WGU D115
WGU D115 Advanced Pathophysiology
Nurse Practice Guide Exam 2026
Which type of genetic disease affects males more frequently than females? - -Sex-
Linked recessive. Since males only have one X and one Y, if the affected chromosome
has the illness, it will be expressed.
In which two conditions are chromosomal abnormalities the leading known cause? - -
Intellectual disability and fetal miscarriage. Chromosome abnormalities are the leading
known cause of intellectual disability and fetal miscarriage.
What are three examples of prenatal diagnostic studies? - -Chorionic villus sampling
(CVS), amniocentesis, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) are examples of
prenatal diagnostic studies and are performed in vitro. CVS is a form of genetic testing
that provides genetic information found in utero and is usually performed between
weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. An amniocentesis is a form of genetic testing that
evaluates amniotic fluid and is usually performed during the second trimester, between
weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. PGT is performed on the embryo prior to implantation.
Which genetic disorder is characterized by the presence of a zygote having one
chromosome with a normal complement of genes and one chromosome with a missing
gene? - -Cri du chat syndrome (translated as "cry of the cat") is caused by a DNA
deletion. This term describes the cry often heard from a baby affected by the syndrome.
Cri du chat syndrome can present as a microcephalic, low birth-weight baby with a
piercing cry.
How can an X-linked recessive disease skip generations? - -The disease can be
transmitted through female carriers.
Since females have two copies of the X chromosome, the mother may provide an
unaffected X to a daughter or son. Furthermore, a daughter may not show signs of the
disease because she has the other X (the only X the father can give to a female) to
cancel it out.
Which type of risk is referred to as the ratio of the disease rate among the entire
population to the disease rate in an unexposed population? - -Relative risk is a ratio of
probability, not an actual occurrence of disease.
What are the empirical risks for most multifactorial diseases based on? - -Many factors
from lifestyle to genetics affect multifactorial diseases. Observation and evaluation of
each case individually provides the most thorough and accurate assessment.
What refers to the silenced gene of a gene pair. - -The imprinted gene is the silent gene
of a gene pair.
WGU D115
,WGU D115
What is the primary reason that some older adults have impaired inflammation and
wound healing? - -The underlying chronic illness exists.
A generalized inflammatory response seen in chronic illness depletes the body's
reserves to fight against illness.
Which cells are the body's primary defense against parasite invasion? - -Eosinophils are
the body's primary defense against parasites.
What Phagocytes bacteria? - -Macrophages work by eating or phagocytosing bacteria.
What is the first response to a foreign pathogen? - -Helper T cells
Which characteristic is the most important determinant of immunogenicity when
considering the antigen? - -Immunogenicity is primarily based on the ability to recognize
something foreign.
How are erythrocytes destroyed when mismatched blood is administered, causing an
ABO incompatibility? - -The complement pathway is activated in response to blood
incompatibility.
What is the hypersensitivity reaction that causes atopic dermatitis? - -An immediate
(type I) hypersensitivity reaction causes atopic dermatitis.
Which four infections are considered fungal infections? - -Infection with a fungus is
called mycosis and includes dermatophytes (e.g., tineas, which refers to several skin
mycoses, including ringworm and athlete's foot) and yeasts, which include candida and
aspergillus.
When is the earliest after sexual transmission of HIV that lab results can detect
infection? - -Lab testing can detect HIV RNA 4 to 10 days after sexual transmission,
whereas HIV antibody testing may take 23 to 90 days to result in a positive test. Repeat
testing may be needed to rule out a false negative test due to testing too soon after
exposure, especially if a high likelihood of exposure is suspected.
What is a characteristic of exotoxins? - -Exotoxins are released during bacterial growth.
Which dietary lifestyle choice has been associated with a decreased risk for developing
colon cancer? - -The results of decreased fat consumption have been widely studied
and have demonstrated a decreased risk of developing colon cancer.
Which cancer is an individual who has worked with asbestos for over 40 years most
likely to develop? - -Asbestos exposure results in an increased risk of lung and lung
lining cancer.
Which statement is true regarding ultraviolet (UV) light?
WGU D115
,WGU D115
The degree of damage is not affected by the light's wavelength. - -UV light causes basal
cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma when the UVB rays hit DNA strands,
causing thymine base pairs that are side by side to pair together, becoming thymine
dimers. These thymine dimers lead to cell death or cancer.
Which cancer does exercise have a convincing impact on reducing? - -Exercise-induced
myokines cause apoptosis of colon cancer cells.
Low healthcare literacy is recognized as a major risk factor in blood pressure control
and has been shown to have adverse effects on health outcomes.
true or false - -TRUE
By providing patient education at the appropriate literacy level, improved health
outcomes may result.
One of the goals of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy is to incorporate
research and evidence-based plans of treatment from childhood through university-level
education in a manner consistent with an individual's literacy level.
True or false - -True
Ensuring the individual can understand all elements of a treatment plan is crucial for
understanding and compliance.
What is a red flag for low healthcare literacy? - -Low literacy often leads to perceived
noncompliance to medical instructions, including medication instructions. Ensuring the
patient fully understands all instructions is critical for understanding.
Amniocentesis is recommended for pregnant women with certain health histories.
Which health history would result in an amniocentesis recommendation? - -Those who
have a family history of genetic disorders
Studies have identified several genes that play a role in the prevention of obesity.
What do these genes influence? - -Regulation of appetite-Research has shown that
genetic mutations may cause alterations in the regulation of appetite.
Which concept is data reporting that sickle cell disease affects approximately 1 in 600
black Americans an example of? - -Prevalence tells us how often disease is seen in a
population, which includes all people with the disease at a given time, at any stage in
the disease progression.
What describes a chromosomal defect caused by Prader-Willi syndrome? - -Prader-Willi
syndrome is caused by a disorder of a portion of chromosome 15. Normally, a portion of
this chromosome is inherited from both parents. With Prader-Willi syndrome, the
chromosome inherited from the father is problematic.
Which action is a purpose of the inflammatory process? - -Prevent infection of the
injured tissue
WGU D115
, WGU D115
The inflammatory response is a defense mechanism designed to remove damaged
tissue so the body can heal.
Which leukocytes are elevated in response to acute inflammatory reactions when
considering white blood cell differentials?
Monocytes
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils - -Neutrophils are one of the first responders to acute inflammation, and an
increase in neutrophils demonstrates an acute inflammatory response.
Which type of immunity is produced by an individual after either natural exposure to the
antigen or after immunization against the antigen? - -Active-acquired immunity or
naturally acquired active immunity occurs when an individual is exposed to a live
pathogen and develops the disease or becomes immune as a result of a vaccine.
Which characteristics do atopic individuals have that make them genetically
predisposed to develop allergies? - -The greater quantities of IgE in atopic individuals
make them genetically predisposed to develop allergies. IgE mediates the immune
response to allergens; therefore, the more IgE one has, the stronger the response can
be to an allergen. Think of it as having more soldiers in the army to fight the war.
A healthcare professional is conducting community education on vaccinations.
Which statement about vaccines should the professional include in the presentation? - -
Vaccines require booster injections to maintain life-long protection.
Most vaccines require a booster to increase immunity. The initial effects of a vaccine
may diminish over time, and boosters improve protection against disease.
Which term describes an agent's ability to produce disease? - -Pathogenicity refers to
an organism's ability to create or produce disease.
What are signs and symptoms of Cri du Chrat Syndrome? - -DNA deletion of
chromosome 5. low birth weight, mental retardation, microencephaly, and cat like cry
What are the 3 layers of human defense? - -Physical, Mechanical, biochemical barriers
What happens in the physical layer of human defense. - -protect against damage and
infection are composed of tightly associated epithelial cells including those of the skin
and of the membranous sheets lining the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory
tracts.
What is the second line of defense and the process? - -Inflammatory response- rapid
and nonspecific, protective response to cellular injury from any cause. It can occur only
in vascularized tissue.
WGU D115
WGU D115 Advanced Pathophysiology
Nurse Practice Guide Exam 2026
Which type of genetic disease affects males more frequently than females? - -Sex-
Linked recessive. Since males only have one X and one Y, if the affected chromosome
has the illness, it will be expressed.
In which two conditions are chromosomal abnormalities the leading known cause? - -
Intellectual disability and fetal miscarriage. Chromosome abnormalities are the leading
known cause of intellectual disability and fetal miscarriage.
What are three examples of prenatal diagnostic studies? - -Chorionic villus sampling
(CVS), amniocentesis, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) are examples of
prenatal diagnostic studies and are performed in vitro. CVS is a form of genetic testing
that provides genetic information found in utero and is usually performed between
weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. An amniocentesis is a form of genetic testing that
evaluates amniotic fluid and is usually performed during the second trimester, between
weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. PGT is performed on the embryo prior to implantation.
Which genetic disorder is characterized by the presence of a zygote having one
chromosome with a normal complement of genes and one chromosome with a missing
gene? - -Cri du chat syndrome (translated as "cry of the cat") is caused by a DNA
deletion. This term describes the cry often heard from a baby affected by the syndrome.
Cri du chat syndrome can present as a microcephalic, low birth-weight baby with a
piercing cry.
How can an X-linked recessive disease skip generations? - -The disease can be
transmitted through female carriers.
Since females have two copies of the X chromosome, the mother may provide an
unaffected X to a daughter or son. Furthermore, a daughter may not show signs of the
disease because she has the other X (the only X the father can give to a female) to
cancel it out.
Which type of risk is referred to as the ratio of the disease rate among the entire
population to the disease rate in an unexposed population? - -Relative risk is a ratio of
probability, not an actual occurrence of disease.
What are the empirical risks for most multifactorial diseases based on? - -Many factors
from lifestyle to genetics affect multifactorial diseases. Observation and evaluation of
each case individually provides the most thorough and accurate assessment.
What refers to the silenced gene of a gene pair. - -The imprinted gene is the silent gene
of a gene pair.
WGU D115
,WGU D115
What is the primary reason that some older adults have impaired inflammation and
wound healing? - -The underlying chronic illness exists.
A generalized inflammatory response seen in chronic illness depletes the body's
reserves to fight against illness.
Which cells are the body's primary defense against parasite invasion? - -Eosinophils are
the body's primary defense against parasites.
What Phagocytes bacteria? - -Macrophages work by eating or phagocytosing bacteria.
What is the first response to a foreign pathogen? - -Helper T cells
Which characteristic is the most important determinant of immunogenicity when
considering the antigen? - -Immunogenicity is primarily based on the ability to recognize
something foreign.
How are erythrocytes destroyed when mismatched blood is administered, causing an
ABO incompatibility? - -The complement pathway is activated in response to blood
incompatibility.
What is the hypersensitivity reaction that causes atopic dermatitis? - -An immediate
(type I) hypersensitivity reaction causes atopic dermatitis.
Which four infections are considered fungal infections? - -Infection with a fungus is
called mycosis and includes dermatophytes (e.g., tineas, which refers to several skin
mycoses, including ringworm and athlete's foot) and yeasts, which include candida and
aspergillus.
When is the earliest after sexual transmission of HIV that lab results can detect
infection? - -Lab testing can detect HIV RNA 4 to 10 days after sexual transmission,
whereas HIV antibody testing may take 23 to 90 days to result in a positive test. Repeat
testing may be needed to rule out a false negative test due to testing too soon after
exposure, especially if a high likelihood of exposure is suspected.
What is a characteristic of exotoxins? - -Exotoxins are released during bacterial growth.
Which dietary lifestyle choice has been associated with a decreased risk for developing
colon cancer? - -The results of decreased fat consumption have been widely studied
and have demonstrated a decreased risk of developing colon cancer.
Which cancer is an individual who has worked with asbestos for over 40 years most
likely to develop? - -Asbestos exposure results in an increased risk of lung and lung
lining cancer.
Which statement is true regarding ultraviolet (UV) light?
WGU D115
,WGU D115
The degree of damage is not affected by the light's wavelength. - -UV light causes basal
cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma when the UVB rays hit DNA strands,
causing thymine base pairs that are side by side to pair together, becoming thymine
dimers. These thymine dimers lead to cell death or cancer.
Which cancer does exercise have a convincing impact on reducing? - -Exercise-induced
myokines cause apoptosis of colon cancer cells.
Low healthcare literacy is recognized as a major risk factor in blood pressure control
and has been shown to have adverse effects on health outcomes.
true or false - -TRUE
By providing patient education at the appropriate literacy level, improved health
outcomes may result.
One of the goals of the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy is to incorporate
research and evidence-based plans of treatment from childhood through university-level
education in a manner consistent with an individual's literacy level.
True or false - -True
Ensuring the individual can understand all elements of a treatment plan is crucial for
understanding and compliance.
What is a red flag for low healthcare literacy? - -Low literacy often leads to perceived
noncompliance to medical instructions, including medication instructions. Ensuring the
patient fully understands all instructions is critical for understanding.
Amniocentesis is recommended for pregnant women with certain health histories.
Which health history would result in an amniocentesis recommendation? - -Those who
have a family history of genetic disorders
Studies have identified several genes that play a role in the prevention of obesity.
What do these genes influence? - -Regulation of appetite-Research has shown that
genetic mutations may cause alterations in the regulation of appetite.
Which concept is data reporting that sickle cell disease affects approximately 1 in 600
black Americans an example of? - -Prevalence tells us how often disease is seen in a
population, which includes all people with the disease at a given time, at any stage in
the disease progression.
What describes a chromosomal defect caused by Prader-Willi syndrome? - -Prader-Willi
syndrome is caused by a disorder of a portion of chromosome 15. Normally, a portion of
this chromosome is inherited from both parents. With Prader-Willi syndrome, the
chromosome inherited from the father is problematic.
Which action is a purpose of the inflammatory process? - -Prevent infection of the
injured tissue
WGU D115
, WGU D115
The inflammatory response is a defense mechanism designed to remove damaged
tissue so the body can heal.
Which leukocytes are elevated in response to acute inflammatory reactions when
considering white blood cell differentials?
Monocytes
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils - -Neutrophils are one of the first responders to acute inflammation, and an
increase in neutrophils demonstrates an acute inflammatory response.
Which type of immunity is produced by an individual after either natural exposure to the
antigen or after immunization against the antigen? - -Active-acquired immunity or
naturally acquired active immunity occurs when an individual is exposed to a live
pathogen and develops the disease or becomes immune as a result of a vaccine.
Which characteristics do atopic individuals have that make them genetically
predisposed to develop allergies? - -The greater quantities of IgE in atopic individuals
make them genetically predisposed to develop allergies. IgE mediates the immune
response to allergens; therefore, the more IgE one has, the stronger the response can
be to an allergen. Think of it as having more soldiers in the army to fight the war.
A healthcare professional is conducting community education on vaccinations.
Which statement about vaccines should the professional include in the presentation? - -
Vaccines require booster injections to maintain life-long protection.
Most vaccines require a booster to increase immunity. The initial effects of a vaccine
may diminish over time, and boosters improve protection against disease.
Which term describes an agent's ability to produce disease? - -Pathogenicity refers to
an organism's ability to create or produce disease.
What are signs and symptoms of Cri du Chrat Syndrome? - -DNA deletion of
chromosome 5. low birth weight, mental retardation, microencephaly, and cat like cry
What are the 3 layers of human defense? - -Physical, Mechanical, biochemical barriers
What happens in the physical layer of human defense. - -protect against damage and
infection are composed of tightly associated epithelial cells including those of the skin
and of the membranous sheets lining the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory
tracts.
What is the second line of defense and the process? - -Inflammatory response- rapid
and nonspecific, protective response to cellular injury from any cause. It can occur only
in vascularized tissue.
WGU D115
