D236 Pathophysiology Exam 2 Practice Questions 2026 |WGU
1. A patient presents with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 45
mL/min/1.73m² for the past 4 months. Which stage of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) does this represent?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 5
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 3 CKD is defined by a GFR between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73m² for at least
3 months.
2. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water in the
distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts?
A. Aldosterone
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
D. Renin
Answer: B
Rationale: ADH increases the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts to
water, allowing for water reabsorption.
,3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is found to have low serum
calcium levels. What is the most likely cause?
A. Excessive loss of calcium in urine
B. Secondary hyperparathyroidism
C. Reduced production of active Vitamin D
D. High levels of serum albumin
Answer: C
Rationale: The kidneys are responsible for converting Vitamin D to its active form
(calcitriol); without it, calcium absorption from the gut is impaired.
4. What is the hallmark clinical finding of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Hematuria
B. Massive proteinuria (>3.5g/day)
C. Hypotension
D. Oliguria
Answer: B
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
hypoalbuminemia, and edema due to glomerular damage.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect
of Angiotensin II?
A. Vasodilation and decreased BP
B. Systemic vasoconstriction and stimulation of aldosterone release
C. Excretion of sodium by the kidneys
D. Inhibition of ADH
Answer: B
Rationale: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and triggers the adrenal cortex to
release aldosterone to increase blood volume.
, 6. Which type of acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by an obstruction in the
urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate?
A. Prerenal AKI
B. Intrarenal AKI
C. Intrinsic AKI
D. Postrenal AKI
Answer: D
Rationale: Postrenal AKI results from conditions that obstruct the flow of urine out of the
kidneys.
7. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations
and a fruity breath odor. What is the likely underlying pathophysiology?
A. Respiratory alkalosis due to anxiety
B. Metabolic acidosis from ketone body accumulation
C. Metabolic alkalosis from vomiting
D. Respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation
Answer: B
Rationale: DKA results in metabolic acidosis; Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory
mechanism to blow off CO2.
8. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Emphysema?
A. Reversible airway inflammation
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
C. Chronic mucus production and cough
D. Infection of the lung parenchyma
Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema involves the destruction of alveoli and enlargement of air spaces,
leading to air trapping and loss of gas exchange surface.
1. A patient presents with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 45
mL/min/1.73m² for the past 4 months. Which stage of chronic kidney disease
(CKD) does this represent?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 4
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 5
Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 3 CKD is defined by a GFR between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73m² for at least
3 months.
2. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water in the
distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts?
A. Aldosterone
B. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
C. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
D. Renin
Answer: B
Rationale: ADH increases the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts to
water, allowing for water reabsorption.
,3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is found to have low serum
calcium levels. What is the most likely cause?
A. Excessive loss of calcium in urine
B. Secondary hyperparathyroidism
C. Reduced production of active Vitamin D
D. High levels of serum albumin
Answer: C
Rationale: The kidneys are responsible for converting Vitamin D to its active form
(calcitriol); without it, calcium absorption from the gut is impaired.
4. What is the hallmark clinical finding of Nephrotic Syndrome?
A. Hematuria
B. Massive proteinuria (>3.5g/day)
C. Hypotension
D. Oliguria
Answer: B
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria,
hypoalbuminemia, and edema due to glomerular damage.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect
of Angiotensin II?
A. Vasodilation and decreased BP
B. Systemic vasoconstriction and stimulation of aldosterone release
C. Excretion of sodium by the kidneys
D. Inhibition of ADH
Answer: B
Rationale: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and triggers the adrenal cortex to
release aldosterone to increase blood volume.
, 6. Which type of acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by an obstruction in the
urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate?
A. Prerenal AKI
B. Intrarenal AKI
C. Intrinsic AKI
D. Postrenal AKI
Answer: D
Rationale: Postrenal AKI results from conditions that obstruct the flow of urine out of the
kidneys.
7. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations
and a fruity breath odor. What is the likely underlying pathophysiology?
A. Respiratory alkalosis due to anxiety
B. Metabolic acidosis from ketone body accumulation
C. Metabolic alkalosis from vomiting
D. Respiratory acidosis from hypoventilation
Answer: B
Rationale: DKA results in metabolic acidosis; Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory
mechanism to blow off CO2.
8. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Emphysema?
A. Reversible airway inflammation
B. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
C. Chronic mucus production and cough
D. Infection of the lung parenchyma
Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema involves the destruction of alveoli and enlargement of air spaces,
leading to air trapping and loss of gas exchange surface.
