WGU D115 Advanced Pathophysiology
Practice Exam Questions And Answers
Plus Rationales 2026/27 Instant Pdf
Download
1. The FNP schedules a 38-year-old primigravida for an
amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation. The FNP would explain that
the purpose of this procedure is to:
• A) Assess for the possibility of twins
• B) Determine the bilirubin level
• C) Perform genetic studies
• D) Perform genetic studies
Rationale: Amniocentesis at 16 weeks is primarily performed to
obtain fetal cells for genetic studies, such as chromosomal analysis .
2. Which cellular adaptation is most likely to occur in the left
ventricle due to chronic hypertension?
• A) Hyperplasia
• B) Hypertrophy
• C) Atrophy
• D) Metaplasia
Rationale: Hypertrophy is the increase in cell size seen in cardiac
muscle as it works harder against high afterload from hypertension .
3. Which statement best describes the role of the renin–
angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)?
• A) Lowers blood pressure by vasodilation
• B) Increases blood pressure and sodium retention
• C) Reduces sodium reabsorption in kidneys
,• D) Promotes potassium retention
Rationale: RAAS activation causes vasoconstriction and aldosterone-
mediated sodium and water retention, raising blood pressure .
4. Which immune cells are primarily responsible for producing
antibodies?
• A) T-helper cells
• B) B lymphocytes
• C) Natural killer cells
• D) Macrophages
Rationale: Activated B lymphocytes differentiate into plasma cells
that secrete antibodies .
5. Which lab finding indicates metabolic acidosis?
• A) pH 7.48, HCO3 30 mEq/L
• B) pH 7.32, HCO3 18 mEq/L
• C) pH 7.45, PaCO2 30 mm Hg
• D) pH 7.36, PaCO2 50 mm Hg
Rationale: Low pH and low bicarbonate confirm metabolic acidosis .
6. In the most commonly seen form of Turner Syndrome, how is the
X chromosome affected?
• A) Both cells have two X chromosomes.
• B) Each cell has only one X chromosome; either the cell lacks one
entirely or only one X is present.
• C) Each cell has an extra X chromosome, for a total of three.
• D) Each cell has an extra autosome, not a sex chromosome.
Rationale: Turner syndrome is characterized by monosomy X, where
cells have only one X chromosome .
7. A nurse notes increased intracranial pressure in a client after
traumatic brain injury. Which change explains the pathophysiology?
• A) Decrease in cerebrospinal fluid production
• B) Vasodilation leading to increased cerebral blood volume
• C) Increased lymphatic drainage from the brain
, • D) Reduced capillary permeability
Rationale: Cerebral vasodilation increases intracranial volume and
pressure .
8. What is the classic presentation of Acute Otitis Media?
• A) High fever and neck stiffness
• B) Otalgia, muffled hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history
of a cold
• C) Severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing
• D) Vesicular rash along a dermatome
Rationale: The classic presentation of otitis media is otalgia, muffled
hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history of a cold or flare
up of allergic rhinitis .
9. A patient with schizophrenia is most likely to present with which
of the following?
• A) Impaired concentration and irritability
• B) Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
• C) Recurrent and persistent thoughts causing distress
• D) Persistent deficits in social interaction and communication
Rationale: The characteristics of schizophrenia are paranoia,
delusions, tangential thoughts, suspiciousness, disorganized
behavior, and hallucinations .
10. A patient with a GCS score of 3-8 would be classified as having:
• A) A mild TBI
• B) A moderate TBI
• C) A severe TBI
• D) A minor head injury
Rationale: A GCS score of 3-8 describes a severe TBI .
11. In 95% of cases, delayed puberty is caused by:
• A) A genetic disorder
• B) Physiologic factors
• C) A pituitary tumor
Practice Exam Questions And Answers
Plus Rationales 2026/27 Instant Pdf
Download
1. The FNP schedules a 38-year-old primigravida for an
amniocentesis at 16 weeks gestation. The FNP would explain that
the purpose of this procedure is to:
• A) Assess for the possibility of twins
• B) Determine the bilirubin level
• C) Perform genetic studies
• D) Perform genetic studies
Rationale: Amniocentesis at 16 weeks is primarily performed to
obtain fetal cells for genetic studies, such as chromosomal analysis .
2. Which cellular adaptation is most likely to occur in the left
ventricle due to chronic hypertension?
• A) Hyperplasia
• B) Hypertrophy
• C) Atrophy
• D) Metaplasia
Rationale: Hypertrophy is the increase in cell size seen in cardiac
muscle as it works harder against high afterload from hypertension .
3. Which statement best describes the role of the renin–
angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)?
• A) Lowers blood pressure by vasodilation
• B) Increases blood pressure and sodium retention
• C) Reduces sodium reabsorption in kidneys
,• D) Promotes potassium retention
Rationale: RAAS activation causes vasoconstriction and aldosterone-
mediated sodium and water retention, raising blood pressure .
4. Which immune cells are primarily responsible for producing
antibodies?
• A) T-helper cells
• B) B lymphocytes
• C) Natural killer cells
• D) Macrophages
Rationale: Activated B lymphocytes differentiate into plasma cells
that secrete antibodies .
5. Which lab finding indicates metabolic acidosis?
• A) pH 7.48, HCO3 30 mEq/L
• B) pH 7.32, HCO3 18 mEq/L
• C) pH 7.45, PaCO2 30 mm Hg
• D) pH 7.36, PaCO2 50 mm Hg
Rationale: Low pH and low bicarbonate confirm metabolic acidosis .
6. In the most commonly seen form of Turner Syndrome, how is the
X chromosome affected?
• A) Both cells have two X chromosomes.
• B) Each cell has only one X chromosome; either the cell lacks one
entirely or only one X is present.
• C) Each cell has an extra X chromosome, for a total of three.
• D) Each cell has an extra autosome, not a sex chromosome.
Rationale: Turner syndrome is characterized by monosomy X, where
cells have only one X chromosome .
7. A nurse notes increased intracranial pressure in a client after
traumatic brain injury. Which change explains the pathophysiology?
• A) Decrease in cerebrospinal fluid production
• B) Vasodilation leading to increased cerebral blood volume
• C) Increased lymphatic drainage from the brain
, • D) Reduced capillary permeability
Rationale: Cerebral vasodilation increases intracranial volume and
pressure .
8. What is the classic presentation of Acute Otitis Media?
• A) High fever and neck stiffness
• B) Otalgia, muffled hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history
of a cold
• C) Severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing
• D) Vesicular rash along a dermatome
Rationale: The classic presentation of otitis media is otalgia, muffled
hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history of a cold or flare
up of allergic rhinitis .
9. A patient with schizophrenia is most likely to present with which
of the following?
• A) Impaired concentration and irritability
• B) Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
• C) Recurrent and persistent thoughts causing distress
• D) Persistent deficits in social interaction and communication
Rationale: The characteristics of schizophrenia are paranoia,
delusions, tangential thoughts, suspiciousness, disorganized
behavior, and hallucinations .
10. A patient with a GCS score of 3-8 would be classified as having:
• A) A mild TBI
• B) A moderate TBI
• C) A severe TBI
• D) A minor head injury
Rationale: A GCS score of 3-8 describes a severe TBI .
11. In 95% of cases, delayed puberty is caused by:
• A) A genetic disorder
• B) Physiologic factors
• C) A pituitary tumor
