WGU PATHO D236 COMPREHENSIVE TEST
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Describe the three most common types of skin cancer.
Where in the skin does each occur, and what are risk factors for
each?
Which are most likely to metastasize?
How are skin cancers diagnosed, and what are treatment options?
Answer: The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell
carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer of the basal cells and is
most commonly located on the face.
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny, pearly bump. Basal cell
carcinoma is usually treated by excision and rarely metastasizes.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the squamous cells that
appears as a red, crusted, or scaly ulcer or bump. Squamous cell
carcinoma rarely metastasizes (but can do so through the lymphatic
system) and is treated by excision.
,Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes that appears as an
irregularly-shaped patch of skin with unusual pigmentation. The
coloration of the melanoma is often dark but can appear as other
colors such bright-pink or blue.
Melanoma has a very high risk of penetrating into blood vessels and
the lymphatic system, and early detection and excision can prevent
metastasis. Skin cancers are diagnosed through biopsy of the
suspected area of skin.
◉ Explain the Rule of Nines and the briefly describe the ABA
classification system.
What are local effects and systemic effects of burns? Answer: The
Rule of Nines is a method to quickly estimate the effected burn area
of a patient that divides the body into regions with multiples of 9%
of total body surface area (TBSA). In adults, head is 9%, arms are 9%
each, legs are 18% each, and torso is 18% front and back each (groin
is 1%).
The ABA classification system groups burns into three types based
on burn depth, percentage of TBSA, and whether or not certain body
areas such as eyes and respiratory tract are affected.
,Local effects of burns include edema brought on by increased
hydrostatic pressure and decreased osmotic pressure, poor
perfusion, and hypermetabolism.
Systemic effects of burns include pulmonary (edema of airways,
inhalation injury, CO poisoning), gastrointestinal (decreased
perfusion of GI tract and associated complications), Immune system
(damage to outer barrier, decreased immune response), and Renal
system (decreased kidney perfusion and associated complications).
◉ What are potential complications of Albinism?
How can these complications be treated or mitigated? Answer:
Complications of albinism include skin cancer and visual problems.
Melanin is involved in eye development and lack of melanin can lead
to problems with depth perception and focusing.
UV damage to skin and eyes in people with albinism may be
mitigated by limiting UV exposure and usage of sunscreen and
sunglasses.
Frequent checkups for skin abnormalities and vision problems
should be conducted.
, Certain visual motor issues caused by albinism may be treated
through surgery.
◉ What are potential complications of burns?
How would you prevent or lessen these complications? Answer:
Burns damage the skin's outer barrier to infection and can lead to
localized infection and sepsis if not treated. Sterilization of the burn
area and use of sterile and antibiotic-containing dressings can
prevent burn wound infection.
The body undergoes a state of hypermetabolism in order to repair
itself after a severe burn, and consumption of nutrients is increased
drastically. The loss of fluids through the wound is also common.
These nutrients and fluids should be replaced through oral and IV
means to prevent loss of perfusion and nutrients to vital organs.
Adult respiratory distress syndrome can be caused by damaged
lungs and large burn areas, and care should be taken to prevent
swelling from blocking airflow.
Dead, inelastic tissue can lead to compartment syndrome and said
tissue should be excised to prevent loss of blood flow and nerve
signals.
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ Describe the three most common types of skin cancer.
Where in the skin does each occur, and what are risk factors for
each?
Which are most likely to metastasize?
How are skin cancers diagnosed, and what are treatment options?
Answer: The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell
carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer of the basal cells and is
most commonly located on the face.
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny, pearly bump. Basal cell
carcinoma is usually treated by excision and rarely metastasizes.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the squamous cells that
appears as a red, crusted, or scaly ulcer or bump. Squamous cell
carcinoma rarely metastasizes (but can do so through the lymphatic
system) and is treated by excision.
,Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes that appears as an
irregularly-shaped patch of skin with unusual pigmentation. The
coloration of the melanoma is often dark but can appear as other
colors such bright-pink or blue.
Melanoma has a very high risk of penetrating into blood vessels and
the lymphatic system, and early detection and excision can prevent
metastasis. Skin cancers are diagnosed through biopsy of the
suspected area of skin.
◉ Explain the Rule of Nines and the briefly describe the ABA
classification system.
What are local effects and systemic effects of burns? Answer: The
Rule of Nines is a method to quickly estimate the effected burn area
of a patient that divides the body into regions with multiples of 9%
of total body surface area (TBSA). In adults, head is 9%, arms are 9%
each, legs are 18% each, and torso is 18% front and back each (groin
is 1%).
The ABA classification system groups burns into three types based
on burn depth, percentage of TBSA, and whether or not certain body
areas such as eyes and respiratory tract are affected.
,Local effects of burns include edema brought on by increased
hydrostatic pressure and decreased osmotic pressure, poor
perfusion, and hypermetabolism.
Systemic effects of burns include pulmonary (edema of airways,
inhalation injury, CO poisoning), gastrointestinal (decreased
perfusion of GI tract and associated complications), Immune system
(damage to outer barrier, decreased immune response), and Renal
system (decreased kidney perfusion and associated complications).
◉ What are potential complications of Albinism?
How can these complications be treated or mitigated? Answer:
Complications of albinism include skin cancer and visual problems.
Melanin is involved in eye development and lack of melanin can lead
to problems with depth perception and focusing.
UV damage to skin and eyes in people with albinism may be
mitigated by limiting UV exposure and usage of sunscreen and
sunglasses.
Frequent checkups for skin abnormalities and vision problems
should be conducted.
, Certain visual motor issues caused by albinism may be treated
through surgery.
◉ What are potential complications of burns?
How would you prevent or lessen these complications? Answer:
Burns damage the skin's outer barrier to infection and can lead to
localized infection and sepsis if not treated. Sterilization of the burn
area and use of sterile and antibiotic-containing dressings can
prevent burn wound infection.
The body undergoes a state of hypermetabolism in order to repair
itself after a severe burn, and consumption of nutrients is increased
drastically. The loss of fluids through the wound is also common.
These nutrients and fluids should be replaced through oral and IV
means to prevent loss of perfusion and nutrients to vital organs.
Adult respiratory distress syndrome can be caused by damaged
lungs and large burn areas, and care should be taken to prevent
swelling from blocking airflow.
Dead, inelastic tissue can lead to compartment syndrome and said
tissue should be excised to prevent loss of blood flow and nerve
signals.
