Western Governors University D 236
WGU pathophysiology D236 Exam
(Latest 2025/ 2026 Update)
Questions and Correct Answers |
100% Verified | Grade A
C
Terms in this set (184)
What is Starling's Law of Capillary forces? Starling's Law describes how fluids move across the capillary
membrane. There are two major opposing forces that act to
How does this explain why a nutritionally balance each other, hydrostatic pressure (pushing water
out deficient child would have edema? of the capillaries) and osmotic pressure (including oncontic
pressure, which pushes fluid into the capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure) in the
blood affect osmotic pressure, high electrolyte and protein
concentrations in the blood would cause water to leave the
cells and interstitial space and enter the blood stream
to
dilute the high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein
concentrations (as seen in a nutritionally deficient child) would
cause water to leave the capillaries and enter the cells and
interstitial fluid which can lead to edema.
,How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys triggers
Aldosterone System) result in increased prodcution of renin
blood volume and increased blood
pressure? Renin triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, and
converts it into Angiotensin I and angiotensin II by the
enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II
stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction which raises BP.
Angiotensin II stimulate the adrenal gland to release
aldosterone, which acts to increase sodium and water
absorption increasing blood volume, while also increased
potassium secretion in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2
mEq/dL. arrest? Hyperkalemia refers to potassium levels higher that 5.2
mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in
muscles. Too low causes muscle weakness too much can
cause muscle spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an
irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Any increase or decrease in blood pH can alter
the structure Phosphate Buffering System, and Carbonic of the protein (denature), thereby affecting
its function as well Acid-Bicarbonate System to regulate and
maintain homeostatic pH, what is the
consequence of a pH imbalance
Describe the laboratory findings associated Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH: 7.35-
7.45 with metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg HCO3-:
22-26 respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
(ie relative pH and CO2 levels). Metabolic acidosis ph less than 7.35 and low HC03. Metabolic
alkolosis ph greater than 7.35 and so is hco3 both of these can
be caused my dka. if the ph and pco2 levels are going in
the same direction it is metabolic if they are going in a
different
direction it is respiratory
Respiratory alkolosis ph greater than 7.35and pco2 is
decreased. repsiratory acidosis is ph less than 7.35 and pco2
greater than
The anion gap is the difference between The anion gap is the calculation of unmeasured anions in
the measured cations (Na+ and K+) and blood.
measured anions (Cl- and HCO3-), this
calculation can be useful in determining theLactic acid and ketones lead to the production of unmeasured
cause of metabolic acidosis. anions, therefore leads to an increase in the AG.
Why would an increased anion gap be
observed in diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic
acidosis?
, Why is it important to maintain a Insulin is the hormone responsible for initiating the uptake
homeostatic balance of glucose in the of glucose by the cells. Cells use glucose to produce
blood (ie describe the pathogenesis of energy (ATP).
diabetes)?
In a normal individual, when blood glucose increases, the
pancreas is signaled to produced in insulin, which binds to
insulin receptors on a cells surface and initiates the uptake of
glucose.
Glucose if left in the blood, can to bind to proteins and lipids,
which can lead to loss of function. leading to damage in the
heart and kidneys.
Compare and contrast Type I and Type II Type I diabetes is caused by lack of insulin. With out insulin
Diabetes signaling, glucose will not be taken into the cell and leads to
high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Type I is usually
treated with insulin injections.
Type II diabetes is caused by a desensitization to insulin
signaling. The insulin receptors are no longer responding to
insulin, which also leads to hyperglycemia.
Type II is usually treated with drugs to increase the
sensitization to insulin (metformin), dietary and life-style
changes or insulin injections.
Describe some reasons for a patient AEIOU-acidosis. Electrolytes, Intoxication/Ingestion,
needing dialysis overload, uremia. Patients with kidney or heart failure.
A build up of phosphates, urea and magnesium are
removed from the blood using a semi-permeable
membrane and
dialysate.
AEIOU:
A—acidosis;
E—electrolytes principally hyperkalemia; I
—ingestions or overdose of medications/drugs;
O—overload of fluid causing heart failure;
U—uremia leading to encephalitis/pericarditis
WGU pathophysiology D236 Exam
(Latest 2025/ 2026 Update)
Questions and Correct Answers |
100% Verified | Grade A
C
Terms in this set (184)
What is Starling's Law of Capillary forces? Starling's Law describes how fluids move across the capillary
membrane. There are two major opposing forces that act to
How does this explain why a nutritionally balance each other, hydrostatic pressure (pushing water
out deficient child would have edema? of the capillaries) and osmotic pressure (including oncontic
pressure, which pushes fluid into the capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure) in the
blood affect osmotic pressure, high electrolyte and protein
concentrations in the blood would cause water to leave the
cells and interstitial space and enter the blood stream
to
dilute the high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein
concentrations (as seen in a nutritionally deficient child) would
cause water to leave the capillaries and enter the cells and
interstitial fluid which can lead to edema.
,How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys triggers
Aldosterone System) result in increased prodcution of renin
blood volume and increased blood
pressure? Renin triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, and
converts it into Angiotensin I and angiotensin II by the
enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II
stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction which raises BP.
Angiotensin II stimulate the adrenal gland to release
aldosterone, which acts to increase sodium and water
absorption increasing blood volume, while also increased
potassium secretion in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2
mEq/dL. arrest? Hyperkalemia refers to potassium levels higher that 5.2
mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in
muscles. Too low causes muscle weakness too much can
cause muscle spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an
irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Any increase or decrease in blood pH can alter
the structure Phosphate Buffering System, and Carbonic of the protein (denature), thereby affecting
its function as well Acid-Bicarbonate System to regulate and
maintain homeostatic pH, what is the
consequence of a pH imbalance
Describe the laboratory findings associated Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH: 7.35-
7.45 with metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg HCO3-:
22-26 respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
(ie relative pH and CO2 levels). Metabolic acidosis ph less than 7.35 and low HC03. Metabolic
alkolosis ph greater than 7.35 and so is hco3 both of these can
be caused my dka. if the ph and pco2 levels are going in
the same direction it is metabolic if they are going in a
different
direction it is respiratory
Respiratory alkolosis ph greater than 7.35and pco2 is
decreased. repsiratory acidosis is ph less than 7.35 and pco2
greater than
The anion gap is the difference between The anion gap is the calculation of unmeasured anions in
the measured cations (Na+ and K+) and blood.
measured anions (Cl- and HCO3-), this
calculation can be useful in determining theLactic acid and ketones lead to the production of unmeasured
cause of metabolic acidosis. anions, therefore leads to an increase in the AG.
Why would an increased anion gap be
observed in diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic
acidosis?
, Why is it important to maintain a Insulin is the hormone responsible for initiating the uptake
homeostatic balance of glucose in the of glucose by the cells. Cells use glucose to produce
blood (ie describe the pathogenesis of energy (ATP).
diabetes)?
In a normal individual, when blood glucose increases, the
pancreas is signaled to produced in insulin, which binds to
insulin receptors on a cells surface and initiates the uptake of
glucose.
Glucose if left in the blood, can to bind to proteins and lipids,
which can lead to loss of function. leading to damage in the
heart and kidneys.
Compare and contrast Type I and Type II Type I diabetes is caused by lack of insulin. With out insulin
Diabetes signaling, glucose will not be taken into the cell and leads to
high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Type I is usually
treated with insulin injections.
Type II diabetes is caused by a desensitization to insulin
signaling. The insulin receptors are no longer responding to
insulin, which also leads to hyperglycemia.
Type II is usually treated with drugs to increase the
sensitization to insulin (metformin), dietary and life-style
changes or insulin injections.
Describe some reasons for a patient AEIOU-acidosis. Electrolytes, Intoxication/Ingestion,
needing dialysis overload, uremia. Patients with kidney or heart failure.
A build up of phosphates, urea and magnesium are
removed from the blood using a semi-permeable
membrane and
dialysate.
AEIOU:
A—acidosis;
E—electrolytes principally hyperkalemia; I
—ingestions or overdose of medications/drugs;
O—overload of fluid causing heart failure;
U—uremia leading to encephalitis/pericarditis
