WGU D115 OA/Pre-OA Units 2–7 Test Bank
2025/26 | 400 Verified Q&A | A+ Advanced
Pathophysiology Prep
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, 2
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis in
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) Excessive lactate production
B) Renal failure
C) Increased production of ketones
D) Decreased bicarbonate production
Answer: C) Increased production of ketones
Rationale: In DKA, insulin deficiency leads to increased lipolysis and the
breakdown of fatty acids into ketone bodies (acetoacetate and β-
hydroxybutyrate). These ketones accumulate in the bloodstream,
lowering pH and causing metabolic acidosis.
2. A 35-year-old female presents with symptoms of fatigue, weight
loss, and polyuria. Laboratory findings show low serum sodium, high
potassium, and low cortisol levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Primary hyperaldosteronism
B) Addison's disease
C) Cushing's syndrome
D) Pheochromocytoma
Answer: B) Addison's disease
Rationale: Addison’s disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, results
from damage to the adrenal glands, leading to inadequate production
of cortisol and aldosterone. Low sodium, high potassium, and low
cortisol levels are consistent with this condition.
2
, 3
3. Which of the following is the main physiological mechanism
responsible for the decreased oxygen delivery to tissues in anemia?
A) Decreased hemoglobin concentration
B) Increased carbon dioxide levels
C) Increased oxygen affinity of hemoglobin
D) Increased heart rate
Answer: A) Decreased hemoglobin concentration
Rationale: Anemia results in reduced hemoglobin levels, which impairs
the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Despite compensatory mechanisms
such as increased heart rate, the primary cause of reduced oxygen
delivery is the decreased amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen
binding.
4. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of acute
pancreatitis?
A) Inflammation and destruction of pancreatic acinar cells due to
premature activation of pancreatic enzymes
B) Obstruction of the common bile duct leading to pancreatitis
C) Chronic inflammation of the pancreas with fibrosis and atrophy
D) Hypersecretion of digestive enzymes causing pancreatic duct
dilation
Answer: A) Inflammation and destruction of pancreatic acinar cells due
to premature activation of pancreatic enzymes
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis is caused by the premature activation of
pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, leading to autodigestion and
3
2025/26 | 400 Verified Q&A | A+ Advanced
Pathophysiology Prep
Downloaded by: examthreads | Want to earn $1.236
Distribution of this document is illegal extra per year?
, 2
1. Which of the following is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis in
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) Excessive lactate production
B) Renal failure
C) Increased production of ketones
D) Decreased bicarbonate production
Answer: C) Increased production of ketones
Rationale: In DKA, insulin deficiency leads to increased lipolysis and the
breakdown of fatty acids into ketone bodies (acetoacetate and β-
hydroxybutyrate). These ketones accumulate in the bloodstream,
lowering pH and causing metabolic acidosis.
2. A 35-year-old female presents with symptoms of fatigue, weight
loss, and polyuria. Laboratory findings show low serum sodium, high
potassium, and low cortisol levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Primary hyperaldosteronism
B) Addison's disease
C) Cushing's syndrome
D) Pheochromocytoma
Answer: B) Addison's disease
Rationale: Addison’s disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, results
from damage to the adrenal glands, leading to inadequate production
of cortisol and aldosterone. Low sodium, high potassium, and low
cortisol levels are consistent with this condition.
2
, 3
3. Which of the following is the main physiological mechanism
responsible for the decreased oxygen delivery to tissues in anemia?
A) Decreased hemoglobin concentration
B) Increased carbon dioxide levels
C) Increased oxygen affinity of hemoglobin
D) Increased heart rate
Answer: A) Decreased hemoglobin concentration
Rationale: Anemia results in reduced hemoglobin levels, which impairs
the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Despite compensatory mechanisms
such as increased heart rate, the primary cause of reduced oxygen
delivery is the decreased amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen
binding.
4. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of acute
pancreatitis?
A) Inflammation and destruction of pancreatic acinar cells due to
premature activation of pancreatic enzymes
B) Obstruction of the common bile duct leading to pancreatitis
C) Chronic inflammation of the pancreas with fibrosis and atrophy
D) Hypersecretion of digestive enzymes causing pancreatic duct
dilation
Answer: A) Inflammation and destruction of pancreatic acinar cells due
to premature activation of pancreatic enzymes
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis is caused by the premature activation of
pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, leading to autodigestion and
3
