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WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Complete Study Guide
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
Complete Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance 2
3. Immunity & Inflammation 4
4. Genetic & Chromosomal Disorders 5
,5. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Disorders 7
6. Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders 8
7. Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Disorders 9
8. Neurological & Reproductive Disorders 10
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains all 145 source items converted into NCLEX-style questions
with detailed rationales.
Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance
1 What is accomplished by diffusion?
A Movement of water from low solute to high solute concentration
B Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration
C Movement of water and solutes from high hydrostatic pressure to low hydrostatic
pressure
D Movement of molecules using ATP energy
Why B is correct: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher
concentration to an area of lower concentration down the concentration gradient.
A — This describes osmosis, not diffusion.
C — This describes filtration, not diffusion.
D — This describes active transport, not diffusion.
, 2 What causes osmotic diarrhea?
A Increased intestinal motility
B Bacterial infection of the intestinal lining
C Non-absorbable substances in the intestine drawing water into the bowel
D Decreased water absorption in the colon
Why C is correct: Osmotic diarrhea is caused by non-absorbable substances in the intestine
drawing water into the bowel, increasing stool volume.
A — Increased motility causes rapid transit diarrhea.
B — Bacterial infection causes secretory diarrhea.
D — Decreased water absorption is a mechanism but not the primary definition of osmotic
diarrhea.
3 What is BNP?
A A marker used to diagnose myocardial infarction
B B-type natriuretic peptide, a marker used to diagnose heart failure
C A marker used to diagnose kidney failure
D A marker used to diagnose liver disease
Why B is correct: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a marker used to diagnose heart
failure, as it is released by the ventricles in response to increased pressure.
A — Troponin is the marker for myocardial infarction.
C — BUN and creatinine are markers for kidney failure.
D — AST and ALT are markers for liver disease.
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Complete Study Guide
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
Complete Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance 2
3. Immunity & Inflammation 4
4. Genetic & Chromosomal Disorders 5
,5. Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Disorders 7
6. Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders 8
7. Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Disorders 9
8. Neurological & Reproductive Disorders 10
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains all 145 source items converted into NCLEX-style questions
with detailed rationales.
Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance
1 What is accomplished by diffusion?
A Movement of water from low solute to high solute concentration
B Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration
C Movement of water and solutes from high hydrostatic pressure to low hydrostatic
pressure
D Movement of molecules using ATP energy
Why B is correct: Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher
concentration to an area of lower concentration down the concentration gradient.
A — This describes osmosis, not diffusion.
C — This describes filtration, not diffusion.
D — This describes active transport, not diffusion.
, 2 What causes osmotic diarrhea?
A Increased intestinal motility
B Bacterial infection of the intestinal lining
C Non-absorbable substances in the intestine drawing water into the bowel
D Decreased water absorption in the colon
Why C is correct: Osmotic diarrhea is caused by non-absorbable substances in the intestine
drawing water into the bowel, increasing stool volume.
A — Increased motility causes rapid transit diarrhea.
B — Bacterial infection causes secretory diarrhea.
D — Decreased water absorption is a mechanism but not the primary definition of osmotic
diarrhea.
3 What is BNP?
A A marker used to diagnose myocardial infarction
B B-type natriuretic peptide, a marker used to diagnose heart failure
C A marker used to diagnose kidney failure
D A marker used to diagnose liver disease
Why B is correct: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) is a marker used to diagnose heart
failure, as it is released by the ventricles in response to increased pressure.
A — Troponin is the marker for myocardial infarction.
C — BUN and creatinine are markers for kidney failure.
D — AST and ALT are markers for liver disease.
