W E S T E R N G O V E R N O R S U N I V E R S I T Y · C O L L E G E O F H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N S
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Complete Study Guide
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
Complete Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Immunity, Infection & Inflammation 2
3. Genetic & Congenital Disorders 3
4. Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance 4
,5. Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Disorders 5
6. Neurological & Sensory Disorders 6
7. Cardiovascular & Respiratory Disorders 7
8. Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders 8
9. Hematologic & Oncologic Disorders 9
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains all 93 source items converted into NCLEX-style questions with
detailed rationales.
Immunity, Infection & Inflammation
1 Describe how your body responds to an infection.
A B cells produce cytokines, which stimulate T cells to produce antibodies
B T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells produce antibodies.
C Macrophages directly produce antibodies against the pathogen
D Natural killer cells produce cytokines and antibodies
Why B is correct: T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells then produce
antibodies to fight the infection.
A — B cells do not produce cytokines; T cells produce cytokines that stimulate B cells.
C — Macrophages are antigen-presenting cells, not antibody producers.
D — NK cells are part of innate immunity and do not produce antibodies.
, 2 What is the role of DNA changes in congenital abnormalities?
A Environmental factors only
B Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities
C Maternal diet during pregnancy
D Infections during pregnancy
Why B is correct: DNA changes in congenital abnormalities involve mutations in genes or
chromosomal abnormalities.
A — Environmental factors can contribute but are not the primary DNA changes.
C — Maternal diet is not a DNA change.
D — Infections are not DNA changes.
3 How does development disrupt congenital abnormalities?
A Environmental toxins
B Alterations of DNA
C Maternal stress
D Nutritional deficiencies
Why B is correct: Development disrupts congenital abnormalities through alterations of
DNA.
A — Environmental toxins are external factors.
C — Maternal stress is not a direct disruptor of development.
D — Nutritional deficiencies are not DNA alterations.
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Complete Study Guide
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Topic Focus: Pathophysiology — Comprehensive Review
Complete Edition · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Immunity, Infection & Inflammation 2
3. Genetic & Congenital Disorders 3
4. Fluid, Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance 4
,5. Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Disorders 5
6. Neurological & Sensory Disorders 6
7. Cardiovascular & Respiratory Disorders 7
8. Gastrointestinal & Renal Disorders 8
9. Hematologic & Oncologic Disorders 9
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. This guide contains all 93 source items converted into NCLEX-style questions with
detailed rationales.
Immunity, Infection & Inflammation
1 Describe how your body responds to an infection.
A B cells produce cytokines, which stimulate T cells to produce antibodies
B T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells produce antibodies.
C Macrophages directly produce antibodies against the pathogen
D Natural killer cells produce cytokines and antibodies
Why B is correct: T cells produce cytokines, which stimulate B cells. B cells then produce
antibodies to fight the infection.
A — B cells do not produce cytokines; T cells produce cytokines that stimulate B cells.
C — Macrophages are antigen-presenting cells, not antibody producers.
D — NK cells are part of innate immunity and do not produce antibodies.
, 2 What is the role of DNA changes in congenital abnormalities?
A Environmental factors only
B Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities
C Maternal diet during pregnancy
D Infections during pregnancy
Why B is correct: DNA changes in congenital abnormalities involve mutations in genes or
chromosomal abnormalities.
A — Environmental factors can contribute but are not the primary DNA changes.
C — Maternal diet is not a DNA change.
D — Infections are not DNA changes.
3 How does development disrupt congenital abnormalities?
A Environmental toxins
B Alterations of DNA
C Maternal stress
D Nutritional deficiencies
Why B is correct: Development disrupts congenital abnormalities through alterations of
DNA.
A — Environmental toxins are external factors.
C — Maternal stress is not a direct disruptor of development.
D — Nutritional deficiencies are not DNA alterations.
