WGU D236 Pathophysiology 2026/2027 –
Final Exam Study Deck
Verified answers and rationales for all key topics (Guaranteed Review Format)
1) How does the body respond to an infection?
Answer: T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells produce antibodies.
Rationale: T cells orchestrate the adaptive immune response by secreting cytokines. These
cytokines activate B cells to produce antibodies, which target and neutralize pathogens, ensuring
both immediate and long-term immunity.
2) What role do DNA changes play in congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities.
Rationale: DNA mutations or chromosomal defects can disrupt normal embryonic development,
leading to structural or functional congenital abnormalities.
3) How does abnormal development lead to congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Alterations of DNA.
Rationale: During development, proper DNA instructions are essential. Any genetic alteration
can interfere with organogenesis and cellular differentiation, resulting in birth defects.
4) How do disruptions in homeostasis affect wellbeing?
Answer: For example, fluid and electrolyte shifts can cause nausea, vomiting, or dysrhythmias.
Rationale: Homeostasis maintains the internal environment. Disruption of fluid or electrolyte
balance can impair cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems, producing clinical
symptoms.
, 5) Explain the RAAS system and its effect on blood pressure.
Answer: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system:
Reduced blood flow causes kidneys to release renin
Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
Angiotensin I converts to angiotensin II
Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction and stimulates aldosterone release
Aldosterone causes kidneys to conserve sodium and water
Result: blood pressure is maintained
Rationale: RAAS regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Activation increases vascular
resistance and blood volume, preserving perfusion to vital organs.
6) What are the laboratory findings of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Answer: Increased anion gap, decreased bicarbonate (HCO3).
Rationale: In DKA, insulin deficiency leads to ketone production, causing metabolic acidosis.
This is reflected in lab findings as a low bicarbonate level and an increased anion gap.
7) How do the kidneys compensate for alkalosis?
Answer: Retain hydrogen ions (H+) and excrete bicarbonate (HCO3−).
Rationale: The kidneys correct alkalosis by conserving H+ to acidify the blood and excreting
bicarbonate to lower blood pH, restoring acid-base balance.
8) Which electrolyte increases in untreated acidosis?
Answer: Potassium.
Rationale: In acidosis, hydrogen ions shift into cells, and potassium ions shift out into the blood,
resulting in hyperkalemia.
9) How is West Nile Virus transmitted and what are its severe signs?
Final Exam Study Deck
Verified answers and rationales for all key topics (Guaranteed Review Format)
1) How does the body respond to an infection?
Answer: T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells produce antibodies.
Rationale: T cells orchestrate the adaptive immune response by secreting cytokines. These
cytokines activate B cells to produce antibodies, which target and neutralize pathogens, ensuring
both immediate and long-term immunity.
2) What role do DNA changes play in congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities.
Rationale: DNA mutations or chromosomal defects can disrupt normal embryonic development,
leading to structural or functional congenital abnormalities.
3) How does abnormal development lead to congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Alterations of DNA.
Rationale: During development, proper DNA instructions are essential. Any genetic alteration
can interfere with organogenesis and cellular differentiation, resulting in birth defects.
4) How do disruptions in homeostasis affect wellbeing?
Answer: For example, fluid and electrolyte shifts can cause nausea, vomiting, or dysrhythmias.
Rationale: Homeostasis maintains the internal environment. Disruption of fluid or electrolyte
balance can impair cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems, producing clinical
symptoms.
, 5) Explain the RAAS system and its effect on blood pressure.
Answer: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system:
Reduced blood flow causes kidneys to release renin
Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
Angiotensin I converts to angiotensin II
Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction and stimulates aldosterone release
Aldosterone causes kidneys to conserve sodium and water
Result: blood pressure is maintained
Rationale: RAAS regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Activation increases vascular
resistance and blood volume, preserving perfusion to vital organs.
6) What are the laboratory findings of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Answer: Increased anion gap, decreased bicarbonate (HCO3).
Rationale: In DKA, insulin deficiency leads to ketone production, causing metabolic acidosis.
This is reflected in lab findings as a low bicarbonate level and an increased anion gap.
7) How do the kidneys compensate for alkalosis?
Answer: Retain hydrogen ions (H+) and excrete bicarbonate (HCO3−).
Rationale: The kidneys correct alkalosis by conserving H+ to acidify the blood and excreting
bicarbonate to lower blood pH, restoring acid-base balance.
8) Which electrolyte increases in untreated acidosis?
Answer: Potassium.
Rationale: In acidosis, hydrogen ions shift into cells, and potassium ions shift out into the blood,
resulting in hyperkalemia.
9) How is West Nile Virus transmitted and what are its severe signs?
