WGU D236 Pathophysiology Final Exam –Homeostasis Regulation,
Intracellular vs Extracellular Fluid Balance, Diffusion Osmosis and
Filtration Mechanisms, Osmolality and Tonicity (Hypertonic,
Hypotonic, Isotonic Solutions), Fluid Shifts and Cellular Effects,
Interferons and Immune Response to Viral Infection, Cytokine
Signaling, Fluid Volume Disorders (Hypervolemia), Electrolyte
Balance, Cellular Transport Processes, and Exam Practice Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest
Updated 2026
Homeostasis
process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment
Intracellular Fluid
fluid inside of the cell, 2/3 of body weight
- mainly in muscle cells
Extracellular Fluid
fluid outside of the cell, 1/3 of bodily fluids
- blood vessels
- skin tissues
- spinal cord
,Diffusion
Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration.
Osmosis
movement of fluid from an area of lower solute concentration to a higher concentration
Filtration
water and solute movement occurs from an area of high hydrostatic pressure to an area of
low hydrostatic pressure
Osmolality
the number of osmotically active particles per kg of water
Hypertonic
osmolality greater than 300.
Hypotonic
osmolality less than 300.
- osmotic pressure is more significant in the body
- fluids pulled from body into cell
,An isotonic solution
0.09% normal saline
Interferons (IFNs)
type of cytokine that signals cells to increase anti-viral defenses.
- are released by cells that are infected with a virus, causing other cells to become resistant to
the virus
- play a role in tumor suppression
Hypervolemia
fluid volume overload
Edema
swelling of soft tissues because of excess fluid accumulation
Causes of edema include:
-Increased hydrostatic (water) pressure
- Manifestation: High BP and pitting edema
- Renal Failure, Heart Failure
- Decreased colloid osmotic pressure
- low albumin
, - cirrhosis, starvation
- bacteria infections/burns
- obstruction of lymphatic system (cancer or infection)
Symptoms of edema include:
- weight gain
- hypertension
- jugular vein distention
- ALOC (altered level of consciousness)
- weakness
- increased urine output / or decreased in patients with renal failure
- Rapid RR (resp rate)
- shallow RR
- fluid in lungs
- diarrhea, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), ascites
- low lab values
Hypovolemia
fluid volume deficit
Symptoms of hypovolemia include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Intracellular vs Extracellular Fluid Balance, Diffusion Osmosis and
Filtration Mechanisms, Osmolality and Tonicity (Hypertonic,
Hypotonic, Isotonic Solutions), Fluid Shifts and Cellular Effects,
Interferons and Immune Response to Viral Infection, Cytokine
Signaling, Fluid Volume Disorders (Hypervolemia), Electrolyte
Balance, Cellular Transport Processes, and Exam Practice Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest
Updated 2026
Homeostasis
process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment
Intracellular Fluid
fluid inside of the cell, 2/3 of body weight
- mainly in muscle cells
Extracellular Fluid
fluid outside of the cell, 1/3 of bodily fluids
- blood vessels
- skin tissues
- spinal cord
,Diffusion
Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration.
Osmosis
movement of fluid from an area of lower solute concentration to a higher concentration
Filtration
water and solute movement occurs from an area of high hydrostatic pressure to an area of
low hydrostatic pressure
Osmolality
the number of osmotically active particles per kg of water
Hypertonic
osmolality greater than 300.
Hypotonic
osmolality less than 300.
- osmotic pressure is more significant in the body
- fluids pulled from body into cell
,An isotonic solution
0.09% normal saline
Interferons (IFNs)
type of cytokine that signals cells to increase anti-viral defenses.
- are released by cells that are infected with a virus, causing other cells to become resistant to
the virus
- play a role in tumor suppression
Hypervolemia
fluid volume overload
Edema
swelling of soft tissues because of excess fluid accumulation
Causes of edema include:
-Increased hydrostatic (water) pressure
- Manifestation: High BP and pitting edema
- Renal Failure, Heart Failure
- Decreased colloid osmotic pressure
- low albumin
, - cirrhosis, starvation
- bacteria infections/burns
- obstruction of lymphatic system (cancer or infection)
Symptoms of edema include:
- weight gain
- hypertension
- jugular vein distention
- ALOC (altered level of consciousness)
- weakness
- increased urine output / or decreased in patients with renal failure
- Rapid RR (resp rate)
- shallow RR
- fluid in lungs
- diarrhea, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), ascites
- low lab values
Hypovolemia
fluid volume deficit
Symptoms of hypovolemia include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
