Objective Assessment (OA) Pathophysiology Exam |
Latest 2026 Verified Questions & Answers with
Detailed Explanations | Comprehensive Review
Guide
THIS STUDY GUIDE INCLUDES:
• ✅ WGU D236 Objective Assessment (OA) practice questions
• ✅ Verified questions and answers
• ✅ Detailed answer explanations
• ✅ Cellular adaptation and cellular injury
• ✅ NCLEX-style clinical application questions
• ✅ Comprehensive exam review
• ✅ Printable PDF format
, WGU D236 Objective Assessment (OA)
Pathophysiology Exam | Latest 2026 Verified
Questions & Answers with Detailed Explanations |
Comprehensive Review Guide
Question 1
What are two pulmonary causes leading to respiratory acidosis?
a. Asthma and shortness of breath
b. Hyperventilation and fever
c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
d. Anemia and pain
Correct Answer: c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot
adequately remove CO₂ from the body, leading to increased carbonic acid
in the blood. Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus that obstructs airways,
impairing gas exchange. Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate/depth)
directly causes CO₂ retention. Both conditions result in the accumulation of
CO₂, which combines with water to form carbonic acid, lowering blood pH.
Asthma can cause respiratory acidosis during severe attacks but isn't
typically listed as a primary pulmonary cause in this context.
Hyperventilation actually causes respiratory alkalosis (excessive CO₂
elimination), not acidosis.
,Question 2
Which issue would a child with Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated
with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) exhibit?
a. Nearsightedness
b. Trouble planning
c. Frequent nausea
d. Helpfulness
Correct Answer: b. Trouble planning
Explanation: ND-PAE is a condition resulting from prenatal alcohol
exposure that affects brain development and function. Children with this
disorder commonly exhibit executive function deficits, including impaired
planning and organizational skills. The condition affects the frontal lobe,
which is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as planning,
decision-making, and impulse control. Nearsightedness is an eye condition
unrelated to prenatal alcohol exposure. Nausea and helpfulness are not
characteristic features of this disorder. The brain damage caused by alcohol
during fetal development can lead to lifelong cognitive and behavioral
challenges.
Question 3
Which sign is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
a. Impaired mental flexibility
b. Blurred vision
, c. Head drop
d. Slowed thought processing
Correct Answer: c. Head drop
Explanation: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects
motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Head drop (also called
dropped head syndrome) occurs due to weakness of the neck extensor
muscles, making it difficult for patients to hold their head upright. This is a
characteristic physical manifestation of ALS as the disease progressively
weakens voluntary muscles. Impaired mental flexibility and slowed thought
processing are more characteristic of conditions affecting cognitive
function like dementia. Blurred vision is associated with conditions
affecting the optic nerve or vision pathways, not typical of ALS which
primarily affects motor function.
Question 4
Which classification of drugs can trigger hemolytic anemia?
a. Nitrates
b. Diuretics
c. Cephalosporins
d. CNS stimulants
Correct Answer: c. Cephalosporins
Explanation: Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that can trigger
drug-induced hemolytic anemia. This occurs when the drug binds to red