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WGU D236 Practice Test
Pathophysiology Review
Comprehensive NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
Course: Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PRACTICE TEST GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
This comprehensive review contains 55 practice questions covering key concepts from the
WGU D236 Pathophysiology Practice Test. Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly
marked correct answer, and a detailed clinical rationale explaining the underlying
pathophysiology.
Category: Pathophysiology — Practice Test Review
1 What are two components that are evaluated as part of the arterial blood gas
(ABG) analysis?
A Blood pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2)
B Blood pH and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2)
C Bicarbonate (HCO3) and oxygen saturation
D PCO2 and PO2 only
Why A is correct: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis evaluates blood pH and partial pressure
of carbon dioxide (PCO2), along with other components like bicarbonate (HCO3) and partial
pressure of oxygen (PO2).
B — PO2 is evaluated, but the question asks for two components specifically mentioned.
C — HCO3 is included, but PCO2 is also a key component.
D — pH is also a key component.
, 2 A patient presented with acute inflammation on both arms after camping. Which
type of organism is indicated as a contributor to this reaction?
A Insect
B Bacteria
C Virus
D Fungus
Why A is correct: Acute inflammation on both arms after camping suggests an insect
reaction, such as mosquito bites or contact with other insects causing an inflammatory
response.
B — Bacterial infections typically present with purulent discharge.
C — Viral infections often present with systemic symptoms.
D — Fungal infections often present with scaling or ring-shaped lesions.
3 What are two signs of patients who experience a near drowning?
A Hypoxemia; Asphyxiation
B Hyperoxemia; Hypoxia
C Hypocapnia; Hyperventilation
D Hypothermia; Hyperthermia
Why A is correct: Near drowning causes hypoxemia (low oxygen) and asphyxiation (lack of
oxygen) due to water inhalation and impaired gas exchange.
B — Near drowning causes hypoxemia, not hyperoxemia.
C — Hypocapnia is not typical of near drowning.
D — Hypothermia may occur but is not the primary sign.
WGU D236 Practice Test
Pathophysiology Review
Comprehensive NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
Course: Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
WGU D236 · Western Governors University Page 1
,WGU D236 PRACTICE TEST GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
This comprehensive review contains 55 practice questions covering key concepts from the
WGU D236 Pathophysiology Practice Test. Each question includes four answer choices, a clearly
marked correct answer, and a detailed clinical rationale explaining the underlying
pathophysiology.
Category: Pathophysiology — Practice Test Review
1 What are two components that are evaluated as part of the arterial blood gas
(ABG) analysis?
A Blood pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2)
B Blood pH and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2)
C Bicarbonate (HCO3) and oxygen saturation
D PCO2 and PO2 only
Why A is correct: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis evaluates blood pH and partial pressure
of carbon dioxide (PCO2), along with other components like bicarbonate (HCO3) and partial
pressure of oxygen (PO2).
B — PO2 is evaluated, but the question asks for two components specifically mentioned.
C — HCO3 is included, but PCO2 is also a key component.
D — pH is also a key component.
, 2 A patient presented with acute inflammation on both arms after camping. Which
type of organism is indicated as a contributor to this reaction?
A Insect
B Bacteria
C Virus
D Fungus
Why A is correct: Acute inflammation on both arms after camping suggests an insect
reaction, such as mosquito bites or contact with other insects causing an inflammatory
response.
B — Bacterial infections typically present with purulent discharge.
C — Viral infections often present with systemic symptoms.
D — Fungal infections often present with scaling or ring-shaped lesions.
3 What are two signs of patients who experience a near drowning?
A Hypoxemia; Asphyxiation
B Hyperoxemia; Hypoxia
C Hypocapnia; Hyperventilation
D Hypothermia; Hyperthermia
Why A is correct: Near drowning causes hypoxemia (low oxygen) and asphyxiation (lack of
oxygen) due to water inhalation and impaired gas exchange.
B — Near drowning causes hypoxemia, not hyperoxemia.
C — Hypocapnia is not typical of near drowning.
D — Hypothermia may occur but is not the primary sign.
