Western Governors University (WGU) NURS2508 D236 Pathophysiology Practice Exam

A communicable disease is defined as a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another. This definition encompasses a wide range of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, which can be transmitted through various means such as direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated food or water, or vectors like insects.

Understanding this definition is crucial, especially in public health, as it emphasizes the ways in which communicable diseases can propagate within populations, leading to outbreaks or epidemics. This is why measures such as vaccination, hygiene practices, and public health interventions focus on reducing the transmission of these diseases.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that do not meet the criteria for communicable diseases. For instance, the inability to transfer a disease between hosts indicates a non-communicable or chronic condition, while chronic illnesses and rare genetic disorders often arise from factors that are not infectious in nature, thus further distinguishing them from communicable diseases.