WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-20… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Updated &
Verified Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
295 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 295 verified questions with correct answers provided, focusing on
pathophysiology concepts. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students seeking to
deepen their understanding of physiological processes and disease mechanisms. The
format facilitates efficient study, review, and preparation for certification exams, ensuring
learners can enhance their knowledge and confidence in the subject.
CONTENTS
• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance • Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Acid-Base Balance • Respiratory Disorders
• Cerebrovascular Disorders • Neurological Disorders
Page 1
, • Cardiovascular Disorders • Heart Valve Diseases
• Gastrointestinal Disorders • Renal Disorders
• Cancer and Tumors • Endocrine Disorders
• Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders • Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk
• Musculoskeletal Disorders • Dermatological Conditions
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 295
What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure?
CORRECT ANSWER
Albumin
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 295
Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins
CORRECT ANSWER
Oncotic Pressure
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 295
Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates actions
such as thirst, ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS.
CORRECT ANSWER
Osmoreceptors
Page 2
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 295
What are the causes of dehydration?
CORRECT ANSWER
#Excessive loss
#Inadequate intake
#Both
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 295
What s/sx are associated with dehydration?
CORRECT ANSWER
#Dry mucous membranes
#Decreased skin turgor
#Decreased urine output
#Low blood pressure
#Tachycardia
#Weak heart rate
#Confusion
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 295
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 ANSWER
BNP
BNP is released when fluid volume excess is present.
Page 3
, Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 295
Normal sodium level
CORRECT ANSWER
135-145
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 295
Hyponatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?
CORRECT ANSWER
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
Seizures
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 295
Hypernatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx
CORRECT ANSWER
Na > 145
Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Confusion
Muscle twitching or spasms
Restlessness
Seizures
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
WGU D236
Pathophysiology
Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Updated &
Verified Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
295 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document contains 295 verified questions with correct answers provided, focusing on
pathophysiology concepts. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students seeking to
deepen their understanding of physiological processes and disease mechanisms. The
format facilitates efficient study, review, and preparation for certification exams, ensuring
learners can enhance their knowledge and confidence in the subject.
CONTENTS
• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance • Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Acid-Base Balance • Respiratory Disorders
• Cerebrovascular Disorders • Neurological Disorders
Page 1
, • Cardiovascular Disorders • Heart Valve Diseases
• Gastrointestinal Disorders • Renal Disorders
• Cancer and Tumors • Endocrine Disorders
• Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders • Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk
• Musculoskeletal Disorders • Dermatological Conditions
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 295
What is the primary determinant of oncotic pressure?
CORRECT ANSWER
Albumin
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 295
Form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins
CORRECT ANSWER
Oncotic Pressure
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 295
Fluid and electrolyte levels are regulated by _________________, which regulates actions
such as thirst, ADH, the kidneys, and RAAS.
CORRECT ANSWER
Osmoreceptors
Page 2
, Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 295
What are the causes of dehydration?
CORRECT ANSWER
#Excessive loss
#Inadequate intake
#Both
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 295
What s/sx are associated with dehydration?
CORRECT ANSWER
#Dry mucous membranes
#Decreased skin turgor
#Decreased urine output
#Low blood pressure
#Tachycardia
#Weak heart rate
#Confusion
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 295
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 ANSWER
BNP
BNP is released when fluid volume excess is present.
Page 3
, Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 295
Normal sodium level
CORRECT ANSWER
135-145
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 295
Hyponatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx?
CORRECT ANSWER
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
Seizures
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 295
Hypernatremia is indicated by what lab result? S/Sx
CORRECT ANSWER
Na > 145
Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Confusion
Muscle twitching or spasms
Restlessness
Seizures
Page 4
