WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE OA PRACTICE EXAM
(2026 EDITION) Q$A VERIFIED
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ
or tissue?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells resulting from
an increased rate of cellular division. Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.
2. A patient presents with a chromosomal disorder characterized by having 47 chromosomes,
specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21. What is this condition?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Klinefelter Syndrome
C. Down Syndrome
,D. Edwards Syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Down Syndrome is known as Trisomy 21, meaning there are
three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
3. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE, commonly seen in seasonal allergies and anaphylaxis.
4. What is the primary physiological effect of Aldosterone in the body?
A. Sodium retention and potassium excretion
B. Sodium excretion and potassium retention
C. Water excretion only
D. Calcium retention
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aldosterone, produced by the adrenal cortex, acts on the kidneys
to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium into the urine.
5. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with Metabolic Acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 25 mmHg
B. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 55 mmHg
D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a
low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L).
6. A 55-year-old male with chronic hypertension is at risk for which type of cellular
adaptation in his left ventricle?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Dysplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: A
COMPREHENSIVE OA PRACTICE EXAM
(2026 EDITION) Q$A VERIFIED
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ
or tissue?
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Hypertrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells resulting from
an increased rate of cellular division. Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.
2. A patient presents with a chromosomal disorder characterized by having 47 chromosomes,
specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21. What is this condition?
A. Turner Syndrome
B. Klinefelter Syndrome
C. Down Syndrome
,D. Edwards Syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Down Syndrome is known as Trisomy 21, meaning there are
three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
3. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type III
B. Type II
C. Type I
D. Type IV
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is an immediate allergic reaction
mediated by IgE, commonly seen in seasonal allergies and anaphylaxis.
4. What is the primary physiological effect of Aldosterone in the body?
A. Sodium retention and potassium excretion
B. Sodium excretion and potassium retention
C. Water excretion only
D. Calcium retention
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aldosterone, produced by the adrenal cortex, acts on the kidneys
to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium into the urine.
5. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with Metabolic Acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 25 mmHg
B. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 55 mmHg
D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a
low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L).
6. A 55-year-old male with chronic hypertension is at risk for which type of cellular
adaptation in his left ventricle?
A. Hypertrophy
B. Dysplasia
C. Atrophy
D. Metaplasia
Answer: A
