequent pathologic condition resulting from an
illness.
