C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G A N D H E A LT H S C I E N C E S
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NSG 3280 - Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 2 Comprehensive Review: Integumentary & Respiratory Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the functions of the skin. Which of the following are primary
functions of the skin? (Select all that apply)
A. Protection against mechanical injury and pathogens
B. Temperature regulation through sweat and vasodilation
C. Synthesis of vitamin D
D. Production of red blood cells
E. Sensory perception for touch, pain, and temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A, B, C, E. Protection, temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis, and sensation
are primary functions. RBC production occurs in bone marrow, not skin.
RATIONALE
The skin's major functions include protection (mechanical, chemical, microbial), thermoregulation
(vasodilation/vasoconstriction, sweating), vitamin D synthesis (UV exposure converts cholesterol
precursors), and sensory perception (touch, pain, temperature, pressure). Hematopoiesis does not
occur in skin.
,Question 2
Which layer of the skin is avascular and contains keratin-producing cells and
melanocytes?
A. Dermis
B. Subcutaneous tissue
C. Epidermis
D. Stratum corneum only
CORRECT ANSWER C. Epidermis
RATIONALE
The epidermis is the outermost avascular layer that produces keratin (for waterproofing) and
contains melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). The dermis is vascular and contains
collagen/elastin; subcutaneous tissue is fat and connective tissue.
Question 3
An older adult patient presents with dry, fragile skin and increased bruising. Which age-
related changes best explain these findings?
A. Increased sebum production and increased collagen synthesis
B. Decreased sebum production, decreased vascularity, and increased vascular fragility
C. Increased melanin production and increased epidermal turnover
D. Thickened dermis with increased elastin fibers
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Decreased sebum production, decreased vascularity, and increased vascular
fragility
RATIONALE
Aging skin shows decreased sebum (dryness), reduced dermal vascularity (impaired
nutrition/oxygen), increased vascular fragility (easy bruising), decreased collagen/elastin
(wrinkling/sagging), and slower cell turnover (impaired healing).
, Question 4
A patient reports a burning and tingling sensation on the lower lip, followed by the
appearance of small vesicles that crust over within 10-14 days. This clinical presentation
is most consistent with:
A. Herpes zoster (shingles)
B. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
C. Impetigo
D. Tinea faciei
CORRECT ANSWER B. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
RATIONALE
HSV-1 typically causes recurrent oral-labial lesions with a prodromal burning/tingling sensation.
Lesions progress from vesicles to pustules to crusts over 10-14 days. The virus remains latent in
the trigeminal ganglion and reactivates with triggers like stress or UV exposure.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient with recurrent genital herpes (HSV-2). Which statement
indicates correct understanding of antiviral therapy?
A. Antiviral medications will completely cure the herpes infection
B. Antivirals are most effective when started at the first sign of prodromal symptoms
C. Medications should be taken only when active lesions are present
D. Topical antivirals are more effective than oral antivirals
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Antivirals are most effective when started at the first sign of prodromal
symptoms
RATIONALE
Antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) suppress viral replication but do not cure HSV.
Early initiation during the prodrome (burning/tingling) maximizes efficacy, reducing outbreak
duration and severity. Suppressive therapy may be used for frequent recurrences.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NSG 3280 - Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 2 Comprehensive Review: Integumentary & Respiratory Disorders
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the functions of the skin. Which of the following are primary
functions of the skin? (Select all that apply)
A. Protection against mechanical injury and pathogens
B. Temperature regulation through sweat and vasodilation
C. Synthesis of vitamin D
D. Production of red blood cells
E. Sensory perception for touch, pain, and temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A, B, C, E. Protection, temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis, and sensation
are primary functions. RBC production occurs in bone marrow, not skin.
RATIONALE
The skin's major functions include protection (mechanical, chemical, microbial), thermoregulation
(vasodilation/vasoconstriction, sweating), vitamin D synthesis (UV exposure converts cholesterol
precursors), and sensory perception (touch, pain, temperature, pressure). Hematopoiesis does not
occur in skin.
,Question 2
Which layer of the skin is avascular and contains keratin-producing cells and
melanocytes?
A. Dermis
B. Subcutaneous tissue
C. Epidermis
D. Stratum corneum only
CORRECT ANSWER C. Epidermis
RATIONALE
The epidermis is the outermost avascular layer that produces keratin (for waterproofing) and
contains melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). The dermis is vascular and contains
collagen/elastin; subcutaneous tissue is fat and connective tissue.
Question 3
An older adult patient presents with dry, fragile skin and increased bruising. Which age-
related changes best explain these findings?
A. Increased sebum production and increased collagen synthesis
B. Decreased sebum production, decreased vascularity, and increased vascular fragility
C. Increased melanin production and increased epidermal turnover
D. Thickened dermis with increased elastin fibers
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Decreased sebum production, decreased vascularity, and increased vascular
fragility
RATIONALE
Aging skin shows decreased sebum (dryness), reduced dermal vascularity (impaired
nutrition/oxygen), increased vascular fragility (easy bruising), decreased collagen/elastin
(wrinkling/sagging), and slower cell turnover (impaired healing).
, Question 4
A patient reports a burning and tingling sensation on the lower lip, followed by the
appearance of small vesicles that crust over within 10-14 days. This clinical presentation
is most consistent with:
A. Herpes zoster (shingles)
B. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
C. Impetigo
D. Tinea faciei
CORRECT ANSWER B. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
RATIONALE
HSV-1 typically causes recurrent oral-labial lesions with a prodromal burning/tingling sensation.
Lesions progress from vesicles to pustules to crusts over 10-14 days. The virus remains latent in
the trigeminal ganglion and reactivates with triggers like stress or UV exposure.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient with recurrent genital herpes (HSV-2). Which statement
indicates correct understanding of antiviral therapy?
A. Antiviral medications will completely cure the herpes infection
B. Antivirals are most effective when started at the first sign of prodromal symptoms
C. Medications should be taken only when active lesions are present
D. Topical antivirals are more effective than oral antivirals
CORRECT ANSWER
B. Antivirals are most effective when started at the first sign of prodromal
symptoms
RATIONALE
Antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) suppress viral replication but do not cure HSV.
Early initiation during the prodrome (burning/tingling) maximizes efficacy, reducing outbreak
duration and severity. Suppressive therapy may be used for frequent recurrences.
