WGU D116 EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | 100% VERIFIED– PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, this is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of pulmonary edema in
left-sided heart failure?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure in the capillaries
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
C. Increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane
,D. Obstruction of lymphatic drainage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle cannot pump blood
efficiently, leading to blood backing up into the pulmonary veins and increasing hydrostatic
pressure in the pulmonary capillaries, forcing fluid into the alveoli.
3. A 55-year-old male is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Which of the following best
describes the pathophysiology of insulin resistance?
A. An absolute deficiency of insulin production by the pancreas
B. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans
C. Excessive production of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Reduced sensitivity of target tissues to the action of insulin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where
cells fail to respond normally to insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency.
4. Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland and is responsible for water
reabsorption in the kidneys?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Renin
, D. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is
synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored/secreted by the posterior pituitary to regulate
water balance.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary function of
Angiotensin II?
A. To cause systemic vasodilation
B. To stimulate the release of insulin
C. To act as a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulate aldosterone release
D. To decrease the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor that raises blood
pressure and stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which increases sodium
and water retention.
6. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is at high risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
AND ANSWERS | 100% VERIFIED– PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, this is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
2. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of pulmonary edema in
left-sided heart failure?
A. Decreased oncotic pressure in the capillaries
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries
C. Increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane
,D. Obstruction of lymphatic drainage
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle cannot pump blood
efficiently, leading to blood backing up into the pulmonary veins and increasing hydrostatic
pressure in the pulmonary capillaries, forcing fluid into the alveoli.
3. A 55-year-old male is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Which of the following best
describes the pathophysiology of insulin resistance?
A. An absolute deficiency of insulin production by the pancreas
B. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans
C. Excessive production of glucagon by alpha cells
D. Reduced sensitivity of target tissues to the action of insulin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where
cells fail to respond normally to insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency.
4. Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland and is responsible for water
reabsorption in the kidneys?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Renin
, D. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is
synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored/secreted by the posterior pituitary to regulate
water balance.
5. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the primary function of
Angiotensin II?
A. To cause systemic vasodilation
B. To stimulate the release of insulin
C. To act as a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulate aldosterone release
D. To decrease the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor that raises blood
pressure and stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which increases sodium
and water retention.
6. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is at high risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
