WGU D236 Patho Exam Latest Update 2026 | Exam
Prep | High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is hypernatremia characterized by?
Low potassium levels in the blood
Elevated sodium levels in the blood
Decreased blood volume
Increased calcium levels in the blood
2. Which is an investigation to confirm the diagnosis of Turner syndrome?
Karyotype
Gonadotropin level in the blood
STH stimulation test
3. Which of the following is a common risk factor for fluid deficit?
Dehydration
Hyperhydration
High blood pressure
Increased protein intake
4. In a patient with respiratory acidosis, which buffer system would be most
actively engaged to restore pH balance, and how would it function?
The bicarbonate buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
increasing bicarbonate levels to neutralize excess hydrogen ions.
The sodium buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
increasing sodium levels in the blood.
, The protein buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
releasing amino acids into the bloodstream.
The phosphate buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
excreting phosphate ions through the kidneys.
5. The most comprehensive general definition of Arthritis is?
A condition that may involve an autoimmune disease.
A metabolic disorder caused by increased uric acid in blood.
Inflammation of a joint.
It is wear and tear of only the joint cartilage.
A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
6. Describe the main features of a first degree burn and how it differs from
deeper burns.
A first degree burn penetrates the dermis, leading to severe pain and
blistering.
A first degree burn affects only the epidermis, causing redness and
pain without blisters.
A first degree burn is characterized by deep tissue damage and
requires surgical intervention.
A first degree burn involves all skin layers and results in charring.
7. Describe how potassium contributes to nerve function and muscle
contraction.
Potassium primarily aids in the digestion of food.
Potassium has no significant role in muscle contraction.
Potassium is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters only.
, Potassium helps maintain the resting membrane potential, which is
crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
8. Describe how the kidneys contribute to the regulation of fluid and
electrolyte balance.
The kidneys primarily regulate blood pressure without influencing
fluid balance.
The kidneys only excrete waste products without affecting electrolyte
levels.
The kidneys filter blood, reabsorb necessary electrolytes, and
excrete excess fluid to maintain balance.
The kidneys produce hormones that directly control thirst.
9. Most children with Tay-Sachs disease die before their birthday:
Fifth
First
Third
Sixth
10. What is the typical range for normal potassium levels in the human body?
2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L
3.0 to 4.0 mEq/L
4.0 to 6.0 mEq/L
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
11. What is a defining feature of a full thickness (third degree) burn?
, Blister formation
Redness and swelling
Destruction of the epidermis and dermis
Painful and sensitive to touch
12. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, CO2 of 60 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24
mEq/L. Using the ROME acronym, what type of acid-base disturbance is
indicated?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
13. Describe the typical presentation of a patient experiencing subarachnoid
hemorrhage.
Patients often report mild headaches that worsen with activity.
Patients usually experience gradual onset of headaches over weeks.
Patients typically present with a sudden severe headache, often
described as the worst headache of their life.
Patients may show signs of confusion and disorientation without
headache.
14. What is the term for the pressure exerted by proteins, particularly albumin, in
the blood vessels?
Oncotic pressure
Blood pressure
Prep | High-Yield Review Guide
1. What is hypernatremia characterized by?
Low potassium levels in the blood
Elevated sodium levels in the blood
Decreased blood volume
Increased calcium levels in the blood
2. Which is an investigation to confirm the diagnosis of Turner syndrome?
Karyotype
Gonadotropin level in the blood
STH stimulation test
3. Which of the following is a common risk factor for fluid deficit?
Dehydration
Hyperhydration
High blood pressure
Increased protein intake
4. In a patient with respiratory acidosis, which buffer system would be most
actively engaged to restore pH balance, and how would it function?
The bicarbonate buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
increasing bicarbonate levels to neutralize excess hydrogen ions.
The sodium buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
increasing sodium levels in the blood.
, The protein buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
releasing amino acids into the bloodstream.
The phosphate buffer system would be engaged, functioning by
excreting phosphate ions through the kidneys.
5. The most comprehensive general definition of Arthritis is?
A condition that may involve an autoimmune disease.
A metabolic disorder caused by increased uric acid in blood.
Inflammation of a joint.
It is wear and tear of only the joint cartilage.
A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
6. Describe the main features of a first degree burn and how it differs from
deeper burns.
A first degree burn penetrates the dermis, leading to severe pain and
blistering.
A first degree burn affects only the epidermis, causing redness and
pain without blisters.
A first degree burn is characterized by deep tissue damage and
requires surgical intervention.
A first degree burn involves all skin layers and results in charring.
7. Describe how potassium contributes to nerve function and muscle
contraction.
Potassium primarily aids in the digestion of food.
Potassium has no significant role in muscle contraction.
Potassium is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters only.
, Potassium helps maintain the resting membrane potential, which is
crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
8. Describe how the kidneys contribute to the regulation of fluid and
electrolyte balance.
The kidneys primarily regulate blood pressure without influencing
fluid balance.
The kidneys only excrete waste products without affecting electrolyte
levels.
The kidneys filter blood, reabsorb necessary electrolytes, and
excrete excess fluid to maintain balance.
The kidneys produce hormones that directly control thirst.
9. Most children with Tay-Sachs disease die before their birthday:
Fifth
First
Third
Sixth
10. What is the typical range for normal potassium levels in the human body?
2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L
3.0 to 4.0 mEq/L
4.0 to 6.0 mEq/L
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
11. What is a defining feature of a full thickness (third degree) burn?
, Blister formation
Redness and swelling
Destruction of the epidermis and dermis
Painful and sensitive to touch
12. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, CO2 of 60 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24
mEq/L. Using the ROME acronym, what type of acid-base disturbance is
indicated?
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
13. Describe the typical presentation of a patient experiencing subarachnoid
hemorrhage.
Patients often report mild headaches that worsen with activity.
Patients usually experience gradual onset of headaches over weeks.
Patients typically present with a sudden severe headache, often
described as the worst headache of their life.
Patients may show signs of confusion and disorientation without
headache.
14. What is the term for the pressure exerted by proteins, particularly albumin, in
the blood vessels?
Oncotic pressure
Blood pressure
