WGU D236
Objective Assessment Pathophysiology | Practice
Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | 2026
Resource Features
➢ D236 Objective Assessment study review
➢ Practice questions and answers
➢ Detailed rationales and explanations
➢ Disease-process review
➢ System-by-system study material
➢ Clinical scenario questions
➢ Key terminology
➢ Pathophysiology concept review
➢ Exam-focused preparation
, WGU D236 Objective Assessment
Pathophysiology | Practice Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales | 2026
Question 1
What are two pulmonary causes leading to respiratory acidosis?
a. Asthma and shortness of breath
b. Hyperventilation and fever
c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
d. Anemia and pain
Correct Answer: c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate alveolar
ventilation, leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH. Cystic fibrosis
causes thick mucus obstructing airways, impairing gas exchange and
ventilation. Hypoventilation directly reduces CO₂ elimination, causing CO₂
buildup (hypercapnia) and acidosis. Asthma can cause respiratory acidosis
during severe attacks, but "shortness of breath" is a symptom, not a cause.
Hyperventilation actually causes respiratory alkalosis (excessive CO₂
removal), not acidosis. Anemia and pain are not direct pulmonary causes of
respiratory acidosis.
,Question 2
Which issue would a child with Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated
with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) exhibit?
a. Nearsightedness
b. Trouble planning
c. Frequent nausea
d. Helpfulness
Correct Answer: b. Trouble planning
Rationale: ND-PAE is characterized by significant neurocognitive and
behavioral impairments resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Executive
function deficits, including trouble with planning, organizing, and problem-
solving, are hallmark features. These children often struggle with impulse
control, attention, memory, and executive functioning. Nearsightedness,
frequent nausea, and helpfulness are not characteristic of ND-PAE. The
condition specifically affects brain development and cognitive function.
Question 3
Which sign is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
a. Impaired mental flexibility
b. Blurred vision
c. Head drop
d. Slowed thought processing
, Correct Answer: c. Head drop
Rationale: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor
neurons. Head drop (also called dropped head syndrome) occurs due to
weakness of the neck extensor muscles, a characteristic sign of ALS as the
disease progresses. The condition primarily affects motor function while
typically sparing cognitive function, though some patients may develop
frontotemporal dementia. Blurred vision is more common in multiple
sclerosis. Impaired mental flexibility and slowed thought processing are not
primary features of ALS.
Question 4
Which classification of drugs can trigger hemolytic anemia?
a. Nitrates
b. Diuretics
c. Cephalosporins
d. CNS stimulants
Correct Answer: c. Cephalosporins
Rationale: Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that can trigger
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. These drugs can bind to red blood
cell membranes, forming drug-antibody complexes that lead to
complement-mediated RBC destruction. Other medications that can cause
drug-induced hemolytic anemia include penicillins, methyldopa, and
quinidine. Nitrates are vasodilators used for angina; diuretics affect fluid
Objective Assessment Pathophysiology | Practice
Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | 2026
Resource Features
➢ D236 Objective Assessment study review
➢ Practice questions and answers
➢ Detailed rationales and explanations
➢ Disease-process review
➢ System-by-system study material
➢ Clinical scenario questions
➢ Key terminology
➢ Pathophysiology concept review
➢ Exam-focused preparation
, WGU D236 Objective Assessment
Pathophysiology | Practice Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales | 2026
Question 1
What are two pulmonary causes leading to respiratory acidosis?
a. Asthma and shortness of breath
b. Hyperventilation and fever
c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
d. Anemia and pain
Correct Answer: c. Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate alveolar
ventilation, leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH. Cystic fibrosis
causes thick mucus obstructing airways, impairing gas exchange and
ventilation. Hypoventilation directly reduces CO₂ elimination, causing CO₂
buildup (hypercapnia) and acidosis. Asthma can cause respiratory acidosis
during severe attacks, but "shortness of breath" is a symptom, not a cause.
Hyperventilation actually causes respiratory alkalosis (excessive CO₂
removal), not acidosis. Anemia and pain are not direct pulmonary causes of
respiratory acidosis.
,Question 2
Which issue would a child with Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated
with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) exhibit?
a. Nearsightedness
b. Trouble planning
c. Frequent nausea
d. Helpfulness
Correct Answer: b. Trouble planning
Rationale: ND-PAE is characterized by significant neurocognitive and
behavioral impairments resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Executive
function deficits, including trouble with planning, organizing, and problem-
solving, are hallmark features. These children often struggle with impulse
control, attention, memory, and executive functioning. Nearsightedness,
frequent nausea, and helpfulness are not characteristic of ND-PAE. The
condition specifically affects brain development and cognitive function.
Question 3
Which sign is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
a. Impaired mental flexibility
b. Blurred vision
c. Head drop
d. Slowed thought processing
, Correct Answer: c. Head drop
Rationale: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor
neurons. Head drop (also called dropped head syndrome) occurs due to
weakness of the neck extensor muscles, a characteristic sign of ALS as the
disease progresses. The condition primarily affects motor function while
typically sparing cognitive function, though some patients may develop
frontotemporal dementia. Blurred vision is more common in multiple
sclerosis. Impaired mental flexibility and slowed thought processing are not
primary features of ALS.
Question 4
Which classification of drugs can trigger hemolytic anemia?
a. Nitrates
b. Diuretics
c. Cephalosporins
d. CNS stimulants
Correct Answer: c. Cephalosporins
Rationale: Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that can trigger
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. These drugs can bind to red blood
cell membranes, forming drug-antibody complexes that lead to
complement-mediated RBC destruction. Other medications that can cause
drug-induced hemolytic anemia include penicillins, methyldopa, and
quinidine. Nitrates are vasodilators used for angina; diuretics affect fluid
