WGU D236-PATHOLOGY QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS RATED A
+STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
A 45-year-old woman presents with joint pain and stiffness in her hands and
wrists. She reports the stiffness is worst in the morning and lasts for over an hour.
On exam, there is swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in
the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints
bilaterally. Lab results show positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP
antibodies.
rheumatoid arthritis
an infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart affecting the heart
valves.
it is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs (tooth decay)
**Night sweats
***loud heart murmur
VEGETATION SHOWN ON AN ECHO
ENDOCARDITIS
A 30-year-old male presents with intermittent fever, chills, malaise, and
progressive jaundice. On examination, he has pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and
scleral icterus. Laboratory investigations reveal anemia with elevated reticulocyte
count, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), elevated indirect bilirubin, and
peripheral blood smear showing intraerythrocytic ring forms consistent
with Plasmodium falciparum infection.
Malaria
Staph Infection
(C805 Study Guide)
,-Staphylococcus bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin or mucous
membranes.
-can occur on the skin, in the bloodstream, or in other body tissues.
-Pusmay accumulate at the site of infection. a sign that the body is actively
fighting the infection.
Fever: In response to infection, the body may raise its temperature, leading to a
fever. help the immune system function more efficiently.
Resolution or Complications:
-the immune system successfully clears the infection.
-untreated or severe staph infections can lead to complications:
-the formation of abscesses (collections of pus)
-cellulitis (skin infection)
-the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body.
Treatment:
-typically treated with antibiotics
-Drainage of abscesses or surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe
infections
-some strains of Staphylococcus aureus (such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
-Timely medical attention is crucial to effectively manage staph infections and
prevent complications.
spread to humans through the bite of a CULEX mosquito.
symptoms develop 2-14 days after bite.
**ENCPHLATITIS (INFL. OF BRAIN)
**MENINGITIS
NOT COMMUNICABLE
,west nile disease
symptoms:
fever
headache
body aches
joint pain
fatigue
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
RASH
Severe Symptoms:
High fever
Confusion
Seizures
Paralysis
Coma
Neck stiffness
Weakness
Swelling of lymph nodes
West Nile =
Encephalitis (inflammation of brain)
Neuro Symptoms:
Meningitis
Culex Mosquito
-No cure (management)
A 55-year-old man presents in late summer with sudden onset of fever, headache,
myalgia, and a maculopapular rash. Over the next few days, he develops
, confusion and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis shows lymphocytic
pleocytosis and elevated protein. MRI of the brain reveals hyperintensities in the
basal ganglia and thalamus. Serology confirms West Nile virus infection.
West Nile
bio marker used primarily in ovarian cancer detection and monitoring OVARIAN
TUMOR/CANCER
HE4 bio Markers
this is considered normal saline
0.9 NACL solution
ISOTONIC TO RBC
(same osmotic pressure as blood plasma, RBC maintain their normal shape and
function)
ISOTONIC TO RBC
0.9 NACL solution
isotonic
Having the same solute concentration as another solution. 0.9 NACL Solution
Hypertonic
Having a higher concentration of solute than another solution.
3% sodium chloride (NaCl)
or
10% dextrose (D10W)
Hypotonic
Having a lower concentration of solute than another solution
0.25%-0.45% saline
or
2.5% dextrose
condition where the peripheral nerves become damaged or dysfunctional, leading
to pain,weakness, numbness or tingling
AND CORRECT ANSWERS RATED A
+STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
A 45-year-old woman presents with joint pain and stiffness in her hands and
wrists. She reports the stiffness is worst in the morning and lasts for over an hour.
On exam, there is swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in
the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints
bilaterally. Lab results show positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP
antibodies.
rheumatoid arthritis
an infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart affecting the heart
valves.
it is caused by bacteria, fungi, or other germs (tooth decay)
**Night sweats
***loud heart murmur
VEGETATION SHOWN ON AN ECHO
ENDOCARDITIS
A 30-year-old male presents with intermittent fever, chills, malaise, and
progressive jaundice. On examination, he has pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and
scleral icterus. Laboratory investigations reveal anemia with elevated reticulocyte
count, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), elevated indirect bilirubin, and
peripheral blood smear showing intraerythrocytic ring forms consistent
with Plasmodium falciparum infection.
Malaria
Staph Infection
(C805 Study Guide)
,-Staphylococcus bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin or mucous
membranes.
-can occur on the skin, in the bloodstream, or in other body tissues.
-Pusmay accumulate at the site of infection. a sign that the body is actively
fighting the infection.
Fever: In response to infection, the body may raise its temperature, leading to a
fever. help the immune system function more efficiently.
Resolution or Complications:
-the immune system successfully clears the infection.
-untreated or severe staph infections can lead to complications:
-the formation of abscesses (collections of pus)
-cellulitis (skin infection)
-the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body.
Treatment:
-typically treated with antibiotics
-Drainage of abscesses or surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe
infections
-some strains of Staphylococcus aureus (such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
-Timely medical attention is crucial to effectively manage staph infections and
prevent complications.
spread to humans through the bite of a CULEX mosquito.
symptoms develop 2-14 days after bite.
**ENCPHLATITIS (INFL. OF BRAIN)
**MENINGITIS
NOT COMMUNICABLE
,west nile disease
symptoms:
fever
headache
body aches
joint pain
fatigue
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
RASH
Severe Symptoms:
High fever
Confusion
Seizures
Paralysis
Coma
Neck stiffness
Weakness
Swelling of lymph nodes
West Nile =
Encephalitis (inflammation of brain)
Neuro Symptoms:
Meningitis
Culex Mosquito
-No cure (management)
A 55-year-old man presents in late summer with sudden onset of fever, headache,
myalgia, and a maculopapular rash. Over the next few days, he develops
, confusion and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis shows lymphocytic
pleocytosis and elevated protein. MRI of the brain reveals hyperintensities in the
basal ganglia and thalamus. Serology confirms West Nile virus infection.
West Nile
bio marker used primarily in ovarian cancer detection and monitoring OVARIAN
TUMOR/CANCER
HE4 bio Markers
this is considered normal saline
0.9 NACL solution
ISOTONIC TO RBC
(same osmotic pressure as blood plasma, RBC maintain their normal shape and
function)
ISOTONIC TO RBC
0.9 NACL solution
isotonic
Having the same solute concentration as another solution. 0.9 NACL Solution
Hypertonic
Having a higher concentration of solute than another solution.
3% sodium chloride (NaCl)
or
10% dextrose (D10W)
Hypotonic
Having a lower concentration of solute than another solution
0.25%-0.45% saline
or
2.5% dextrose
condition where the peripheral nerves become damaged or dysfunctional, leading
to pain,weakness, numbness or tingling
