WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OA
PRACTICE TEST (HIGH DIFFICULTY)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A 55-year-old male smoker presents with a persistent cough. A biopsy of his bronchial
epithelium reveals that the normal columnar ciliated cells have been replaced by stratified
squamous epithelial cells. This is an example of:
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation like smoking.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiological mechanism of Type I
hypersensitivity?
A. Antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissue, activating complement.
,B. IgE binds to mast cells, causing degranulation and histamine release upon re-exposure.
C. Cytotoxic T cells directly attack and destroy target cells.
D. IgG or IgM antibodies react with antigens on the cell surface, leading to phagocytosis.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated and involves mast cell
degranulation, commonly seen in allergies and anaphylaxis.
3. In the TNM staging system for cancer, what does the ‘N’ represent?
A. Number of tumors
B. Necrosis within the tumor
C. Node involvement (regional lymph nodes)
D. Neoplasm grade
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In TNM staging, T is for Tumor size, N is for regional lymph Node
involvement, and M is for Metastasis.
4. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
, C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause.
5. What is the primary electrolyte imbalance associated with the development of Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to
signs like Trousseau’s (carpal spasm with BP cuff) and Chvostek’s sign.
6. Which type of shock is characterized by a loss of sympathetic tone and widespread
vasodilation?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Neurogenic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
PRACTICE TEST (HIGH DIFFICULTY)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. A 55-year-old male smoker presents with a persistent cough. A biopsy of his bronchial
epithelium reveals that the normal columnar ciliated cells have been replaced by stratified
squamous epithelial cells. This is an example of:
A. Atrophy
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Metaplasia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation like smoking.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiological mechanism of Type I
hypersensitivity?
A. Antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissue, activating complement.
,B. IgE binds to mast cells, causing degranulation and histamine release upon re-exposure.
C. Cytotoxic T cells directly attack and destroy target cells.
D. IgG or IgM antibodies react with antigens on the cell surface, leading to phagocytosis.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated and involves mast cell
degranulation, commonly seen in allergies and anaphylaxis.
3. In the TNM staging system for cancer, what does the ‘N’ represent?
A. Number of tumors
B. Necrosis within the tumor
C. Node involvement (regional lymph nodes)
D. Neoplasm grade
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In TNM staging, T is for Tumor size, N is for regional lymph Node
involvement, and M is for Metastasis.
4. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
, C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A low pH (<7.35) indicates acidosis, and a high PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause.
5. What is the primary electrolyte imbalance associated with the development of Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to
signs like Trousseau’s (carpal spasm with BP cuff) and Chvostek’s sign.
6. Which type of shock is characterized by a loss of sympathetic tone and widespread
vasodilation?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Neurogenic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
