Multiple Choice Questions Over Pathophysiology

Chronic refers to a condition or disease that develops slowly over time and lasts for a long period, often for the rest of a person's life. It implies a persistent and ongoing nature, rather than a temporary or acute condition.

Acute refers to a condition or symptom that has a sudden onset, lasts for a short period of time, and is characterized by a high level of intensity or sharpness. This term is often used in medical contexts to describe illnesses or injuries that develop rapidly and have severe symptoms. It is the opposite of chronic, which refers to conditions that last for a long time or develop slowly.

Shingles is not a hereditary disease. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and later reactivate, causing shingles. Hereditary diseases are those that are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, but shingles is not caused by a genetic mutation or inheritance.

Vitiligo is a condition that affects the integumentary system. The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, and nails. Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. This condition occurs when the melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives color to the skin), are destroyed. Therefore, vitiligo directly affects the integumentary system by causing a loss of pigmentation in the skin.

Nosocomial refers to an infection that is acquired in a hospital or other medical care facility at least 72 hours after admission. This term is used to describe infections that are not present or incubating at the time of admission, but are acquired during the course of medical treatment. Nosocomial infections are a major concern in healthcare settings and can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and isolation protocols are essential to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections.

Etiology is the study of all factors that cause a disease. It involves investigating the root causes, risk factors, and mechanisms involved in the development of a particular disease. By understanding the etiology of a disease, healthcare professionals can better prevent, diagnose, and treat it. This includes studying genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and infectious factors that contribute to the onset and progression of diseases.

Pathology is the study of the characteristic, cause, and effects of disease. It involves examining tissues, organs, and bodily fluids to understand the nature and progression of diseases. Pathologists analyze the changes that occur in the body due to diseases, including the underlying causes and the impact on overall health. By studying pathology, healthcare professionals can diagnose diseases, determine the appropriate treatment, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

The immune system comprises organs and tissues critical for defending the body against infections. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, while the thymus matures T cells. Lymph nodes filter lymph, the spleen filters blood, and tonsils/adeno​ids protect the throat. Peyer's Patches and the appendix guard the gut. Skin-associated lymphoid tissue and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue safeguard mucosal surfaces. These components collaborate with immune cells to provide a robust defense against pathogens.