Graded A+ 2026 | Q&A | 100% Verified Answers – WGU
Subject: Health, Fitness and Wellness – Anatomy, Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Social
Emotional Learning
Source: WGU C458 Complete Actual Exam Blueprint 2026
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical & Behavioral Rationale | Grade A+ Verified
1: Which body system is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and expelling
carbon dioxide?
Correct Answer: The respiratory system
1. The respiratory system (nose, trachea, lungs, diaphragm) performs gas exchange: O2 diffuses
into blood while CO2 is eliminated via exhalation.
2. Common wrong answer: cardiovascular system transports gases but does not perform gas
exchange itself.
3. Alveoli are the functional units where diffusion occurs; any impairment (COPD, pneumonia)
disrupts oxygenation.
2: Which body system is responsible for transporting a constant supply of nutrients and
oxygen to body cells?
Correct Answer: The cardiovascular system
1. Heart, blood vessels, and blood deliver O2 and nutrients (glucose, amino acids) to tissues while
removing waste products.
2. Wrong answer: respiratory system only handles gas exchange in lungs, not systemic delivery.
3. Atherosclerosis or heart failure directly impairs nutrient/oxygen delivery, causing organ
dysfunction.
3: Which symptoms are associated with MRSA?
Correct Answer: Red bumps near a previous cut that are swollen, painful, warm to touch, and full of
pus
1. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) presents as cellulitis, abscesses, or pustules
often at skin breach sites.
2. Key signs: erythema, edema, warmth, purulent drainage; systemic signs if bacteremia develops.
3. Wrong belief: “MRSA always causes fever first” – local skin infection is earliest presentation.
4: What is a controllable risk factor of coronary artery disease?
Correct Answer: High cholesterol levels
1. Hyperlipidemia is modifiable via diet, statins, and exercise; reduces LDL and total cholesterol.
2. Non-modifiable risks: age, genetics, male sex. Controllable risks: hypertension, smoking,
diabetes, obesity.
3. Aggressive lipid lowering decreases plaque progression and major adverse cardiac events.
, 5: Which recommendation aligns to the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for school-aged
children?
Correct Answer: Complete 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.
1. CDC/HHS guidelines: children/adolescents ages 6–17 need ≥60 minutes of MVPA daily,
including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities.
2. Less than 60 minutes is insufficient for cardiometabolic and bone health benefits.
3. Wrong answer: “30 minutes 3x/week” applies to adults, not children.
6: Which exercise is an example of a muscular endurance activity?
Correct Answer: Cycling uphill
1. Muscular endurance = sustained contraction over time; cycling uphill requires repeated leg
muscle contractions against resistance.
2. Contrast: heavy low-rep weight lifting builds strength, not endurance.
3. High repetitions (15–25) at moderate intensity improve oxidative capacity of type I fibers.
7: What does the CDC recommend to prevent fire and burns?
Correct Answer: Maintain home smoke alarms on every floor.
1. Working smoke alarms reduce fire-related death risk by half; install inside each bedroom and
on every level.
2. Test monthly, replace batteries annually; also plan escape routes.
3. Wrong answer: “Water extinguishers for all fires” – different extinguisher classes for
electrical/grease fires.
8: What is a recommendation for maintaining good dental hygiene?
Correct Answer: a dental exam every six months.
1. Biannual exams allow plaque removal, caries detection, and early intervention for periodontitis.
2. Daily brushing/flossing plus professional prophylaxis prevents gingivitis and tooth decay.
3. Delaying exams increases risk of advanced periodontal disease linked to cardiovascular
disease.
9: Which sleep stage is characterized by slow breathing and heart rate that occurs before
entering deeper sleep?
Correct Answer: stage 2
1. Stage 2 NREM: heart rate slows, body temperature drops, sleep spindles appear; prepares for
deep (stage 3) slow-wave sleep.
2. Stage 1 is light sleep; stage 3 is deep with delta waves. Stage 2 comprises ~50% of total sleep.
3. Disrupted stage 2 leads to unrefreshing sleep and daytime fatigue.
10: What is an effective strategy for sleeping better?
Correct Answer: Set a schedule to go to bed at the same time every day.
1. Consistent sleep/wake times reinforce circadian rhythm, improve sleep onset and quality.
2. Irregular schedules cause social jet lag, insomnia, and metabolic disruption.
3. Wrong strategy: “Sleep in on weekends” – that disrupts rhythm further.