G R A D U AT E S C H O O L O F N U R S I N G
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 530 - Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Complete Question Bank - Verified Answers with Rationales
Question 1
A public health nurse is implementing a community-wide vaccination program against
influenza. This is an example of which level of prevention?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
CORRECT ANSWER A. Primary prevention
RATIONALE
Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs. This is done by
preventing exposures to hazards that cause disease, altering unhealthy behaviors, and increasing
resistance to disease should exposure occur. Vaccinations are a classic example of primary
prevention.
,Question 2
The nurse is explaining the difference between incidence and prevalence to a group of
nursing students. Which statement accurately describes incidence?
A. The total number of cases of a disease existing in a population at a given time
B. The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed during a specific time period
C. The proportion of deaths from a disease compared to the total population
D. The measure of disease severity in a population
CORRECT ANSWER
B. The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed during a specific time period
RATIONALE
Incidence refers to the number of NEW cases of a disease that occur in a population during a
specified time period. It conveys information about the risk of contracting the disease. Prevalence
refers to the total number of cases (both new and pre-existing) in a population at a given time.
Question 3
A patient with a spinal cord injury is participating in physical therapy to regain
functional abilities. This is an example of:
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Health promotion
CORRECT ANSWER C. Tertiary prevention
RATIONALE
Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation, supportive care, reducing disability, and restoring
effective functioning after a disease or injury has occurred. Physical therapy after a spinal cord
injury aims to maximize function and quality of life.
, Question 4
Which of the following accurately describes the function of cortisol in the body?
A. Increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and has anti-inflammatory
effects
B. Decreases blood glucose and suppresses the immune system
C. Promotes water retention and increases blood pressure
D. Stimulates the fight-or-flight response
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and has anti-
inflammatory effects
RATIONALE
Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid. It increases blood glucose through gluconeogenesis, has
potent anti-inflammatory effects, affects protein metabolism, and promotes appetite. It is critical
for maintaining homeostasis during stress.
Question 5
During an action potential, which ion is primarily responsible for the upstroke
(depolarization) in a neuron?
A. Potassium (K+)
B. Calcium (Ca2+)
C. Chloride (Cl-)
D. Sodium (Na+)
CORRECT ANSWER D. Sodium (Na+)
RATIONALE
The upstroke (depolarization) of an action potential is caused by rapid influx of sodium ions
through voltage-gated sodium channels. Repolarization is caused by potassium efflux. In cardiac
muscle, calcium influx contributes to the plateau phase.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
NSG 530 - Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Complete Question Bank - Verified Answers with Rationales
Question 1
A public health nurse is implementing a community-wide vaccination program against
influenza. This is an example of which level of prevention?
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
CORRECT ANSWER A. Primary prevention
RATIONALE
Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs. This is done by
preventing exposures to hazards that cause disease, altering unhealthy behaviors, and increasing
resistance to disease should exposure occur. Vaccinations are a classic example of primary
prevention.
,Question 2
The nurse is explaining the difference between incidence and prevalence to a group of
nursing students. Which statement accurately describes incidence?
A. The total number of cases of a disease existing in a population at a given time
B. The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed during a specific time period
C. The proportion of deaths from a disease compared to the total population
D. The measure of disease severity in a population
CORRECT ANSWER
B. The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed during a specific time period
RATIONALE
Incidence refers to the number of NEW cases of a disease that occur in a population during a
specified time period. It conveys information about the risk of contracting the disease. Prevalence
refers to the total number of cases (both new and pre-existing) in a population at a given time.
Question 3
A patient with a spinal cord injury is participating in physical therapy to regain
functional abilities. This is an example of:
A. Primary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Tertiary prevention
D. Health promotion
CORRECT ANSWER C. Tertiary prevention
RATIONALE
Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation, supportive care, reducing disability, and restoring
effective functioning after a disease or injury has occurred. Physical therapy after a spinal cord
injury aims to maximize function and quality of life.
, Question 4
Which of the following accurately describes the function of cortisol in the body?
A. Increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and has anti-inflammatory
effects
B. Decreases blood glucose and suppresses the immune system
C. Promotes water retention and increases blood pressure
D. Stimulates the fight-or-flight response
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Increases blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and has anti-
inflammatory effects
RATIONALE
Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid. It increases blood glucose through gluconeogenesis, has
potent anti-inflammatory effects, affects protein metabolism, and promotes appetite. It is critical
for maintaining homeostasis during stress.
Question 5
During an action potential, which ion is primarily responsible for the upstroke
(depolarization) in a neuron?
A. Potassium (K+)
B. Calcium (Ca2+)
C. Chloride (Cl-)
D. Sodium (Na+)
CORRECT ANSWER D. Sodium (Na+)
RATIONALE
The upstroke (depolarization) of an action potential is caused by rapid influx of sodium ions
through voltage-gated sodium channels. Repolarization is caused by potassium efflux. In cardiac
muscle, calcium influx contributes to the plateau phase.
