WGU D236
Pathophysiology OA
Exam Questions And
Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant
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1. Which process is primarily responsible for cellular
swelling in reversible cell injury?
A. ATP depletion
B. DNA mutation
C. Protein synthesis increase
D. Calcium efflux
,Answer: A. ATP depletion
Rationale: ATP depletion impairs sodium-potassium pumps,
causing sodium and water to accumulate inside the cell,
leading to swelling.
2. What is the hallmark of apoptosis?
A. Inflammation
B. Cellular rupture
C. Programmed cell death without inflammation
D. Random necrosis
Answer: C. Programmed cell death without inflammation
Rationale: Apoptosis is a controlled process that does not
trigger inflammation.
3. Which type of necrosis is commonly seen in tuberculosis?
A. Liquefactive
B. Caseous
C. Fat
D. Gangrenous
Answer: B. Caseous
Rationale: Caseous necrosis has a cheese-like appearance
and is associated with TB.
4. What is the main function of histamine in inflammation?
,A. Vasoconstriction
B. Increased vascular permeability
C. Red blood cell production
D. Tissue repair
Answer: B. Increased vascular permeability
Rationale: Histamine causes blood vessels to become more
permeable, allowing immune cells to enter tissues.
5. Which leukocyte is most active in parasitic infections?
A. Neutrophils
B. Eosinophils
C. Basophils
D. Monocytes
Answer: B. Eosinophils
Rationale: Eosinophils target parasites and are involved in
allergic responses.
6. What is the primary mediator of acute inflammation?
A. Platelets
B. Neutrophils
C. Erythrocytes
D. Fibroblasts
Answer: B. Neutrophils
Rationale: Neutrophils are the first responders in acute
inflammation.
, 7. Which condition is caused by Type I hypersensitivity?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Anaphylaxis
C. Transfusion reaction
D. Graft rejection
Answer: B. Anaphylaxis
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity involves IgE-mediated
allergic reactions.
8. What is the primary cause of edema in heart failure?
A. Decreased plasma proteins
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased lymph flow
D. Increased albumin
Answer: B. Increased hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Fluid backs up due to poor heart pumping,
increasing pressure in capillaries.
9. Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with
muscle weakness?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Pathophysiology OA
Exam Questions And
Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which process is primarily responsible for cellular
swelling in reversible cell injury?
A. ATP depletion
B. DNA mutation
C. Protein synthesis increase
D. Calcium efflux
,Answer: A. ATP depletion
Rationale: ATP depletion impairs sodium-potassium pumps,
causing sodium and water to accumulate inside the cell,
leading to swelling.
2. What is the hallmark of apoptosis?
A. Inflammation
B. Cellular rupture
C. Programmed cell death without inflammation
D. Random necrosis
Answer: C. Programmed cell death without inflammation
Rationale: Apoptosis is a controlled process that does not
trigger inflammation.
3. Which type of necrosis is commonly seen in tuberculosis?
A. Liquefactive
B. Caseous
C. Fat
D. Gangrenous
Answer: B. Caseous
Rationale: Caseous necrosis has a cheese-like appearance
and is associated with TB.
4. What is the main function of histamine in inflammation?
,A. Vasoconstriction
B. Increased vascular permeability
C. Red blood cell production
D. Tissue repair
Answer: B. Increased vascular permeability
Rationale: Histamine causes blood vessels to become more
permeable, allowing immune cells to enter tissues.
5. Which leukocyte is most active in parasitic infections?
A. Neutrophils
B. Eosinophils
C. Basophils
D. Monocytes
Answer: B. Eosinophils
Rationale: Eosinophils target parasites and are involved in
allergic responses.
6. What is the primary mediator of acute inflammation?
A. Platelets
B. Neutrophils
C. Erythrocytes
D. Fibroblasts
Answer: B. Neutrophils
Rationale: Neutrophils are the first responders in acute
inflammation.
, 7. Which condition is caused by Type I hypersensitivity?
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
B. Anaphylaxis
C. Transfusion reaction
D. Graft rejection
Answer: B. Anaphylaxis
Rationale: Type I hypersensitivity involves IgE-mediated
allergic reactions.
8. What is the primary cause of edema in heart failure?
A. Decreased plasma proteins
B. Increased hydrostatic pressure
C. Decreased lymph flow
D. Increased albumin
Answer: B. Increased hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Fluid backs up due to poor heart pumping,
increasing pressure in capillaries.
9. Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with
muscle weakness?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
