D236 Pathophysiology Week 6 Study Guide 2026 |WGU
1. Which process describes the initial step in the development of
atherosclerosis?
A. Smooth muscle proliferation
B. Endothelial injury and inflammation
C. Formation of the fibrous plaque
D. Rupture of the fatty streak
Answer: B
Rationale: Atherosclerosis begins with injury to the endothelial cells that line artery walls,
often caused by smoking, hypertension, or diabetes, triggering an inflammatory response.
2. What is the primary characteristic of stable angina?
A. Pain occurs at rest and is unpredictable
B. Pain is associated with ST-segment elevation
C. Pain is caused by a total occlusion of a coronary artery
D. Pain is relieved by rest and nitrates
Answer: D
Rationale: Stable angina is predictable chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia under
exertion and is typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
,3. A patient with left-sided heart failure is likely to exhibit which of the
following symptoms?
A. Jugular venous distension
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dyspnea and crackles
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing respiratory
symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles in the lungs.
4. What is the most common cause of right-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary hypertension
B. Tricuspid valve regurgitation
C. Myocardial infarction of the right ventricle
D. Left-sided heart failure
Answer: D
Rationale: While lung diseases cause Cor Pulmonale, the most common overall cause of
right-sided heart failure is the increased back-pressure from left-sided heart failure.
5. Which hormone is secreted by the heart in response to excessive stretching of
the atrial walls?
A. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
B. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Renin
Answer: A
Rationale: ANP is released by the atria to promote sodium and water excretion, thereby
reducing blood volume and pressure.
, 6. What defines ‘orthopnea’ in a patient with heart failure?
A. Difficulty breathing while lying flat
B. Difficulty breathing while standing
C. Pain in the chest during deep inspiration
D. Increased respiratory rate during exercise
Answer: A
Rationale: Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when lying flat, caused by the redistribution
of fluid from the lower extremities to the lungs.
7. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect
of Angiotensin II?
A. Systemic vasoconstriction
B. Inhibition of ADH release
C. Vasodilation of peripheral vessels
D. Excretion of potassium in the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases systemic vascular
resistance and blood pressure.
8. Which type of shock is characterized by a massive release of histamine and
vasodilation?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: D
Rationale: Anaphylactic shock is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction where histamine
causes widespread vasodilation and increased capillary permeability.
1. Which process describes the initial step in the development of
atherosclerosis?
A. Smooth muscle proliferation
B. Endothelial injury and inflammation
C. Formation of the fibrous plaque
D. Rupture of the fatty streak
Answer: B
Rationale: Atherosclerosis begins with injury to the endothelial cells that line artery walls,
often caused by smoking, hypertension, or diabetes, triggering an inflammatory response.
2. What is the primary characteristic of stable angina?
A. Pain occurs at rest and is unpredictable
B. Pain is associated with ST-segment elevation
C. Pain is caused by a total occlusion of a coronary artery
D. Pain is relieved by rest and nitrates
Answer: D
Rationale: Stable angina is predictable chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia under
exertion and is typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
,3. A patient with left-sided heart failure is likely to exhibit which of the
following symptoms?
A. Jugular venous distension
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dyspnea and crackles
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing respiratory
symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and crackles in the lungs.
4. What is the most common cause of right-sided heart failure?
A. Pulmonary hypertension
B. Tricuspid valve regurgitation
C. Myocardial infarction of the right ventricle
D. Left-sided heart failure
Answer: D
Rationale: While lung diseases cause Cor Pulmonale, the most common overall cause of
right-sided heart failure is the increased back-pressure from left-sided heart failure.
5. Which hormone is secreted by the heart in response to excessive stretching of
the atrial walls?
A. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
B. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C. Aldosterone
D. Renin
Answer: A
Rationale: ANP is released by the atria to promote sodium and water excretion, thereby
reducing blood volume and pressure.
, 6. What defines ‘orthopnea’ in a patient with heart failure?
A. Difficulty breathing while lying flat
B. Difficulty breathing while standing
C. Pain in the chest during deep inspiration
D. Increased respiratory rate during exercise
Answer: A
Rationale: Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when lying flat, caused by the redistribution
of fluid from the lower extremities to the lungs.
7. In the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), what is the direct effect
of Angiotensin II?
A. Systemic vasoconstriction
B. Inhibition of ADH release
C. Vasodilation of peripheral vessels
D. Excretion of potassium in the kidneys
Answer: A
Rationale: Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases systemic vascular
resistance and blood pressure.
8. Which type of shock is characterized by a massive release of histamine and
vasodilation?
A. Septic shock
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: D
Rationale: Anaphylactic shock is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction where histamine
causes widespread vasodilation and increased capillary permeability.
