NSG 3280 (Patho) EXAM 1: Chapter 1 pages
1-8 (Intro to Patho) NCLEX style questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) 2026
The nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The nurse explains that
diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease. Which of the following characteristics are true of chronic
diseases? (Select all that apply):
A. Have a rapid onset
B. Require long-term management
C. Are often irreversible
D. Progress over time
E. Always caused by genetic factors - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: B, C, D
rationale:
B: Chronic diseases typically require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent
complications.
C: Many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are irreversible.
D: Chronic conditions often progress gradually, affecting the body over time.
A: Acute diseases, not chronic ones, have a rapid onset.
E: Chronic diseases can have multiple causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle
factors, not just genetic ones.
A client asks the nurse, "What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?" Which response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Signs are subjective and reported by the patient, while symptoms are objective and
measurable by the healthcare provider."
B. "Signs are observable and measurable, while symptoms are what the patient experiences and
reports."
, C. "Both signs and symptoms are the same and used interchangeably in healthcare."
D. "Symptoms are observable changes, while signs are subjective experiences of the patient." -
CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: B
rationale: Signs (e.g., rash, fever) are objective findings observed or measured by the healthcare
provider. Symptoms (e.g., pain, nausea) are subjective experiences reported by the patient.
Which term describes the study of the cause of a disease?
A. Pathogenesis
B. Clinical manifestations
C. Prognosis
D. Etiology - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: D
Rationale: Etiology is the study of the cause or origin of a disease. Pathogenesis refers to the
mechanism of disease development, clinical manifestations include signs and symptoms, and
prognosis is the prediction of disease outcome.
The nurse is educating a client about the progression of a disease. Which term best describes the
sequence of events in the development of a disease?
A. Pathogenesis
B. Prognosis
C. Etiology
D. Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: A
Rationale: Pathogenesis refers to the biological and mechanical sequence of events that occur
from the initial cause of a disease to its manifestations.
A client with a known history of hypertension presents with left ventricular hypertrophy. The
nurse understands this is an example of which type of cellular adaptation?
1-8 (Intro to Patho) NCLEX style questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) 2026
The nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The nurse explains that
diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease. Which of the following characteristics are true of chronic
diseases? (Select all that apply):
A. Have a rapid onset
B. Require long-term management
C. Are often irreversible
D. Progress over time
E. Always caused by genetic factors - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: B, C, D
rationale:
B: Chronic diseases typically require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent
complications.
C: Many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are irreversible.
D: Chronic conditions often progress gradually, affecting the body over time.
A: Acute diseases, not chronic ones, have a rapid onset.
E: Chronic diseases can have multiple causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle
factors, not just genetic ones.
A client asks the nurse, "What is the difference between a sign and a symptom?" Which response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Signs are subjective and reported by the patient, while symptoms are objective and
measurable by the healthcare provider."
B. "Signs are observable and measurable, while symptoms are what the patient experiences and
reports."
, C. "Both signs and symptoms are the same and used interchangeably in healthcare."
D. "Symptoms are observable changes, while signs are subjective experiences of the patient." -
CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: B
rationale: Signs (e.g., rash, fever) are objective findings observed or measured by the healthcare
provider. Symptoms (e.g., pain, nausea) are subjective experiences reported by the patient.
Which term describes the study of the cause of a disease?
A. Pathogenesis
B. Clinical manifestations
C. Prognosis
D. Etiology - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: D
Rationale: Etiology is the study of the cause or origin of a disease. Pathogenesis refers to the
mechanism of disease development, clinical manifestations include signs and symptoms, and
prognosis is the prediction of disease outcome.
The nurse is educating a client about the progression of a disease. Which term best describes the
sequence of events in the development of a disease?
A. Pathogenesis
B. Prognosis
C. Etiology
D. Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER -Answer: A
Rationale: Pathogenesis refers to the biological and mechanical sequence of events that occur
from the initial cause of a disease to its manifestations.
A client with a known history of hypertension presents with left ventricular hypertrophy. The
nurse understands this is an example of which type of cellular adaptation?
