WGU D236 Pathophysiology Exam: WGU D236
Pathophysiology Objective Assessment Study Guide
1. A bedridden client has a frequent gastrointestinal reflux. Which condition
might the client develop due to this reflux?
A. Aspiration Pneumonia
B. Hypotension
C. Hyperthermia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Gastrointestinal reflux in bedridden patients increases the risk of
gastric contents entering the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and
infection of the lungs known as aspiration pneumonia.
2. A client displays a desire for perfection in academics, social isolation, and a
severely restricted diet. Which disorder is likely?
A. Anorexia nervosa
B. Bulimia nervosa
C. Binge eating
D. Purging disorder
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by psychiatric characteristics such as
social isolation, extreme emotional distress regarding weight, and a severely
restricted diet.
,3. A client complains of headaches during morning hours and sleep,
accompanied by rhinorrhea and tearing of the eye. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Tension headache
B. Migraine
C. Cluster headache
D. Cephalgia
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Cluster headaches often occur during sleep or early morning and are
uniquely associated with autonomic symptoms like tearing of the eyes and
rhinorrhea (runny nose).
4. A client presents with +3 pitting edema in the feet and ascites. Which clinical
feature is most important to monitor?
A. Hemoglobin level
B. Serum albumin level
C. Red blood cells count
D. White blood cells count
Correct Answer: B.
Rationale: Low serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) decreases oncotic pressure,
leading to fluid leaking into the interstitial spaces, causing pitting edema and
ascites.
5. Which is a common physical assessment finding of respiratory acidosis?
A. Cyanosis
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Hypertension
, Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is often caused by hypoventilation, which results in
low oxygen levels and the bluish skin discoloration known as cyanosis.
6. Based on lipid profiles and blood pressure, which client has the lowest risk for
cardiovascular disease? (Client 3: BP 115/75, LDL 100, HDL 70, Triglycerides 140)
A. Client 1
B. Client 2
C. Client 3
D. Client 4
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Client 3 has the most optimal health markers: the lowest blood
pressure, the highest "good" cholesterol (HDL), and the lowest "bad" cholesterol
(LDL) and triglycerides.
7. A nurse practitioner is teaching a client with a decubitus ulcer about nutrients
for wound healing. Which statement indicates effective learning?
A. “Consuming orange juice will improve wound healing.”
B. “Consuming dairy products will encourage rapid wound healing.”
C. “Adding zinc to the diet will help with wound healing.”
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Zinc is a vital mineral that supports tissue growth and the repair of skin,
making it essential for healing decubitus ulcers.
8. A 27-year-old male has siblings with sickle cell anemia and is concerned for
his future children. What is the best advice?
A. “Your partner and you should consult a genetic counselor.”
B. “You will not pass sickle cell anemia to your offspring, so relax.”
Pathophysiology Objective Assessment Study Guide
1. A bedridden client has a frequent gastrointestinal reflux. Which condition
might the client develop due to this reflux?
A. Aspiration Pneumonia
B. Hypotension
C. Hyperthermia
D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Gastrointestinal reflux in bedridden patients increases the risk of
gastric contents entering the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and
infection of the lungs known as aspiration pneumonia.
2. A client displays a desire for perfection in academics, social isolation, and a
severely restricted diet. Which disorder is likely?
A. Anorexia nervosa
B. Bulimia nervosa
C. Binge eating
D. Purging disorder
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by psychiatric characteristics such as
social isolation, extreme emotional distress regarding weight, and a severely
restricted diet.
,3. A client complains of headaches during morning hours and sleep,
accompanied by rhinorrhea and tearing of the eye. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Tension headache
B. Migraine
C. Cluster headache
D. Cephalgia
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Cluster headaches often occur during sleep or early morning and are
uniquely associated with autonomic symptoms like tearing of the eyes and
rhinorrhea (runny nose).
4. A client presents with +3 pitting edema in the feet and ascites. Which clinical
feature is most important to monitor?
A. Hemoglobin level
B. Serum albumin level
C. Red blood cells count
D. White blood cells count
Correct Answer: B.
Rationale: Low serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) decreases oncotic pressure,
leading to fluid leaking into the interstitial spaces, causing pitting edema and
ascites.
5. Which is a common physical assessment finding of respiratory acidosis?
A. Cyanosis
B. Tachycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Hypertension
, Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is often caused by hypoventilation, which results in
low oxygen levels and the bluish skin discoloration known as cyanosis.
6. Based on lipid profiles and blood pressure, which client has the lowest risk for
cardiovascular disease? (Client 3: BP 115/75, LDL 100, HDL 70, Triglycerides 140)
A. Client 1
B. Client 2
C. Client 3
D. Client 4
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Client 3 has the most optimal health markers: the lowest blood
pressure, the highest "good" cholesterol (HDL), and the lowest "bad" cholesterol
(LDL) and triglycerides.
7. A nurse practitioner is teaching a client with a decubitus ulcer about nutrients
for wound healing. Which statement indicates effective learning?
A. “Consuming orange juice will improve wound healing.”
B. “Consuming dairy products will encourage rapid wound healing.”
C. “Adding zinc to the diet will help with wound healing.”
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C.
Rationale: Zinc is a vital mineral that supports tissue growth and the repair of skin,
making it essential for healing decubitus ulcers.
8. A 27-year-old male has siblings with sickle cell anemia and is concerned for
his future children. What is the best advice?
A. “Your partner and you should consult a genetic counselor.”
B. “You will not pass sickle cell anemia to your offspring, so relax.”
