WGU D446 Adult Health 2 Study Guide (2026/2027 Syllabus)
Module 1: Respiratory System
1. A patient presents with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Describe the
underlying pathophysiology.
ANSWER Inflammation occurs, characterized by increased blood flow and vascular
permeability. This activates neutrophils to engulf and kill pathogens. The inflammatory
process attracts more neutrophils, causing airway edema. Fluid leaks from capillaries and
tissues into the alveoli, affecting normal O2 transport and leading to hypoxia .
2. What are the key risk factors for developing community-acquired pneumonia?
ANSWER Age >65 years, immobility, chronic diseases (e.g., DM, heart disease, cancer),
immunosuppressive therapy/conditions, inhalation/aspiration of noxious substances,
smoking, and upper respiratory infections .
3. What are the priority interventions for a patient experiencing an acute asthma
exacerbation?
ANSWER Administer short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) and provide oxygen
therapy .
4. How do you evaluate the therapeutic response to asthma interventions?
ANSWER Through arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation and assessment of symptom
improvement .
5. What is the target oxygen saturation (SpO₂) range for a patient with COPD?
ANSWER 88-92% .
6. What dietary considerations are important for a patient with COPD?
ANSWER High-protein, high-calorie small meals to maintain energy levels without
causing early satiety .
7. A patient with pneumonia has wheezing noted in both lobes, pleuritic chest
pain, and copious yellow sputum. What are the priority nursing actions?
, ANSWER Administer prescribed antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone), provide respiratory
treatments (e.g., albuterol), educate on incentive spirometer use, encourage mobility
and increased fluid intake, and educate on vaccination .
8. What precautions are necessary for a patient admitted with suspected
tuberculosis?
ANSWER Airborne precautions .
9. What are the classic signs and symptoms of tuberculosis?
ANSWER Night sweats, blood-tinged sputum, a productive persistent cough, and
weight loss .
Module 2: Cardiovascular System
10. How do you differentiate between a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and
chest pain (angina)?
ANSWER An MI involves persistent pain not relieved by rest/nitroglycerin, diaphoresis,
and elevated troponin levels. Angina is typically temporary and relieved by rest or
medication .
11. What is the MONA protocol for a suspected heart attack?
ANSWER Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin .
12. What are the classic symptoms of left-sided heart failure?
ANSWER Pulmonary symptoms: dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles (rales), and a nagging
cough (possibly with frothy, blood-tinged sputum) .
13. What are the classic symptoms of right-sided heart failure?
ANSWER Peripheral symptoms: edema (swelling of legs/hands), jugular vein distention
(JVD), ascites, weight gain, and lethargy .
14. What is the function of beta-blockers as a cardiac medication classification?
ANSWER They reduce heart rate and cardiac output .
15. What is the function of calcium channel blockers?
Module 1: Respiratory System
1. A patient presents with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Describe the
underlying pathophysiology.
ANSWER Inflammation occurs, characterized by increased blood flow and vascular
permeability. This activates neutrophils to engulf and kill pathogens. The inflammatory
process attracts more neutrophils, causing airway edema. Fluid leaks from capillaries and
tissues into the alveoli, affecting normal O2 transport and leading to hypoxia .
2. What are the key risk factors for developing community-acquired pneumonia?
ANSWER Age >65 years, immobility, chronic diseases (e.g., DM, heart disease, cancer),
immunosuppressive therapy/conditions, inhalation/aspiration of noxious substances,
smoking, and upper respiratory infections .
3. What are the priority interventions for a patient experiencing an acute asthma
exacerbation?
ANSWER Administer short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) and provide oxygen
therapy .
4. How do you evaluate the therapeutic response to asthma interventions?
ANSWER Through arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation and assessment of symptom
improvement .
5. What is the target oxygen saturation (SpO₂) range for a patient with COPD?
ANSWER 88-92% .
6. What dietary considerations are important for a patient with COPD?
ANSWER High-protein, high-calorie small meals to maintain energy levels without
causing early satiety .
7. A patient with pneumonia has wheezing noted in both lobes, pleuritic chest
pain, and copious yellow sputum. What are the priority nursing actions?
, ANSWER Administer prescribed antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone), provide respiratory
treatments (e.g., albuterol), educate on incentive spirometer use, encourage mobility
and increased fluid intake, and educate on vaccination .
8. What precautions are necessary for a patient admitted with suspected
tuberculosis?
ANSWER Airborne precautions .
9. What are the classic signs and symptoms of tuberculosis?
ANSWER Night sweats, blood-tinged sputum, a productive persistent cough, and
weight loss .
Module 2: Cardiovascular System
10. How do you differentiate between a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and
chest pain (angina)?
ANSWER An MI involves persistent pain not relieved by rest/nitroglycerin, diaphoresis,
and elevated troponin levels. Angina is typically temporary and relieved by rest or
medication .
11. What is the MONA protocol for a suspected heart attack?
ANSWER Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin .
12. What are the classic symptoms of left-sided heart failure?
ANSWER Pulmonary symptoms: dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles (rales), and a nagging
cough (possibly with frothy, blood-tinged sputum) .
13. What are the classic symptoms of right-sided heart failure?
ANSWER Peripheral symptoms: edema (swelling of legs/hands), jugular vein distention
(JVD), ascites, weight gain, and lethargy .
14. What is the function of beta-blockers as a cardiac medication classification?
ANSWER They reduce heart rate and cardiac output .
15. What is the function of calcium channel blockers?
