Inflammation, Genetics, Immunity, Pressure Ulcers | Q&A | Grade A
| 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & DISEASE PROCESSES REVIEW
SUBJECT SOURCE
Pathophysiology - Inflammation, Immunity, NR283 Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027
Genetics, Skin Integrity
Q1
What are the clinical manifestations of Down Syndrome?
A Tall stature, long limbs, aortic root dilation
B Small head, round face, flat facial profile, slanted eyes & epicanthic fold, large tongue, high
arched palate, small hands, single palmar crease, short stature, delayed developmental stages,
cognitive impairment, widely spaced big toes, cleft lip, heart defect
C Webbed neck, short stature, coarctation of aorta
D Tall stature, hypogonadism, gynecomastia
CORRECT ANSWER B. Small head, round face, flat facial profile, slanted eyes & epicanthic
fold, large tongue, high arched palate, small hands, single palmar crease, short stature,
delayed developmental stages, cognitive impairment, widely spaced big toes, cleft lip, heart
defect
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) presents with characteristic craniofacial features (brachycephaly, epicanthal
folds, Brushfield spots), hypotonia, single transverse palmar crease, and intellectual disability of varying
degrees.
Congenital heart defects (especially AV canal defects) occur in ~50% of affected individuals requiring
echocardiography at diagnosis.
,Q2
What are the physiological effects of the stress response?
A Decreased cortisol, bradycardia, hypoglycemia
B Cortisol is increased leading to vasoconstriction and suppression of the immune system,
Tachycardia, Arouse sympathetic nervous system, Hyperglycemia, Hypertension
C Decreased sympathetic activity, bradycardia, hypoglycemia
D Only psychological symptoms without physiological changes
CORRECT ANSWER B. Cortisol is increased leading to vasoconstriction and suppression of the
immune system, Tachycardia, Arouse sympathetic nervous system, Hyperglycemia,
Hypertension
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Stress activates the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system, releasing cortisol (gluconeogenesis,
immunosuppression) and catecholamines (tachycardia, hypertension, hyperglycemia).
Chronic stress leads to maladaptive effects including hypertension, immunosuppression, insulin
resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Q3
What are risk factors for altered skin integrity?
A Young age, optimal mobility, normal blood sugar
B Malnutrition, Altered mobility, Age, Chronic disease, Diabetes, High blood sugar, Dehydration
C Adequate hydration, good nutrition, regular exercise
D Only immobility and age
CORRECT ANSWER B. Malnutrition, Altered mobility, Age, Chronic disease, Diabetes, High
blood sugar, Dehydration
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Intact skin requires adequate nutrition (protein, vitamins A,C,E, zinc), hydration, perfusion, and sensation.
Diabetes causes microvascular disease and neuropathy increasing ulcer risk.
Elderly patients have thinner epidermis, reduced collagen, and slower wound healing, increasing
vulnerability to pressure injuries.
,Q4
What is physiological stress?
A The body's mental response to stressors (anxiety, depression)
B The body's physical response to stressors, Ex: tachycardia, sweating, muscle tension,
hypertension, digestive issues
C A psychological condition without physical symptoms
D Only refers to digestive system changes
CORRECT ANSWER B. The body's physical response to stressors, Ex: tachycardia, sweating,
muscle tension, hypertension, digestive issues
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Physiological stress is the autonomic and endocrine response to perceived threats, mediated by
sympathetic activation (fight-or-flight) and the HPA axis (cortisol release).
Digestive symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, GERD) result from sympathetic shunting of blood away from the
GI tract.
Q5
What is psychological stress?
A Tachycardia, sweating, hypertension
B The body's mental response to stressors, Ex: anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble sleeping
C Only refers to sleep disturbances
D A purely physical condition without mental symptoms
CORRECT ANSWER B. The body's mental response to stressors, Ex: anxiety, depression,
irritability, trouble sleeping
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Psychological stress encompasses cognitive and emotional responses that may occur with or without
physiological stress, though the two often coexist bidirectionally.
Chronic psychological stress is associated with increased morbidity (cardiovascular disease, depression,
anxiety disorders) and healthcare utilization.
, Q6
What is etiology in disease processes?
A The prognosis of a disease
B The clinical manifestations of a disease
C Causative factors of disease
D The treatment plan for a disease
CORRECT ANSWER C. Causative factors of disease
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Etiology identifies the root cause(s) of disease including genetic mutations, infectious agents (bacteria,
viruses), environmental exposures (toxins, radiation), and lifestyle factors (diet, smoking).
Understanding etiology guides prevention (e.g., vaccines for infectious causes) and targeted treatment
(e.g., antivirals).
Q7
What are local manifestations of disease?
A Affect the entire body (pyrexia, malaise, fatigue)
B Affect a specific part of the body, Ex: Edema (redness), swelling/warmth, loss of function, pain
C Only psychological symptoms
D Only occur in chronic diseases
CORRECT ANSWER B. Affect a specific part of the body, Ex: Edema (redness),
swelling/warmth, loss of function, pain
CLINICAL RATIONALE
Local manifestations are confined to the injury or infection site, including the five cardinal signs of
inflammation: rubor (redness), calor (heat), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain), and functio laesa (loss of
function).