❖ Spring Semester 2026 | WGU D236 Pathophysiology Exam Study
Resource — Comprehensive Coverage of Altered Physiologic
Processes, Cellular Injury, Inflammation, Immune Disorders,
Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal, Endocrine & Neurologic System
Pathology with Exam-Aligned Review Content
Question 1
Which of the following is primarily responsible for the regulation of blood glucose
levels?
• A) Liver
• B) Kidneys
• C) Pancreas
• D) Spleen
Correct Option: C) Pancreas
Rationale: The pancreas plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis by secreting
insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, while glucagon raises them.
This balance is essential for maintaining normal energy levels and metabolic processes.
Question 2
Which of the following conditions is characterized by chronic inflammation of the
airways?
• A) Emphysema
• B) Asthma
• C) Pulmonary fibrosis
• D) Bronchitis
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and constriction of
the bronchial tubes, leading to difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing. The
inflammatory response in asthma can result from various triggers, including allergens
and irritants.
Question 3
What is the primary cause of hypertension?
• A) Obesity
• B) Insulin resistance
• C) Genetic factors
, • D) High sodium intake
Correct Option: C) Genetic factors
Rationale: While multiple factors contribute to hypertension, genetic predisposition is
a significant determinant. Family history and genetic variations can influence how
individuals regulate blood pressure, making them more susceptible to hypertension.
Question 4
In which of the following diseases is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques most
notable?
• A) Huntington's disease
• B) Alzheimer's disease
• C) Parkinson's disease
• D) Multiple sclerosis
Correct Option: B) Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the formation of beta-amyloid
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These pathological changes disrupt
communication between neurons and lead to cognitive decline and memory loss,
hallmarks of the disease.
Question 5
Which enzyme is crucial for the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I?
• A) Renin
• B) ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme)
• C) Aldosterone
• D) Vasopressin
Correct Option: A) Renin
Rationale: Renin is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys that initiates the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen,
produced by the liver, into angiotensin I, which is later converted into angiotensin II by
ACE, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid retention.
Question 6
Which of the following is a classic symptom of hyperthyroidism?
• A) Weight gain
, • B) Cold intolerance
• C) Increased heart rate
• D) Constipation
Correct Option: C) Increased heart rate
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones,
which increases metabolic rate and heart rate. Patients often experience weight loss,
heat intolerance, and increased appetite, but not constipation.
Question 7
What is the main pathological feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus?
• A) Insulin resistance
• B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
• C) Elevated blood glucose after meals
• D) Excessive glucagon secretion
Correct Option: B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by the autoimmune destruction of
insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin
production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Question 8
Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease?
• A) Diabetes mellitus
• B) Hypertension
• C) Glomerulonephritis
• D) Polycystic kidney disease
Correct Option: A) Diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD),
significantly contributing to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Chronic
hyperglycemia damages the kidneys’ filtering units, leading to progressive loss of
function.
Question 9
What is the primary function of the kidneys in the body?
, • A) Hormone production
• B) Filtration of toxins
• C) Regulation of electrolyte balance
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: The kidneys play multiple vital roles, including filtering waste products and
toxins from the blood, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing hormones
such as erythropoietin and renin, which are crucial for blood pressure regulation and
red blood cell production.
Question 10
In which condition is the "buffalo hump" most commonly seen?
• A) Addison's disease
• B) Cushing's syndrome
• C) Hyperthyroidism
• D) Acromegaly
Correct Option: B) Cushing's syndrome
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels, leading to
changes in fat distribution, including the development of a "buffalo hump" on the upper
back. Other symptoms may include weight gain, skin changes, and high blood pressure.
Question 11
Which immune cells are primarily involved in the adaptive immune response?
• A) Neutrophils
• B) B and T lymphocytes
• C) Macrophages
• D) Natural killer cells
Correct Option: B) B and T lymphocytes
Rationale: The adaptive immune response is specifically mediated by B and T
lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies, while T cells are involved in cell-mediated
immunity, recognizing infected or cancerous cells.
Resource — Comprehensive Coverage of Altered Physiologic
Processes, Cellular Injury, Inflammation, Immune Disorders,
Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal, Endocrine & Neurologic System
Pathology with Exam-Aligned Review Content
Question 1
Which of the following is primarily responsible for the regulation of blood glucose
levels?
• A) Liver
• B) Kidneys
• C) Pancreas
• D) Spleen
Correct Option: C) Pancreas
Rationale: The pancreas plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis by secreting
insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, while glucagon raises them.
This balance is essential for maintaining normal energy levels and metabolic processes.
Question 2
Which of the following conditions is characterized by chronic inflammation of the
airways?
• A) Emphysema
• B) Asthma
• C) Pulmonary fibrosis
• D) Bronchitis
Correct Option: B) Asthma
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and constriction of
the bronchial tubes, leading to difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing. The
inflammatory response in asthma can result from various triggers, including allergens
and irritants.
Question 3
What is the primary cause of hypertension?
• A) Obesity
• B) Insulin resistance
• C) Genetic factors
, • D) High sodium intake
Correct Option: C) Genetic factors
Rationale: While multiple factors contribute to hypertension, genetic predisposition is
a significant determinant. Family history and genetic variations can influence how
individuals regulate blood pressure, making them more susceptible to hypertension.
Question 4
In which of the following diseases is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques most
notable?
• A) Huntington's disease
• B) Alzheimer's disease
• C) Parkinson's disease
• D) Multiple sclerosis
Correct Option: B) Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the formation of beta-amyloid
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These pathological changes disrupt
communication between neurons and lead to cognitive decline and memory loss,
hallmarks of the disease.
Question 5
Which enzyme is crucial for the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I?
• A) Renin
• B) ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme)
• C) Aldosterone
• D) Vasopressin
Correct Option: A) Renin
Rationale: Renin is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys that initiates the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen,
produced by the liver, into angiotensin I, which is later converted into angiotensin II by
ACE, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid retention.
Question 6
Which of the following is a classic symptom of hyperthyroidism?
• A) Weight gain
, • B) Cold intolerance
• C) Increased heart rate
• D) Constipation
Correct Option: C) Increased heart rate
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones,
which increases metabolic rate and heart rate. Patients often experience weight loss,
heat intolerance, and increased appetite, but not constipation.
Question 7
What is the main pathological feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus?
• A) Insulin resistance
• B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
• C) Elevated blood glucose after meals
• D) Excessive glucagon secretion
Correct Option: B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by the autoimmune destruction of
insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin
production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Question 8
Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease?
• A) Diabetes mellitus
• B) Hypertension
• C) Glomerulonephritis
• D) Polycystic kidney disease
Correct Option: A) Diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD),
significantly contributing to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Chronic
hyperglycemia damages the kidneys’ filtering units, leading to progressive loss of
function.
Question 9
What is the primary function of the kidneys in the body?
, • A) Hormone production
• B) Filtration of toxins
• C) Regulation of electrolyte balance
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: The kidneys play multiple vital roles, including filtering waste products and
toxins from the blood, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing hormones
such as erythropoietin and renin, which are crucial for blood pressure regulation and
red blood cell production.
Question 10
In which condition is the "buffalo hump" most commonly seen?
• A) Addison's disease
• B) Cushing's syndrome
• C) Hyperthyroidism
• D) Acromegaly
Correct Option: B) Cushing's syndrome
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels, leading to
changes in fat distribution, including the development of a "buffalo hump" on the upper
back. Other symptoms may include weight gain, skin changes, and high blood pressure.
Question 11
Which immune cells are primarily involved in the adaptive immune response?
• A) Neutrophils
• B) B and T lymphocytes
• C) Macrophages
• D) Natural killer cells
Correct Option: B) B and T lymphocytes
Rationale: The adaptive immune response is specifically mediated by B and T
lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies, while T cells are involved in cell-mediated
immunity, recognizing infected or cancerous cells.
