1 | Page
WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
EXAM-WITH 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS-
/A+ GRADE Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
What is Starling's Law of Capillary forces?
How does this explain why a nutritionally deficient child would have
edema?
,2 | Page
Ans: Starling's Law describes how fluids move across the capillary
membrane. There are two major opposing forces that act to balance
each other, hydrostatic pressure (pushing water out of the capillaries) and
osmotic pressure (including oncontic pressure, which pushes fluid into the
capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure) in the blood affect
osmotic pressure, high electrolyte and protein concentrations in the blood
would cause water to leave the cells and interstitial space and enter the
blood stream to dilute the high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein concentrations (as seen in
a nutritionally deficient child) would cause water to leave the capillaries
and enter the cells and interstitial fluid which can lead to edema.
How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) result in
increased blood volume and increased blood pressure?
,3 | Page
Ans: A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys by low perfusion,
which in turn begins to secrete renin.
Renin then triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, which is
converted to Angiotensin I in the lungs and then angiotensin II by the
enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II stimulates peripheral
arterial vasoconstriction which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland to release aldosterone,
which acts to increase sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood
volume, while also increased potassium secretion in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac arrest?
, 4 | Page
Ans: Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/dL.
Hyperkalemia refers to potassium levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in muscles. Too
low and muscle weakness occurs and too much can cause muscle
spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an irregular heartbeat
can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Phosphate Buffering
System, and Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate System to regulate and
maintain homeostatic pH, what is the consequence of a pH
imbalance
Ans: Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that can be affected
by pH changes. Any increase or decrease in blood pH can alter the
structure of the protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as well
WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
EXAM-WITH 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS-
/A+ GRADE Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
What is Starling's Law of Capillary forces?
How does this explain why a nutritionally deficient child would have
edema?
,2 | Page
Ans: Starling's Law describes how fluids move across the capillary
membrane. There are two major opposing forces that act to balance
each other, hydrostatic pressure (pushing water out of the capillaries) and
osmotic pressure (including oncontic pressure, which pushes fluid into the
capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure) in the blood affect
osmotic pressure, high electrolyte and protein concentrations in the blood
would cause water to leave the cells and interstitial space and enter the
blood stream to dilute the high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein concentrations (as seen in
a nutritionally deficient child) would cause water to leave the capillaries
and enter the cells and interstitial fluid which can lead to edema.
How does the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) result in
increased blood volume and increased blood pressure?
,3 | Page
Ans: A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys by low perfusion,
which in turn begins to secrete renin.
Renin then triggers the liver to produce angiotensinogen, which is
converted to Angiotensin I in the lungs and then angiotensin II by the
enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II stimulates peripheral
arterial vasoconstriction which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland to release aldosterone,
which acts to increase sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood
volume, while also increased potassium secretion in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to cardiac arrest?
, 4 | Page
Ans: Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/dL.
Hyperkalemia refers to potassium levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve impulses in muscles. Too
low and muscle weakness occurs and too much can cause muscle
spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle and an irregular heartbeat
can cause a heart attack
The body uses the Protein Buffering System, Phosphate Buffering
System, and Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate System to regulate and
maintain homeostatic pH, what is the consequence of a pH
imbalance
Ans: Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that can be affected
by pH changes. Any increase or decrease in blood pH can alter the
structure of the protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as well
