WGU D236 Pathophysiology Objective Assessment – Comprehensive
Study Guide with Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer, Respiratory
Disorders (Silicosis), Neurodegenerative Diseases (Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis ALS, Sporadic ALS), Musculoskeletal Disorders
(Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Heberden and Bouchard
Nodes), Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions, Infective
Endocarditis (Causes, Symptoms, Janeway Lesions), Cardiovascular
Disorders (Myocardial Infarction Type 1 and Type 2, Ischemia,
Coronary Artery Occlusion), Clinical Case Scenarios, Risk Factors
(Heart Disease and Erectile Dysfunction), Diagnostic Indicators (ECG
Changes, Troponin Levels), and Exam Practice Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated
2026
uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as tumors or damaged nerves
TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER
cryoablation
lung disease caused by a long term inhalation of silica dust which leads to lung inflammation,
scarring, and breathing difficulties.
GUY WITH SANDBLASTER
silicosis
,damages motor neurons which control voluntary muscle movements
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS, WEAKNESS, LOWER EXTREMITY TWITCHING AND.
PRESCRIBED ANTI GLUTAMATE
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
most common form of ALS that occurs randomly without a known genetic
cause or family history
SPORADIC ALS
A 60-year-old man presents with progressive muscle weakness. He reports difficulty walking,
muscle twitching, and recent trouble swallowing. On exam, he has both upper motor neuron
signs (e.g., hyperreflexia, spasticity) and lower motor neuron signs (e.g., muscle atrophy,
fasciculations). Sensation remains intact.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
chronic degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage that cushions the end of bones
gradually wears down over time.
osteoarthritis
,(associated with Osteoarthritis instead of RA)
Enlargement and bulging of a joint contour, commonly described as swelling, are attributed to
the thickening of the subchondral bone from the proliferation of osteophytes around the
margins of the joint and hypertrophy in the joint capsule.
Bouchard nodes
and
Heberden nodes
A 68-year-old woman complains of chronic knee pain that worsens with activity and improves
with rest. On examination, there is bony enlargement of the distal interphalangeal joints
(Heberden's nodes) and crepitus in the knees. There is no warmth or significant swelling.
osteoarthritis
chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium
causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
rheumatoid arthritis
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 35-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use presents with fever, chills, and
fatigue. On exam, he has a new systolic murmur and small, painless lesions on the palms and
soles (Janeway lesions). Blood cultures are positive for Staphylococcus aureus.
ENDOCARDITIS
NECK/JAW PAIN
CHEST PAIN (angina pectoris)
VOMITING
DIAGNOSIS
**LACK OF O2=death to muscle tissue (necrosis)
**OCCLUSION OF CORONARY ATERY
MI (myocardial infarction)
Study Guide with Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer, Respiratory
Disorders (Silicosis), Neurodegenerative Diseases (Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis ALS, Sporadic ALS), Musculoskeletal Disorders
(Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Heberden and Bouchard
Nodes), Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions, Infective
Endocarditis (Causes, Symptoms, Janeway Lesions), Cardiovascular
Disorders (Myocardial Infarction Type 1 and Type 2, Ischemia,
Coronary Artery Occlusion), Clinical Case Scenarios, Risk Factors
(Heart Disease and Erectile Dysfunction), Diagnostic Indicators (ECG
Changes, Troponin Levels), and Exam Practice Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated
2026
uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as tumors or damaged nerves
TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER
cryoablation
lung disease caused by a long term inhalation of silica dust which leads to lung inflammation,
scarring, and breathing difficulties.
GUY WITH SANDBLASTER
silicosis
,damages motor neurons which control voluntary muscle movements
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS, WEAKNESS, LOWER EXTREMITY TWITCHING AND.
PRESCRIBED ANTI GLUTAMATE
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
most common form of ALS that occurs randomly without a known genetic
cause or family history
SPORADIC ALS
A 60-year-old man presents with progressive muscle weakness. He reports difficulty walking,
muscle twitching, and recent trouble swallowing. On exam, he has both upper motor neuron
signs (e.g., hyperreflexia, spasticity) and lower motor neuron signs (e.g., muscle atrophy,
fasciculations). Sensation remains intact.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
chronic degenerative joint disease that occurs when cartilage that cushions the end of bones
gradually wears down over time.
osteoarthritis
,(associated with Osteoarthritis instead of RA)
Enlargement and bulging of a joint contour, commonly described as swelling, are attributed to
the thickening of the subchondral bone from the proliferation of osteophytes around the
margins of the joint and hypertrophy in the joint capsule.
Bouchard nodes
and
Heberden nodes
A 68-year-old woman complains of chronic knee pain that worsens with activity and improves
with rest. On examination, there is bony enlargement of the distal interphalangeal joints
(Heberden's nodes) and crepitus in the knees. There is no warmth or significant swelling.
osteoarthritis
chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium
causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
rheumatoid arthritis
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 35-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use presents with fever, chills, and
fatigue. On exam, he has a new systolic murmur and small, painless lesions on the palms and
soles (Janeway lesions). Blood cultures are positive for Staphylococcus aureus.
ENDOCARDITIS
NECK/JAW PAIN
CHEST PAIN (angina pectoris)
VOMITING
DIAGNOSIS
**LACK OF O2=death to muscle tissue (necrosis)
**OCCLUSION OF CORONARY ATERY
MI (myocardial infarction)
