WGU D236 OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is most commonly associated with the
precursor to malignant transformation in the uterine cervix?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and
organization of mature cells. It is often a precursor to cancer, particularly in the cervix.
2. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary mechanism by which ischemia leads to
cellular swelling?
A. Activation of the complement cascade
B. Decreased osmotic pressure in the extracellular space
,C. Increased synthesis of intracellular proteins
D. Failure of the ATP-dependent sodium-potassium pump
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Ischemia leads to reduced ATP production; without ATP, the
sodium-potassium pump fails, causing sodium and water to enter the cell, resulting in
swelling.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient with chronic renal failure most likely to exhibit
due to decreased excretion?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion;
chronic renal failure results in the retention of potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.
4. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
, C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45
mmHg) indicates that the origin is respiratory.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type II
B. Type I
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE and mast cell degranulation.
6. What is the pathophysiological mechanism behind the development of edema in a patient
with liver failure and hypoalbuminemia?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Lymphatic obstruction
C. Increased capillary permeability
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following cellular adaptations is most commonly associated with the
precursor to malignant transformation in the uterine cervix?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Dysplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and
organization of mature cells. It is often a precursor to cancer, particularly in the cervix.
2. In the context of cellular injury, what is the primary mechanism by which ischemia leads to
cellular swelling?
A. Activation of the complement cascade
B. Decreased osmotic pressure in the extracellular space
,C. Increased synthesis of intracellular proteins
D. Failure of the ATP-dependent sodium-potassium pump
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Ischemia leads to reduced ATP production; without ATP, the
sodium-potassium pump fails, causing sodium and water to enter the cell, resulting in
swelling.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is a patient with chronic renal failure most likely to exhibit
due to decreased excretion?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion;
chronic renal failure results in the retention of potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.
4. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
, C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45
mmHg) indicates that the origin is respiratory.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type II
B. Type I
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE and mast cell degranulation.
6. What is the pathophysiological mechanism behind the development of edema in a patient
with liver failure and hypoalbuminemia?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Lymphatic obstruction
C. Increased capillary permeability
