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WGU D236 Pathophysiology Success Guide – Comprehensive Exam Review & Study Notes

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A concise and organized pathophysiology review resource for WGU D236, covering core concepts such as cellular injury, inflammation, immune responses, genetic influences on disease, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and major body system disorders. Designed to simplify complex topics, reinforce understanding, and support effective preparation for course assessments and exams.

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WGU D236 Patho - Megan/Shay’s Study Guides
What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure?

Albumin

Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins

Oncotic Pressure

What is the difference between adult and child immunity?

Naive T Cells

Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates actions such as thirst,
ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS.

Osmoreceptors

What are the causes of dehydration?

#Excessive loss
#Inadequate intake
#Both

What s/sx are associated with dehydration?

#Dry mucous membranes
#Decreased skin turgor
#Decreased urine output
#Low blood pressure
#Tachycardia
#Weak heart rate
#Confusion

A patient with a viral illness and severe vomiting has an elevated CO2 level and pH of 7.53. She is
breathing slowly. What condition does she have?

Metabolic alkalosis

The patient's pH and CO2 levels are both elevated (moving in the same direction). This indicates
metabolic alkalosis. The CO2 level is high because her respiratory system is attempting to compensate
for the high pH by exhaling less and retaining more CO2.

Normal CO2 level

35-45

Normal pH level

7.35-7.45

Normal HCO3 level

22-26

,WGU D236 Patho - Megan/Shay’s Study Guides
Michael's pulmonary edema leads to respiratory acidosis. How does pH impact Michael's basal
metabolic panel? Choose 3 answers.

His CO2 level is increased because his lungs have difficulty removing it from the bloodstream.

His calcium level is reduced because the elevated concentration of H+ makes it easier for Ca+ to bind to
albumin.

His CO2 level is decreased because his lungs have difficulty adding it into the bloodstream.

His sodium level is decreased due to hypervolemia.

His K+ is elevated because, as H+ moves inside of cells in an attempt to get it out of the bloodstream, K+
moves from cells into the bloodstream.

His CO2 level is increased because his lungs have difficulty removing it from the bloodstream.

His sodium level is decreased due to hypervolemia.

His K+ is elevated because, as H+ moves inside of cells in an attempt to get it out of the bloodstream, K+
moves from cells into the bloodstream.

A hormone panel was done on a patient with congestive heart failure and fluid volume overload. Which
elevated hormone on the patient's chart is indicative of the body's attempt to reduce the fluid overload?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)

Aldosterone

Renin

BNP

BNP is released when fluid volume excess is present.

Normal sodium level

135-145

Hyponatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

Na < 135

Loss of energy or fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

,WGU D236 Patho - Megan/Shay’s Study Guides
Headache
Confusion
Muscle spasms
Low blood pressure
Dark scanty urine
Irritability, disorientation and neurological manifestations
Seizures

Hypernatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx

Na > 145

Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Confusion
Muscle twitching or spasms
Restlessness
Seizures

Normal potassium level

3.5-5.0

Hypokalemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx

K < 3.5

#Muscle fatigue/cramping
#Nausea, vomiting, constipation
#Cardiac dysrhythmias
#Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)

Hyperkalemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

K > 5.0

Muscle weakness/paralysis
Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Cardiac arrest/MI

Normal calcium level

8.5-10.5

Hypocalcemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

Calcium < 8.5

Overexcitability of the muscles

, WGU D236 Patho - Megan/Shay’s Study Guides
Muscle twitching
Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
Chvostek and Trousseau sign (twitching on the cheek when touched)
Cardiac dysrhythmias

Hypercalcemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

Calcium > 10.5

Muscle weakness
Loss of muscle tone
Spontaneous fractures
Kidney stones
Cardiac dysrhythmias

Normal magnesium level

1.6-2.6

Hypomagnesemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

Magnesium level < 1.6

Tremors
Hyperreflexia
Insomnia
Muscle cramps
Irregular heart beat

Hypermagnesemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?

Magnesium level > 2.6

Hyporeflexia
Lethargy
Respiratory depression
N/V
Slow/Irregular heart beat

Tay-Sachs Disease

An autosomal recessive inherited genetic disorder caused by a recessive allele (chromosome 15) that
leads to the accumulation of certain lipids in the brain. Seizures, blindness, and degeneration of motor
and mental performance usually become manifest a few months after birth, followed by death within a
few years.

Marfan Syndrome

Inherited autosomal dominant trait (only one abnormal copy of the Marfan gene inherited from one
parent) FBN1 gene. Genetic connective tissue disorder that can affect aorta and heart valve structures.

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