WGU D236
WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
APPROVED EXAM DOCUMENT
VERIFIED 2026
What is accomplished by diffusion?
Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration.
Osmotic Diarrhea
Caused by non-absorbable substances in the intestine drawing water into the bowel.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
A marker used to diagnose heart failure. A higher value indicates this.
Pleural Effusion
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs.
Causes: Severe pulmonary infection (PNA or TB), Congestive Heart failure, Cancer,
Pulmonary Embolism
S/S: Dyspnea, Tachypnea, Sharp pleuritic chest pain, dullness to percussion, and
diminished breath sounds on affected side.
pH = 7.29 (Norm = 7.35-7.45)
Bicarb = 25 (Norm = 22-26)
CO2 = 55 (Norm = 35-45)
Which cause is consistent with these lab values?
Respiratory Acidosis; Lungs are NOT ventilating correctly, retention of carbon dioxide =
reduction of pH (Caused by COPD, Infection, foreign body obstruction, and severe
asthma.
How does the Respiratory System compensate for acid-base disturbances?
By changing the rate and depth of breathing.
Increasing = Expels CO2 to reduce acidity (compensates Metabolic Acidosis)
Decreasing = Retains CO2 to increase acidity (compensates Metabolic Alkalosis)
One symptom of Acidosis?
WGU D236
,WGU D236
Rapid breathing aka Hyperventilation (body trying to get rid of the CO2)
What describes a gene when the same allele is inherited from both parents?
Homozygous (HH or hh)
What statement describes the ICF (Intracellular Fluid) compartment?
The fluid contained within the cells, making up about 2/3 of the body's total water
content.
Which two conditions will cause dehydration and increase water requirements?
State of diminished water volume in the body. A deficit of intracellular fluid causes body
cells to shrink.
Severe Diarrhea
Excessive Sweating
Vomiting
What are phagocytic cells?
Part of innate immunity (inflammatory response)
Cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris
EX) Macrophages and Neutrophils
Turner's Syndrome (Short, webbed neck girl)
Complete or partial missing X-chromosome in females
S/S: Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, Webbing of neck, amenorrhea, short stature,
infertility, vission issues, and aortic valve abnormalities.
What are two symptoms of Huntington's Disease?
Genetic defect of Huntington gene
Lack of control-involuntary motor symptoms
Cognitive decline
Depression
Dementia later in disease
Muscle spasticity
Speech/swallow difficulty
Which three issues would children with ND-PAE exhibit (fetal alcohol syndrome)?
Cognitive deficits, Behavioral problems, and Physical Abnormalities
WGU D236
, WGU D236
Causes birth defects and developmental disabilities = Neurocognition, Self-
regulation, and Adaptive functioning
Facial features, slow growth, delayed development, vision/hearing issues, and smaller
head & brain.
Grade 1 Sprain
Mild stretching or slight tear of a ligament with little or no joint instability.
Osteoarthritis
Morning stiffness
Swelling
Limited ROM
Symmetrical joint pain in hips during activity or cold weather
Herberden's and Bouchard's nodes noted on fingers
Melanoma
Most lethal form of skin cancer; Categorize via ABCDE's =
Asymmetry/Border/Color/Diameter/Evolving
TX: Surgical Removal, Chemo/Radiation
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Small dome-shaped bump covered by superficial blood vessels (telangiectasis). Shiny,
translucent, and pearly in appearance.
TX: Surgery
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Red, crusted, scaly patch; non-healing ulcer, firm, red nodule
TX: Surgery; Chemo/Radiation
Rule of Nines
The face and back of head =4.5% each
Entire Head = 9%
Ant/Post Arm = 9%
Front leg = 9% and Back Leg = 9% (18%)
Torso (chest/abd) front = 18% and Torso (chest/abd) Back = 18% (36%)
Genitalia = 1%
Partial-Thickness Burns
WGU D236
WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
APPROVED EXAM DOCUMENT
VERIFIED 2026
What is accomplished by diffusion?
Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration.
Osmotic Diarrhea
Caused by non-absorbable substances in the intestine drawing water into the bowel.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
A marker used to diagnose heart failure. A higher value indicates this.
Pleural Effusion
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs.
Causes: Severe pulmonary infection (PNA or TB), Congestive Heart failure, Cancer,
Pulmonary Embolism
S/S: Dyspnea, Tachypnea, Sharp pleuritic chest pain, dullness to percussion, and
diminished breath sounds on affected side.
pH = 7.29 (Norm = 7.35-7.45)
Bicarb = 25 (Norm = 22-26)
CO2 = 55 (Norm = 35-45)
Which cause is consistent with these lab values?
Respiratory Acidosis; Lungs are NOT ventilating correctly, retention of carbon dioxide =
reduction of pH (Caused by COPD, Infection, foreign body obstruction, and severe
asthma.
How does the Respiratory System compensate for acid-base disturbances?
By changing the rate and depth of breathing.
Increasing = Expels CO2 to reduce acidity (compensates Metabolic Acidosis)
Decreasing = Retains CO2 to increase acidity (compensates Metabolic Alkalosis)
One symptom of Acidosis?
WGU D236
,WGU D236
Rapid breathing aka Hyperventilation (body trying to get rid of the CO2)
What describes a gene when the same allele is inherited from both parents?
Homozygous (HH or hh)
What statement describes the ICF (Intracellular Fluid) compartment?
The fluid contained within the cells, making up about 2/3 of the body's total water
content.
Which two conditions will cause dehydration and increase water requirements?
State of diminished water volume in the body. A deficit of intracellular fluid causes body
cells to shrink.
Severe Diarrhea
Excessive Sweating
Vomiting
What are phagocytic cells?
Part of innate immunity (inflammatory response)
Cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris
EX) Macrophages and Neutrophils
Turner's Syndrome (Short, webbed neck girl)
Complete or partial missing X-chromosome in females
S/S: Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, Webbing of neck, amenorrhea, short stature,
infertility, vission issues, and aortic valve abnormalities.
What are two symptoms of Huntington's Disease?
Genetic defect of Huntington gene
Lack of control-involuntary motor symptoms
Cognitive decline
Depression
Dementia later in disease
Muscle spasticity
Speech/swallow difficulty
Which three issues would children with ND-PAE exhibit (fetal alcohol syndrome)?
Cognitive deficits, Behavioral problems, and Physical Abnormalities
WGU D236
, WGU D236
Causes birth defects and developmental disabilities = Neurocognition, Self-
regulation, and Adaptive functioning
Facial features, slow growth, delayed development, vision/hearing issues, and smaller
head & brain.
Grade 1 Sprain
Mild stretching or slight tear of a ligament with little or no joint instability.
Osteoarthritis
Morning stiffness
Swelling
Limited ROM
Symmetrical joint pain in hips during activity or cold weather
Herberden's and Bouchard's nodes noted on fingers
Melanoma
Most lethal form of skin cancer; Categorize via ABCDE's =
Asymmetry/Border/Color/Diameter/Evolving
TX: Surgical Removal, Chemo/Radiation
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Small dome-shaped bump covered by superficial blood vessels (telangiectasis). Shiny,
translucent, and pearly in appearance.
TX: Surgery
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Red, crusted, scaly patch; non-healing ulcer, firm, red nodule
TX: Surgery; Chemo/Radiation
Rule of Nines
The face and back of head =4.5% each
Entire Head = 9%
Ant/Post Arm = 9%
Front leg = 9% and Back Leg = 9% (18%)
Torso (chest/abd) front = 18% and Torso (chest/abd) Back = 18% (36%)
Genitalia = 1%
Partial-Thickness Burns
WGU D236
