WGU D236 Objective Assessment
Pathophysiology Exam (Updated for 2025/2026) –
Verified Questions and Answers for an A+ Grade
1.A patient presents to a primary care provider reporting chest pain
and is diagnosed with stable angina and atherosclerosis. This disease
is caused by:
A.Abnormally dilated arteries and veins.
B.Deep vein thrombosis.
C.Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
D.Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
A. Abnormally dilated arteries and veins.
Abnormally dilated arteries and veins, also known as aneurysms and varicose veins respectively, can
occur due to various conditions. However, they are not the primary cause of stable angina and
atherosclerosis. Aneurysms involve an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to
weakness in the wall of the blood vessel, while varicose veins refer to enlarged, twisted veins commonly
found in the legs. These conditions do not directly cause the chronic narrowing of arteries that
characterize atherosclerosis and lead to stable angina.
B .Deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
Although DVT is a serious medical condition that can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism
if the clot travels to the lungs, it is not related to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis or stable angina.
DVT involves venous circulation, whereas atherosclerosis and angina involve the arterial system,
specifically the coronary arteries.
C. Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, also known as atherosclerosis, is the primary
cause of stable angina. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arterial walls,
,leading to their hardening and narrowing. This process reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing
ischemia, which presents as chest pain, known as angina. Stable angina is a symptom of this chronic
condition, which can lead to more severe cardiovascular events if left untreated.
D. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction involves abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which
controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. While autonomic
dysfunction can contribute to various cardiovascular issues and symptoms such as irregular heartbeats
or blood pressure changes, it is not the underlying cause of atherosclerosis or stable angina.
Atherosclerosis is primarily a disease of the arterial walls, while autonomic dysfunction pertains to the
regulation of bodily systems.
2.While hospitalized, an elderly patient with a history of
myocardial infarction was noted to have high levels of low-
density lipoproteins (LDLs). What is the significance of this
finding?
A.Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would be unlikely to affect the progression of this
disease.
B.Increased LDL levels are indicative of moderate alcohol intake, and patients should be advised to
abstain.
C.Increased LDL levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
D.Elevated LDL levels are an expected finding in the elderly and therefore are not particularly significant.
A. Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would be unlikely to affect the progression of this
disease.
Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would indeed affect the progression of cardiovascular
disease. Lowering LDL levels through lifestyle changes, medication, or both can significantly reduce the
risk of further heart-related events and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this
statement is incorrect because managing LDL levels remains crucial for elderly patients with a history of
myocardial infarction.
,B. Increased LDL levels are indicative of moderate alcohol intake, and patients should be advised to
abstain.
Increased LDL levels are not specifically indicative of moderate alcohol intake. While excessive alcohol
consumption can affect lipid levels, the primary significance of elevated LDL is its association with the
risk of cardiovascular disease, not alcohol intake. Therefore, advising patients to abstain from alcohol
based solely on increased LDL levels is not a precise recommendation.
C. Increased LDL levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Increased LDL levels are directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). LDL,
often referred to as "bad cholesterol," contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can
lead to atherosclerosis. This condition narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart
attacks and other cardiovascular events. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is crucial in preventing the
progression of CAD, especially in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
D.Elevated LDL levels are an expected finding in the elderly and therefore are not particularly significant.
Elevated LDL levels are not simply an expected finding in the elderly and should not be dismissed as
insignificant. Regardless of age, high LDL levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease
and other cardiovascular conditions. Elderly patients, particularly those with a history of myocardial
infarction, should have their LDL levels monitored and managed to reduce the risk of future heart-
related events.
3.What form of viral hepatitis is likely to be transmitted
sexually?
A.Hepatitis B
B.Hepatitis C
C.Hepatitis E
D.Hepatitis A
A. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through
exposure to infected blood or body fluids. It is highly infectious and can be spread through unprotected
, sex, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can cause
both acute and chronic liver disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.
B.Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. While it is less commonly
spread through sexual contact compared to Hepatitis B, it is possible, particularly among individuals with
multiple sexual partners or those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Hepatitis C often becomes
chronic, leading to serious liver damage over time. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but antiviral
medications can effectively cure the infection in most cases.
C.Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, usually by consuming contaminated
water or food. It is not commonly transmitted sexually. Hepatitis E is more prevalent in regions with
poor sanitation, and it typically causes acute liver disease, which generally resolves on its own in most
healthy individuals. Prevention includes good sanitation practices and proper hand hygiene.
D.Hepatitis A is also transmitted through the fecal-oral route, primarily by ingesting contaminated food
or water. It is not typically associated with sexual transmission. Hepatitis A causes acute liver disease,
which usually resolves without long-term liver damage. Vaccination is available and effective in
preventing Hepatitis A infection.
4.A patient's ABG is as follows, interpret the findings: PH =
7.53 PaCO2 = 23 HCO3 = 22
A.Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
B.Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
C.Respiratory Alkalosis
D.Uncompensated Respiratory Alkalosis
A. Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
Compensated metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidemia) with a compensatory decrease
in PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, and typically a low HCO3 as well. In this scenario, the pH is elevated
(alkalemia), which rules out metabolic acidosis.
B. Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
Pathophysiology Exam (Updated for 2025/2026) –
Verified Questions and Answers for an A+ Grade
1.A patient presents to a primary care provider reporting chest pain
and is diagnosed with stable angina and atherosclerosis. This disease
is caused by:
A.Abnormally dilated arteries and veins.
B.Deep vein thrombosis.
C.Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
D.Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
A. Abnormally dilated arteries and veins.
Abnormally dilated arteries and veins, also known as aneurysms and varicose veins respectively, can
occur due to various conditions. However, they are not the primary cause of stable angina and
atherosclerosis. Aneurysms involve an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to
weakness in the wall of the blood vessel, while varicose veins refer to enlarged, twisted veins commonly
found in the legs. These conditions do not directly cause the chronic narrowing of arteries that
characterize atherosclerosis and lead to stable angina.
B .Deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
Although DVT is a serious medical condition that can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism
if the clot travels to the lungs, it is not related to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis or stable angina.
DVT involves venous circulation, whereas atherosclerosis and angina involve the arterial system,
specifically the coronary arteries.
C. Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, also known as atherosclerosis, is the primary
cause of stable angina. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arterial walls,
,leading to their hardening and narrowing. This process reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing
ischemia, which presents as chest pain, known as angina. Stable angina is a symptom of this chronic
condition, which can lead to more severe cardiovascular events if left untreated.
D. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction involves abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which
controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. While autonomic
dysfunction can contribute to various cardiovascular issues and symptoms such as irregular heartbeats
or blood pressure changes, it is not the underlying cause of atherosclerosis or stable angina.
Atherosclerosis is primarily a disease of the arterial walls, while autonomic dysfunction pertains to the
regulation of bodily systems.
2.While hospitalized, an elderly patient with a history of
myocardial infarction was noted to have high levels of low-
density lipoproteins (LDLs). What is the significance of this
finding?
A.Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would be unlikely to affect the progression of this
disease.
B.Increased LDL levels are indicative of moderate alcohol intake, and patients should be advised to
abstain.
C.Increased LDL levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
D.Elevated LDL levels are an expected finding in the elderly and therefore are not particularly significant.
A. Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would be unlikely to affect the progression of this
disease.
Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would indeed affect the progression of cardiovascular
disease. Lowering LDL levels through lifestyle changes, medication, or both can significantly reduce the
risk of further heart-related events and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this
statement is incorrect because managing LDL levels remains crucial for elderly patients with a history of
myocardial infarction.
,B. Increased LDL levels are indicative of moderate alcohol intake, and patients should be advised to
abstain.
Increased LDL levels are not specifically indicative of moderate alcohol intake. While excessive alcohol
consumption can affect lipid levels, the primary significance of elevated LDL is its association with the
risk of cardiovascular disease, not alcohol intake. Therefore, advising patients to abstain from alcohol
based solely on increased LDL levels is not a precise recommendation.
C. Increased LDL levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Increased LDL levels are directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). LDL,
often referred to as "bad cholesterol," contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can
lead to atherosclerosis. This condition narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart
attacks and other cardiovascular events. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is crucial in preventing the
progression of CAD, especially in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
D.Elevated LDL levels are an expected finding in the elderly and therefore are not particularly significant.
Elevated LDL levels are not simply an expected finding in the elderly and should not be dismissed as
insignificant. Regardless of age, high LDL levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease
and other cardiovascular conditions. Elderly patients, particularly those with a history of myocardial
infarction, should have their LDL levels monitored and managed to reduce the risk of future heart-
related events.
3.What form of viral hepatitis is likely to be transmitted
sexually?
A.Hepatitis B
B.Hepatitis C
C.Hepatitis E
D.Hepatitis A
A. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through
exposure to infected blood or body fluids. It is highly infectious and can be spread through unprotected
, sex, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B can cause
both acute and chronic liver disease, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.
B.Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. While it is less commonly
spread through sexual contact compared to Hepatitis B, it is possible, particularly among individuals with
multiple sexual partners or those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Hepatitis C often becomes
chronic, leading to serious liver damage over time. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but antiviral
medications can effectively cure the infection in most cases.
C.Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, usually by consuming contaminated
water or food. It is not commonly transmitted sexually. Hepatitis E is more prevalent in regions with
poor sanitation, and it typically causes acute liver disease, which generally resolves on its own in most
healthy individuals. Prevention includes good sanitation practices and proper hand hygiene.
D.Hepatitis A is also transmitted through the fecal-oral route, primarily by ingesting contaminated food
or water. It is not typically associated with sexual transmission. Hepatitis A causes acute liver disease,
which usually resolves without long-term liver damage. Vaccination is available and effective in
preventing Hepatitis A infection.
4.A patient's ABG is as follows, interpret the findings: PH =
7.53 PaCO2 = 23 HCO3 = 22
A.Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
B.Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
C.Respiratory Alkalosis
D.Uncompensated Respiratory Alkalosis
A. Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
Compensated metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidemia) with a compensatory decrease
in PaCO2 due to hyperventilation, and typically a low HCO3 as well. In this scenario, the pH is elevated
(alkalemia), which rules out metabolic acidosis.
B. Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
