WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. A patient exhibits a reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another less mature
cell type in response to chronic irritation. Which cellular adaptation is this?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation, such as in the
respiratory tract of smokers.
2. Which mechanism is primary in the development of edema in a patient with liver failure
and low albumin levels?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Lymphatic obstruction
,C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the primary protein responsible for plasma oncotic
pressure. In liver failure, hypoalbuminemia leads to decreased oncotic pressure, allowing
fluid to move from the intravascular space to the interstitial space.
3. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A high PaCO2 (normal 35-
45) indicates the cause is respiratory, while the HCO3 is currently within the normal range,
suggesting lack of compensation.
4. In the context of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct
effect of Angiotensin II?
A. Systemic vasodilation
, B. Inhibition of ADH
C. Excretion of sodium
D. Systemic vasoconstriction
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance and stimulates the release of aldosterone.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves mast cell
degranulation?
A. Type II
B. Type I
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated and involves the release
of histamine from mast cells, commonly associated with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
6. A 55-year-old male with chronic kidney disease presents with muscle weakness and EKG
changes showing peaked T waves. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. A patient exhibits a reversible replacement of one mature cell type by another less mature
cell type in response to chronic irritation. Which cellular adaptation is this?
A. Metaplasia
B. Hyperplasia
C. Dysplasia
D. Atrophy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type
by another, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation, such as in the
respiratory tract of smokers.
2. Which mechanism is primary in the development of edema in a patient with liver failure
and low albumin levels?
A. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B. Lymphatic obstruction
,C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Albumin is the primary protein responsible for plasma oncotic
pressure. In liver failure, hypoalbuminemia leads to decreased oncotic pressure, allowing
fluid to move from the intravascular space to the interstitial space.
3. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A high PaCO2 (normal 35-
45) indicates the cause is respiratory, while the HCO3 is currently within the normal range,
suggesting lack of compensation.
4. In the context of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct
effect of Angiotensin II?
A. Systemic vasodilation
, B. Inhibition of ADH
C. Excretion of sodium
D. Systemic vasoconstriction
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases
systemic vascular resistance and stimulates the release of aldosterone.
5. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE and involves mast cell
degranulation?
A. Type II
B. Type I
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Type I hypersensitivity is IgE-mediated and involves the release
of histamine from mast cells, commonly associated with allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
6. A 55-year-old male with chronic kidney disease presents with muscle weakness and EKG
changes showing peaked T waves. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
