WGU D236 PATHOPHARMACOLOGY
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. A patient with long-standing hypertension shows an increase in the size of the left
ventricular myocardial cells. Which cellular adaptation is occurring?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells in response to
mechanical stimuli or increased workload, common in cardiac muscle due to hypertension.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to result in a widened QRS complex, peaked T
waves, and a prolonged PR interval on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high potassium) significantly affects cardiac
conduction, leading to peaked T waves and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
3. A client is diagnosed with SiADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone). Which
laboratory finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg
B. Serum sodium of 155 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
D. Urine specific gravity of 1.001
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SiADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia (low serum sodium).
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors?
A. Blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to its receptors
B. Promoting the excretion of potassium in the distal tubule
C. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Decreasing the production of renin in the kidneys
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to
Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby lowering blood pressure.
5. A patient experiencing an acute asthma attack is given a Beta-2 agonist. What is the
pharmacological effect of this medication?
A. Increased mucus production
B. Bronchoconstriction
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchodilation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Beta-2 agonists stimulate receptors in the bronchial smooth
muscle to cause relaxation and bronchodilation.
6. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. A patient with long-standing hypertension shows an increase in the size of the left
ventricular myocardial cells. Which cellular adaptation is occurring?
A. Hyperplasia
B. Atrophy
C. Metaplasia
D. Hypertrophy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells in response to
mechanical stimuli or increased workload, common in cardiac muscle due to hypertension.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to result in a widened QRS complex, peaked T
waves, and a prolonged PR interval on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (high potassium) significantly affects cardiac
conduction, leading to peaked T waves and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
3. A client is diagnosed with SiADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone). Which
laboratory finding is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg
B. Serum sodium of 155 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium of 120 mEq/L
D. Urine specific gravity of 1.001
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SiADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional
hyponatremia (low serum sodium).
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors?
A. Blocking the binding of Angiotensin II to its receptors
B. Promoting the excretion of potassium in the distal tubule
C. Inhibiting the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II
D. Decreasing the production of renin in the kidneys
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of Angiotensin I to
Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby lowering blood pressure.
5. A patient experiencing an acute asthma attack is given a Beta-2 agonist. What is the
pharmacological effect of this medication?
A. Increased mucus production
B. Bronchoconstriction
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Bronchodilation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Beta-2 agonists stimulate receptors in the bronchial smooth
muscle to cause relaxation and bronchodilation.
6. Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and involves the
release of histamine from mast cells?
A. Type IV
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type I
Answer: D
