1. What is the definition of "pathophysiology"?
Pathophysiology is the study of how normal physiological processes are
altered by disease or injury.
2. 2. Name the 5 etiologic factors and give an example if listed.
• Biologic agents – bacteria, viruses, parasites (e.g., Streptococcus
pneumoniae)
• Physical forces – trauma, burns, radiation
• Chemical agents – toxins, alcohol, drugs
• Genetic disorders – inherited mutations (e.g., sickle cell anemia)
• Nutritional excesses/deficits – vitamin deficiencies, obesity
3. What are the 2 types of risk factors?
• Modifiable – can be changed (e.g., smoking, diet, inactivity)
• Nonmodifiable – cannot be changed (e.g., age, genetics, sex)
4. What is the difference between morphology and histology?
• Morphology – outward shape or structure
• Histology – microscopic study of tissue
5. Describe the difference between signs and symptoms and give an
example of each.
• Signs – objective findings (e.g., fever)
• Symptoms – subjective experiences (e.g., pain)
6. What are 3 important processes when coming to a diagnosis?
• History-taking
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic testing
, 7. Explain validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity.
• Validity – measures what it’s supposed to
• Reliability – consistent results
• Sensitivity – detects disease when it’s present (few false negatives)
• Specificity – excludes disease when it’s absent (few false positives)
8. Define epidemiology and name some things that it tracks.
• Study of disease patterns in populations
• Tracks incidence, prevalence, mortality, morbidity, risk factors,
and spread
9. What is the difference between incidence and prevalence?
• Incidence – new cases over a time period
• Prevalence – all existing cases at a point in time
10. Define mortality and morbidity.
• Mortality – death rate
• Morbidity – disease effects/complications
11. Define primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and give an
example of each.
• Primary – prevent disease (vaccines)
• Secondary – detect early (mammogram)
• Tertiary – limit damage (rehab)
12. Why is evidence-based practice important?
Pathophysiology is the study of how normal physiological processes are
altered by disease or injury.
2. 2. Name the 5 etiologic factors and give an example if listed.
• Biologic agents – bacteria, viruses, parasites (e.g., Streptococcus
pneumoniae)
• Physical forces – trauma, burns, radiation
• Chemical agents – toxins, alcohol, drugs
• Genetic disorders – inherited mutations (e.g., sickle cell anemia)
• Nutritional excesses/deficits – vitamin deficiencies, obesity
3. What are the 2 types of risk factors?
• Modifiable – can be changed (e.g., smoking, diet, inactivity)
• Nonmodifiable – cannot be changed (e.g., age, genetics, sex)
4. What is the difference between morphology and histology?
• Morphology – outward shape or structure
• Histology – microscopic study of tissue
5. Describe the difference between signs and symptoms and give an
example of each.
• Signs – objective findings (e.g., fever)
• Symptoms – subjective experiences (e.g., pain)
6. What are 3 important processes when coming to a diagnosis?
• History-taking
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic testing
, 7. Explain validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity.
• Validity – measures what it’s supposed to
• Reliability – consistent results
• Sensitivity – detects disease when it’s present (few false negatives)
• Specificity – excludes disease when it’s absent (few false positives)
8. Define epidemiology and name some things that it tracks.
• Study of disease patterns in populations
• Tracks incidence, prevalence, mortality, morbidity, risk factors,
and spread
9. What is the difference between incidence and prevalence?
• Incidence – new cases over a time period
• Prevalence – all existing cases at a point in time
10. Define mortality and morbidity.
• Mortality – death rate
• Morbidity – disease effects/complications
11. Define primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and give an
example of each.
• Primary – prevent disease (vaccines)
• Secondary – detect early (mammogram)
• Tertiary – limit damage (rehab)
12. Why is evidence-based practice important?
