WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
DETAILED COMPLETE EXAM 2025
What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure? - Correct Ans-Albumin
Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins - Correct Ans-Oncotic Pressure
What is the difference between adult and child immunity? - Correct Ans-Naive T Cells
Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates
actions such as thirst, ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS. - Correct Ans-Osmoreceptors
What are the causes of dehydration? - Correct Ans-
#Excessive loss
#inadequate intake
#Both
What s/sx are associated with dehydration? - Correct Ans-
#Dry mucous membranes
#Decreased skin turgor
#Decreased urine output
#Low blood pressure
#Tachycardia
#Weak heart rate
#Confusion
A patient with a viral illness and severe vomiting has an elevated CO2 level and pH of
7.53. She is breathing slowly. What condition does she have? - Correct Ans-Metabolic
alkalosis
The patient's pH and CO2 levels are both elevated (moving in the same direction). This
indicates metabolic alkalosis. The CO2 level is high because her respiratory system is
attempting to compensate for the high pH by exhaling less and retaining more CO2.
Normal CO2 level - Correct Ans-35-45
Normal pH level - Correct Ans-7.35-7.45
Normal HCO3 level - Correct Ans-22-26
Michael's pulmonary edema leads to respiratory acidosis. How does pH impact
Michael's basal metabolic panel? Choose 3 answers.
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His CO2 level is increased because his lungs have difficulty removing it from the
bloodstream.
His calcium level is reduced because the elevated concentration of H+ makes it easier
for Ca+ to bind to albumin.
His CO2 level is decreased because his lungs have difficulty adding it into the
bloodstream.
His sodium level is decreased due to hypervolemia.
His K+ is elevated because, as H+ moves inside of cells in an attempt to get it out of the
bloodstream, K+ moves from cells into the bloodstream. - Correct Ans-His CO2 level is
increased because his lungs have difficulty removing it from the bloodstream.
His sodium level is decreased due to hypervolemia.
His K+ is elevated because, as H+ moves inside of cells in an attempt to get it out of the
bloodstream, K+ moves from cells into the bloodstream.
A hormone panel was done on a patient with congestive heart failure and fluid volume
overload. Which elevated hormone on the patient's chart is indicative of the body's
attempt to reduce the fluid overload?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Aldosterone
Renin - Correct Ans-BNP
BNP is released when fluid volume excess is present.
Normal sodium level - Correct Ans-135-145
Hyponatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-Na < 135
Loss of energy or fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Confusion
Muscle spasms
Low blood pressure
Dark scanty urine
Irritability, disorientation and neurological manifestations
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Seizures
Hypernatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx - Correct Ans-Na > 145
Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Confusion
Muscle twitching or spasms
Restlessness
Seizures
Normal potassium level - Correct Ans-3.5-5.0
Hypokalemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx - Correct Ans-K < 3.5
#Muscle fatigue/cramping
#Nausea, vomiting, constipation
#Cardiac dysrhythmias
#Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
Hyperkalemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-K > 5.0
Muscle weakness/paralysis
Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Cardiac arrest/MI
Normal calcium level - Correct Ans-8.5-10.5
Hypocalcemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-Calcium < 8.5
Overexcitability of the muscles
Muscle twitching
Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
Chvostek and Trousseau sign (twitching on the cheek when touched)
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Hypercalcemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-Calcium > 10.5
Muscle weakness
Loss of muscle tone
Spontaneous fractures
Kidney stones
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Normal magnesium level - Correct Ans-1.6-2.6
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Hypomagnesemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-Magnesium level
< 1.6
Tremors
Hyperreflexia
Insomnia
Muscle cramps
Irregular heart beat
Hypermagnesemia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx? - Correct Ans-Magnesium
level > 2.6
Hyporeflexia
Lethargy
Respiratory depression
N/V
Slow/Irregular heart beat
Tay-Sachs Disease - Correct Ans-An autosomal recessive inherited genetic disorder
caused by a recessive allele (chromosome 15) that leads to the accumulation of certain
lipids in the brain. Seizures, blindness, and degeneration of motor and mental
performance usually become manifest a few months after birth, followed by death within
a few years.
Marfan Syndrome - Correct Ans-Inherited autosomal dominant trait (only one abnormal
copy of the Marfan gene inherited from one parent) FBN1 gene. Genetic connective
tissue disorder that can affect aorta and heart valve structures.
**If one parent has Marfan syndrome, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the
abnormal gene and developing the condition. If both parents have the condition, the risk
of their child inheriting the abnormal gene and developing Marfan syndrome increases
to 75%.
Turner Syndrome - Correct Ans-A chromosomal disorder in females in which either an X
chromosome is missing, making the person XO instead of XX, or part of one X
chromosome is deleted.
Underdeveloped ovaries (sterile)
Short stature (under 4' 7")
Amenorrhea
Webbing of the neck
Edema
Underdeveloped breasts/wide nipples
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