WGU D236 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 DISEASE
MECHANISMS AND HUMAN BODY SYSTEM
PATHOLOGY PRINCIPLES
◉ Identify role of DNA changes in congenital abnormalities.
Answer: Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities
◉ How does development disrupts congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Alterations of DNA
◉ Describes factors that disrupt homeostasis and how disruptions
affect wellbeing.
Answer: (ex) Fluid and electrolyte shifts can cause n/v or
dysrhythmias.
◉ Explain RAAS
Answer: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
1. Reduce blood flow causes kidneys to release renin
> produce angiotensin I > converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II >
vasoconstriction > release aldosterone > kidneys conserve sodium
,and water > Result less water lost in urine and blood pressure
maintained.
◉ DKA
Answer: increased anion gap, decreased HCO3
◉ How do kidneys compensate for alkalosis
Answer: retain H and excrete HCO3
◉ Untreated acidosis leads to an increase in which electrolyte?
Answer: Potassium
◉ West Nile Virus
Answer: Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Severe signs and symptoms; high fever, headache and stiff neck
◉ Lyme disease
Answer: Tick-borne disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia
burgdorferi.
◉ Erythema infectiosum
Answer: a febrile upper respiratory illness in a child followed by the
sudden appearance of red, flushed cheeks, "fifth disease"
, ◉ Obesity ad diabetes are risk factors for having a child with _____.
Answer: Spina bifida
◉ Trousseau's sign
Answer: arm/carpal spasm associated with hypocalcemia
◉ Cause and sign of spina bifida
Answer: results from failure of neural tube to close. sign - fluid filled
sac on lower back.
◉ hemophilia is more common in
Answer: males
◉ Prenatal exposure to alcohol includes
Answer: ND-PAE, decreased brain function, FAS
◉ Connective vs muscle tissue disorders
Answer: Connective- RA, Scleroderma, Lupus
Muscle - MS, Muscular dystrophy, Myasthenia Gravia
◉ Describe Lupus
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 DISEASE
MECHANISMS AND HUMAN BODY SYSTEM
PATHOLOGY PRINCIPLES
◉ Identify role of DNA changes in congenital abnormalities.
Answer: Mutations in genes or chromosomal abnormalities
◉ How does development disrupts congenital abnormalities?
Answer: Alterations of DNA
◉ Describes factors that disrupt homeostasis and how disruptions
affect wellbeing.
Answer: (ex) Fluid and electrolyte shifts can cause n/v or
dysrhythmias.
◉ Explain RAAS
Answer: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
1. Reduce blood flow causes kidneys to release renin
> produce angiotensin I > converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II >
vasoconstriction > release aldosterone > kidneys conserve sodium
,and water > Result less water lost in urine and blood pressure
maintained.
◉ DKA
Answer: increased anion gap, decreased HCO3
◉ How do kidneys compensate for alkalosis
Answer: retain H and excrete HCO3
◉ Untreated acidosis leads to an increase in which electrolyte?
Answer: Potassium
◉ West Nile Virus
Answer: Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Severe signs and symptoms; high fever, headache and stiff neck
◉ Lyme disease
Answer: Tick-borne disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia
burgdorferi.
◉ Erythema infectiosum
Answer: a febrile upper respiratory illness in a child followed by the
sudden appearance of red, flushed cheeks, "fifth disease"
, ◉ Obesity ad diabetes are risk factors for having a child with _____.
Answer: Spina bifida
◉ Trousseau's sign
Answer: arm/carpal spasm associated with hypocalcemia
◉ Cause and sign of spina bifida
Answer: results from failure of neural tube to close. sign - fluid filled
sac on lower back.
◉ hemophilia is more common in
Answer: males
◉ Prenatal exposure to alcohol includes
Answer: ND-PAE, decreased brain function, FAS
◉ Connective vs muscle tissue disorders
Answer: Connective- RA, Scleroderma, Lupus
Muscle - MS, Muscular dystrophy, Myasthenia Gravia
◉ Describe Lupus
