WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OA
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less mature cell type?
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, such as in the airway of a smoker.
2. In the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response and the release of catecholamines?
A. Resistance stage
B. Alarm stage
,C. Exhaustion stage
D. Homeostatic stage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial response to a stressor, activating
the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis.
3. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most likely to cause tall, peaked T-waves
on an EKG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia increases the excitability of cardiac cells, leading
to characteristic tall, peaked T-waves.
4. A patient presents with a blood pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
, D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high, indicating the
primary cause is respiratory retention of CO2.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of Type II Hypersensitivity
reactions?
A. Antibody binding to antigens on specific cell surfaces
B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
C. Immune complex deposition in tissues
D. T-lymphocyte mediated cell destruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG or IgM antibodies directed
against antigens on specific cell surfaces or tissues.
6. Which type of shock is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response leading to
widespread vasodilation and increased capillary permeability?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Septic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which cellular adaptation is characterized by the replacement of one mature cell type by
another, less mature cell type?
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, such as in the airway of a smoker.
2. In the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which stage is characterized by the ‘fight or
flight’ response and the release of catecholamines?
A. Resistance stage
B. Alarm stage
,C. Exhaustion stage
D. Homeostatic stage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial response to a stressor, activating
the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis.
3. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most likely to cause tall, peaked T-waves
on an EKG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia increases the excitability of cardiac cells, leading
to characteristic tall, peaked T-waves.
4. A patient presents with a blood pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L.
Which acid-base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
, D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high, indicating the
primary cause is respiratory retention of CO2.
5. What is the primary mechanism behind the development of Type II Hypersensitivity
reactions?
A. Antibody binding to antigens on specific cell surfaces
B. IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
C. Immune complex deposition in tissues
D. T-lymphocyte mediated cell destruction
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG or IgM antibodies directed
against antigens on specific cell surfaces or tissues.
6. Which type of shock is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response leading to
widespread vasodilation and increased capillary permeability?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Septic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
