PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
7TH EDITION
CHAPTER NO 01: INTRODUCTION TO PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
MULTIPLE RESPONSE QUESTION ANSWERS
Q-1. Your patient’s red blood cell count is slightly elevated today. This might be explained
by (Select all that apply.)
a. gender difference.
b. situational factors.
c. normal variation.
d. cultural variation.
e. illness.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Gender, situations (e.g., altitude), normal variations, and illness may all determine red blood cell
count. Culture affects how manifestations are perceived (normal versus abnormal).
Q-2. Socioeconomic factors influence disease development because of (Select all that ap-
ply.)
a. genetics.
b. environmental toxins.
c. overcrowding.
d. nutrition.
e. hygiene.
ANS: B, C, D, E
,Socioeconomic factors influence disease development via exposure to environmental toxins (occupa-
tional) and overcrowding, nutrition (over- or undernutrition), and hygiene (e.g., in developing coun-
tries). Genetics is not influenced by socioeconomic factors.
Q-3. When determining additional data to gather before making a diagnosis, what factors
need to be considered? (Select all that apply.)
a. Reliability
b. Expense
c. Validity
d. Generalizability
e. Repetition
ANS: A, C
Two considerations one must use when choosing additional data to gather include the reliability and
validity of the tests being weighed. Reliability, or precision, is the ability of a test to give the same
result in repeated measurements. Validity, or accuracy, is the degree to which a measurement re-
flects the true value of the object it is intended to measure. Expense, generalizability, and repetition
are not characteristics that are typically considered.
Q-4. Which of the following statements are accurate when considering diagnostic testing
for an individual with a possible medical condition? (Select all that apply.)
a. The more often a patient has a test, the more accurate the average result is.
b. Sensitivity is the chance the test will be positive if the hypothesized disease is
present.
c. Testing is generally not accurate during the prodromal stage to make a diagnosis.
d. Specificity shows that a test will be negative if the person does not have the dis-
ease.
e. Reliability demonstrates a test is accurate under a number of different condi-
tions.
ANS: B, D
Sensitivity is the probability that the test will be positive when applied to a person with the condition.
Specificity is the probability that a test will be negative when applied to a person who does not have
a given condition. Test results are usually not aggregated and averaged. A disease process is well es-
tablished during the prodromal phase of illness, so some diagnostic testing would indicate its pres-
,ence. Reliability, or precision, is the ability of a test to give the same result in repeated measure-
ments.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION ANSWERS
Q-1. C.Q. was recently exposed to group A hemolytic Streptococcus and subsequently de-
veloped a pharyngeal infection. His clinic examination reveals an oral temperature of 102.3°F, skin
rash, dysphagia, and reddened throat mucosa with multiple pustules. He complains of sore throat,
malaise, and joint stiffness. A throat culture is positive for Streptococcus, and antibiotics have been
prescribed. The etiology of C.Q.’s disease is
a. a sore throat.
b. streptococcal infection.
c. genetic susceptibility.
d. pharyngitis.
ANS: B
Etiology refers to the proposed cause or causes of a particular disease process. A sore throat is the
manifestation of the disease process. Genetic susceptibility refers to inherited tendency to develop a
disease. Pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the throat and is also a clinical manifestation of the
disease process.
Q-2. A 17-year-old college-bound student receives a vaccine against an organism that
causes meningitis. This is an example of
a. primary prevention.
b. secondary prevention.
c. tertiary prevention.
d. disease treatment.
ANS: A
Primary prevention is prevention of disease by altering susceptibility or reducing exposure for sus-
ceptible individuals, in this case by providing vaccination. Secondary prevention is the early detec-
tion, screening, and management of the disease. Tertiary prevention includes rehabilitative and sup-
portive care and attempts to alleviate disability and restore effective functioning. Disease treatment
involves management of the disease once it has developed.
, Q-3. An obese but otherwise healthy teen is given a prescription for a low-calorie diet and
exercise program. This is an example of
a. primary prevention.
b. secondary prevention.
c. tertiary prevention.
d. disease treatment.
ANS: B
Secondary prevention is the early detection, screening, and management of the disease such as pre-
scribing diet and exercise for an individual who has already developed obesity. Primary prevention is
prevention of disease by altering susceptibility or reducing exposure for susceptible individuals. Ter-
tiary prevention includes rehabilitative and supportive care and attempts to alleviate disability and
restore effective functioning. Disease treatment involves management of the disease once it has de-
veloped.
Q-4. A patient with high blood pressure who is otherwise healthy is counseled to restrict
sodium intake. This is an example of
a. primary prevention.
b. secondary prevention.
c. tertiary prevention.
d. disease treatment.
ANS: B
Secondary prevention is the early detection, screening, and management of the disease, such as by
prescribing sodium restriction for high blood pressure. Primary prevention is prevention of disease by
altering susceptibility or reducing exposure for susceptible individuals. Tertiary prevention includes
rehabilitative and supportive care and attempts to alleviate disability and restore effective function-
ing. Disease treatment involves management of the disease once it has developed.
