pdf
WGU D115 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2025
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) - correct-answersThe GCS is scored between 3 and 15, 3 being the
worst and 15 the best.
Severe TBI GCS Score - correct-answersA GCS score of 3-8 describes a severe TBI.
Obsessions - correct-answersObsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or
images that cause distressing emotions such as anxiety or disgust.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Characteristics - correct-answersImpaired concentration
and irritability are major characteristics of GAD.
Schizophrenia Symptoms - correct-answersThe characteristics of schizophrenia are paranoia,
delusions, tangential thoughts, suspiciousness, disorganized behavior, and hallucinations.
Acute Otitis Media - correct-answersThe classic presentation of otitis media is otalgia, muffled
hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history of a cold or flare up of allergic rhinitis.
Peritonsillar Abscess - correct-answersPeritonsillar abscess is characterized by severe sore
throat, pain or difficulty swallowing, jaw muscle spasms, and a hot potato voice.
Graves' Disease - correct-answersGraves' disease, an autoimmune condition also known as
'diffuse toxic goiter' is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in this age group.
Insulin Resistance Finding - correct-answersTriglycerides > 150mg/dL is associated with
increasing insulin resistance.
Postprandial Glucose Level Influencer - correct-answersCarbohydrate is a macronutrient with the
greatest impact on the postprandial glucose levels.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - correct-answersType 1 DM is associated with beta cell destruction
leading to absolute insulin deficiency resulting in significant hyperglycemia and potential for
ketoacidosis.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors - correct-answersMajor risk factors are heredity and
obesity.
,pdf
Endometrial Cancer Risk Factor - correct-answersOral contraceptives have been shown to reduce
the incidence of endometrial cancer.
Mixed Precocious Puberty - correct-answersMixed precocious puberty cases the child to develop
some secondary characteristics of the opposite sex, such as the feminization of a boy.
Delayed Puberty Cause - correct-answersIn 95% of cases, delayed puberty is physiologic in
nature.
Priapism Association - correct-answersPriapism has been associated with the abuse of certain
substances.
Priapism - correct-answersProlonged penile erection, often idiopathic.
Cocaine - correct-answersSubstance associated with priapism.
Ovulation - correct-answersTriggered by a sudden increase of LH.
Follicular cyst - correct-answersDevelops when no dominant follicle matures.
Benign ovarian cyst - correct-answersFunctional cyst from incomplete follicle maturation.
Genetic counseling - correct-answersAdvisory service for individuals at genetic risk.
Maternal age - correct-answersCommon reason for seeking genetic counseling.
Amniocentesis - correct-answersProcedure to perform genetic studies on fetus.
Turner Syndrome - correct-answersCondition with monosomy X in affected cells.
Cri du chat syndrome - correct-answersGenetic disorder with distinctive cat-like cry.
Adaptive immunity - correct-answersImmune response mediated by T and B cells.
Minimally conscious state - correct-answersPatient shows limited but definite responses.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - correct-answersSevere lung inflammation with
bilateral infiltrates.
Capillary hydrostatic pressure - correct-answersIncreased pressure causing pulmonary edema.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) - correct-answersAntibody involved in asthma pathophysiology.
Airway remodeling - correct-answersLong-term damage from uncontrolled airway inflammation.
Angiotensin II - correct-answersHormone linked to myocardial hypertrophy in hypertension.
,pdf
Hypertrophy of myocardium - correct-answersHeart muscle thickening due to increased load.
Blood pressure measurement - correct-answersFirst reading indicates hypertension if elevated.
Sickle cell disease - correct-answersBlood disorder associated with priapism.
Spinal cord trauma - correct-answersPotential cause of priapism.
Pelvic tumors - correct-answersAssociated with priapism in some cases.
Leukemia - correct-answersBlood cancer linked to priapism.
High-pitched cry - correct-answersCharacteristic symptom of cri du chat syndrome.
Hypotonia - correct-answersReduced muscle tone seen in cri du chat.
Microcephaly - correct-answersSmall head size, symptom of cri du chat.
Hypertelorism - correct-answersWidely spaced eyes, seen in cri du chat.
Bilateral infiltrates - correct-answersKey feature in diagnosing ARDS.
Decreased pulmonary compliance - correct-answersCharacteristic of ARDS, indicating stiff
lungs.
Assessment of lifestyle and risk factors - correct-answersA comprehensive evaluation of an
individual's habits and potential health risks.
CBC - correct-answersComplete Blood Count, a blood test used to evaluate overall health and
detect a variety of disorders.
BMP - correct-answersBasic Metabolic Panel, a blood test that measures glucose, calcium, and
electrolytes.
UA - correct-answersUrinalysis, a test that examines the content of urine to assess health.
Initiation of anti-hypertensive medications - correct-answersThe process of starting medication
to lower high blood pressure, contingent upon confirmed diagnosis.
Diagnosis of hypertension - correct-answersDetermined by measuring blood pressure on at least
two separate occasions, averaging at least 2 minutes apart.
Left-sided heart failure - correct-answersA condition where the left side of the heart cannot pump
blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
, pdf
Untreated hypertension - correct-answersHigh blood pressure that is not managed, leading to
increased workload on the left ventricle and potential heart failure.
Electrolyte imbalances in heart failure - correct-answersChanges in serum electrolyte levels,
commonly resulting in hyponatremia and hypokalemia due to compensatory mechanisms.
Dyspnea and pulmonary congestion - correct-answersPrimary symptoms associated with left-
sided heart failure, characterized by difficulty breathing and fluid in the lungs.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia - correct-answersThe most common leukemia in older adults,
characterized by the proliferation of immature lymphocytes.
Pernicious anemia - correct-answersA macrocytic, normochromic anemia resulting from atrophic
gastric mucosa not secreting intrinsic factor.
Tumor lysis syndrome - correct-answersA condition that occurs when high WBC counts lead to
acute hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia.
Pancytopenia - correct-answersA deficiency of all types of blood cells.
Leukostasis - correct-answersOccurs when blood vessels become overcrowded with immature
blast cells in patients with AML.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms - correct-answersNeurologic signs including peripheral
neuropathy, ataxia, lethargy, and fatigue.
Intrinsic factor - correct-answersA substance produced by the mucosa of the stomach and
intestines essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Sickle cell trait - correct-answersA heterozygous carrier state where an individual inherits one
mutated gene, offering some protection against malaria.
Acquiring two abnormal sickle genes - correct-answersLeads to sickle cell disease.
Life expectancy with sickle cell trait - correct-answersGenerally good, as sickle cell trait is not a
disease.
Common genetic mutation of hemoglobin - correct-answersSickle cell trait, prevalent in
populations from W. Africa, the Middle East, and Mediterranean regions.
Malaria - correct-answersA disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
Sickle Cell Trait - correct-answersGenetic condition providing partial protection against malaria.
Sickle Cell Disease - correct-answersSevere form of sickle cell trait leading to health
complications.
WGU D115 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2025
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) - correct-answersThe GCS is scored between 3 and 15, 3 being the
worst and 15 the best.
Severe TBI GCS Score - correct-answersA GCS score of 3-8 describes a severe TBI.
Obsessions - correct-answersObsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or
images that cause distressing emotions such as anxiety or disgust.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Characteristics - correct-answersImpaired concentration
and irritability are major characteristics of GAD.
Schizophrenia Symptoms - correct-answersThe characteristics of schizophrenia are paranoia,
delusions, tangential thoughts, suspiciousness, disorganized behavior, and hallucinations.
Acute Otitis Media - correct-answersThe classic presentation of otitis media is otalgia, muffled
hearing, popping sensation, and a recent history of a cold or flare up of allergic rhinitis.
Peritonsillar Abscess - correct-answersPeritonsillar abscess is characterized by severe sore
throat, pain or difficulty swallowing, jaw muscle spasms, and a hot potato voice.
Graves' Disease - correct-answersGraves' disease, an autoimmune condition also known as
'diffuse toxic goiter' is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in this age group.
Insulin Resistance Finding - correct-answersTriglycerides > 150mg/dL is associated with
increasing insulin resistance.
Postprandial Glucose Level Influencer - correct-answersCarbohydrate is a macronutrient with the
greatest impact on the postprandial glucose levels.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - correct-answersType 1 DM is associated with beta cell destruction
leading to absolute insulin deficiency resulting in significant hyperglycemia and potential for
ketoacidosis.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors - correct-answersMajor risk factors are heredity and
obesity.
Endometrial Cancer Risk Factor - correct-answersOral contraceptives have been shown to reduce
the incidence of endometrial cancer.
Mixed Precocious Puberty - correct-answersMixed precocious puberty cases the child to develop
some secondary characteristics of the opposite sex, such as the feminization of a boy.
Delayed Puberty Cause - correct-answersIn 95% of cases, delayed puberty is physiologic in
nature.
Priapism Association - correct-answersPriapism has been associated with the abuse of certain
substances.
Priapism - correct-answersProlonged penile erection, often idiopathic.
Cocaine - correct-answersSubstance associated with priapism.
Ovulation - correct-answersTriggered by a sudden increase of LH.
Follicular cyst - correct-answersDevelops when no dominant follicle matures.
Benign ovarian cyst - correct-answersFunctional cyst from incomplete follicle maturation.
Genetic counseling - correct-answersAdvisory service for individuals at genetic risk.
Maternal age - correct-answersCommon reason for seeking genetic counseling.
Amniocentesis - correct-answersProcedure to perform genetic studies on fetus.
Turner Syndrome - correct-answersCondition with monosomy X in affected cells.
Cri du chat syndrome - correct-answersGenetic disorder with distinctive cat-like cry.
Adaptive immunity - correct-answersImmune response mediated by T and B cells.
Minimally conscious state - correct-answersPatient shows limited but definite responses.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - correct-answersSevere lung inflammation with
bilateral infiltrates.
Capillary hydrostatic pressure - correct-answersIncreased pressure causing pulmonary edema.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) - correct-answersAntibody involved in asthma pathophysiology.
Airway remodeling - correct-answersLong-term damage from uncontrolled airway inflammation.
Angiotensin II - correct-answersHormone linked to myocardial hypertrophy in hypertension.
Hypertrophy of myocardium - correct-answersHeart muscle thickening due to increased load.
Blood pressure measurement - correct-answersFirst reading indicates hypertension if elevated.
Sickle cell disease - correct-answersBlood disorder associated with priapism.
Spinal cord trauma - correct-answersPotential cause of priapism.
Pelvic tumors - correct-answersAssociated with priapism in some cases.
Leukemia - correct-answersBlood cancer linked to priapism.
High-pitched cry - correct-answersCharacteristic symptom of cri du chat syndrome.
Hypotonia - correct-answersReduced muscle tone seen in cri du chat.
Microcephaly - correct-answersSmall head size, symptom of cri du chat.
Hypertelorism - correct-answersWidely spaced eyes, seen in cri du chat.
Bilateral infiltrates - correct-answersKey feature in diagnosing ARDS.
Decreased pulmonary compliance - correct-answersCharacteristic of ARDS, indicating stiff
lungs.
Assessment of lifestyle and risk factors - correct-answersA comprehensive evaluation of an
individual's habits and potential health risks.
CBC - correct-answersComplete Blood Count, a blood test used to evaluate overall health and
detect a variety of disorders.
BMP - correct-answersBasic Metabolic Panel, a blood test that measures glucose, calcium, and
electrolytes.
UA - correct-answersUrinalysis, a test that examines the content of urine to assess health.
Initiation of anti-hypertensive medications - correct-answersThe process of starting medication
to lower high blood pressure, contingent upon confirmed diagnosis.
Diagnosis of hypertension - correct-answersDetermined by measuring blood pressure on at least
two separate occasions, averaging at least 2 minutes apart.
Left-sided heart failure - correct-answersA condition where the left side of the heart cannot pump
blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Untreated hypertension - correct-answersHigh blood pressure that is not managed, leading to
increased workload on the left ventricle and potential heart failure.
Electrolyte imbalances in heart failure - correct-answersChanges in serum electrolyte levels,
commonly resulting in hyponatremia and hypokalemia due to compensatory mechanisms.
Dyspnea and pulmonary congestion - correct-answersPrimary symptoms associated with left-
sided heart failure, characterized by difficulty breathing and fluid in the lungs.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia - correct-answersThe most common leukemia in older adults,
characterized by the proliferation of immature lymphocytes.
Pernicious anemia - correct-answersA macrocytic, normochromic anemia resulting from atrophic
gastric mucosa not secreting intrinsic factor.
Tumor lysis syndrome - correct-answersA condition that occurs when high WBC counts lead to
acute hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia.
Pancytopenia - correct-answersA deficiency of all types of blood cells.
Leukostasis - correct-answersOccurs when blood vessels become overcrowded with immature
blast cells in patients with AML.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms - correct-answersNeurologic signs including peripheral
neuropathy, ataxia, lethargy, and fatigue.
Intrinsic factor - correct-answersA substance produced by the mucosa of the stomach and
intestines essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Sickle cell trait - correct-answersA heterozygous carrier state where an individual inherits one
mutated gene, offering some protection against malaria.
Acquiring two abnormal sickle genes - correct-answersLeads to sickle cell disease.
Life expectancy with sickle cell trait - correct-answersGenerally good, as sickle cell trait is not a
disease.
Common genetic mutation of hemoglobin - correct-answersSickle cell trait, prevalent in
populations from W. Africa, the Middle East, and Mediterranean regions.
Malaria - correct-answersA disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites.
Sickle Cell Trait - correct-answersGenetic condition providing partial protection against malaria.
Sickle Cell Disease - correct-answersSevere form of sickle cell trait leading to health
complications.
