W E S T E R N G O V E R N O R S U N I V E R S I T Y · C O L L E G E O F H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N S
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Megan/Shay’s Study Guide
Review
Comprehensive Practice Questions — Fluid/Electrolytes, Neuro, Cardio,
Pulmonary, GI, Renal & Endocrine
Course: Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
This comprehensive review contains 90 practice questions covering key concepts from WGU
D236 Pathophysiology. Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly marked correct
answer, and a detailed clinical rationale explaining the underlying pathophysiology.
Category: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
1 What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure?
A Albumin
B Globulins
C Fibrinogen
D Hemoglobin
Why A is correct: Albumin is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure (colloid osmotic
pressure) because it is the most abundant plasma protein and contributes approximately
80% of the total oncotic pressure.
B — Globulins contribute to oncotic pressure but to a lesser extent.
C — Fibrinogen is involved in clotting.
D — Hemoglobin is inside red blood cells, not in plasma.
,2 Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins:
A Hydrostatic pressure
B Oncotic Pressure
C Osmotic pressure
D Capillary pressure
Why B is correct: Oncotic pressure is the form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins,
particularly albumin, in the blood plasma. It helps maintain fluid balance by pulling water
into the capillaries.
A — Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by fluid against vessel walls.
C — Osmotic pressure is the general term for solute-driven water movement.
D — Capillary pressure is a general term.
3 What is the difference between adult and child immunity?
A Naive T Cells
B Memory B Cells
C Natural Killer Cells
D Complement proteins
Why A is correct: The primary difference between adult and child immunity is that children
have higher numbers of naive T cells, reflecting their developing immune system and
limited exposure to pathogens.
B — Memory B cells are more abundant in adults.
C — NK cells are similar across age groups.
D — Complement proteins are similar across age groups.
, 4 Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates actions
such as thirst, ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS.
A Osmoreceptors
B Baroreceptors
C Chemoreceptors
D Nociceptors
Why A is correct: Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus regulate fluid and electrolyte levels
by sensing changes in plasma osmolality and regulating thirst, ADH secretion, and the
RAAS.
B — Baroreceptors sense blood pressure changes.
C — Chemoreceptors sense chemical changes (O2, CO2, pH).
D — Nociceptors sense pain.
5 What are the causes of dehydration?
A Excessive loss, inadequate intake, or both
B Excessive intake only
C Excessive loss only
D Fluid retention
Why A is correct: Dehydration is caused by excessive loss of body fluids (vomiting,
diarrhea, sweating), inadequate intake, or both combined.
B — Excessive intake causes fluid overload, not dehydration.
C — Both excessive loss and inadequate intake can cause dehydration.
D — Fluid retention causes edema, not dehydration.
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Megan/Shay’s Study Guide
Review
Comprehensive Practice Questions — Fluid/Electrolytes, Neuro, Cardio,
Pulmonary, GI, Renal & Endocrine
Course: Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
This comprehensive review contains 90 practice questions covering key concepts from WGU
D236 Pathophysiology. Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly marked correct
answer, and a detailed clinical rationale explaining the underlying pathophysiology.
Category: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
1 What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure?
A Albumin
B Globulins
C Fibrinogen
D Hemoglobin
Why A is correct: Albumin is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure (colloid osmotic
pressure) because it is the most abundant plasma protein and contributes approximately
80% of the total oncotic pressure.
B — Globulins contribute to oncotic pressure but to a lesser extent.
C — Fibrinogen is involved in clotting.
D — Hemoglobin is inside red blood cells, not in plasma.
,2 Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins:
A Hydrostatic pressure
B Oncotic Pressure
C Osmotic pressure
D Capillary pressure
Why B is correct: Oncotic pressure is the form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins,
particularly albumin, in the blood plasma. It helps maintain fluid balance by pulling water
into the capillaries.
A — Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by fluid against vessel walls.
C — Osmotic pressure is the general term for solute-driven water movement.
D — Capillary pressure is a general term.
3 What is the difference between adult and child immunity?
A Naive T Cells
B Memory B Cells
C Natural Killer Cells
D Complement proteins
Why A is correct: The primary difference between adult and child immunity is that children
have higher numbers of naive T cells, reflecting their developing immune system and
limited exposure to pathogens.
B — Memory B cells are more abundant in adults.
C — NK cells are similar across age groups.
D — Complement proteins are similar across age groups.
, 4 Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates actions
such as thirst, ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS.
A Osmoreceptors
B Baroreceptors
C Chemoreceptors
D Nociceptors
Why A is correct: Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus regulate fluid and electrolyte levels
by sensing changes in plasma osmolality and regulating thirst, ADH secretion, and the
RAAS.
B — Baroreceptors sense blood pressure changes.
C — Chemoreceptors sense chemical changes (O2, CO2, pH).
D — Nociceptors sense pain.
5 What are the causes of dehydration?
A Excessive loss, inadequate intake, or both
B Excessive intake only
C Excessive loss only
D Fluid retention
Why A is correct: Dehydration is caused by excessive loss of body fluids (vomiting,
diarrhea, sweating), inadequate intake, or both combined.
B — Excessive intake causes fluid overload, not dehydration.
C — Both excessive loss and inadequate intake can cause dehydration.
D — Fluid retention causes edema, not dehydration.
