1
WGU D115 OA ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
EXAM 2026, Western Governors University | Latest
Actual Questions with Detailed Answers OA
Readiness Practice Exam
Category Topics Included
Acute vs chronic inflammation, neutrophils (first responders),
Inflammation & macrophages (chronic), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE,
Immunity IgD), cell-mediated immunity (T cells), antibody production (B
cells/plasma cells), phagocytosis, cytokine release
Metabolic acidosis (DKA, renal failure, diarrhea), metabolic
alkalosis (vomiting), respiratory acidosis (hypoventilation,
Acid-Base
opioid, COPD), respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation),
Disorders
compensatory mechanisms (Kussmaul, renal
retention/excretion)
Hyperkalemia/Hypokalemia (ECG changes: peaked T vs flat T,
U waves), Hypercalcemia/Hypocalcemia ("stones, bones" vs
tetany, Chvostek's, Trousseau's), Hypernatremia/Hyponatremia
Electrolyte
(cellular dehydration vs cerebral edema),
Imbalances
Hyperphosphatemia/Hypophosphatemia,
HyperMagnesium/Hypomagnesemia (neuromuscular
excitability), Hyperaldosteronism (hypernatremia, hypokalemia)
Type 1 DM (autoimmune, DKA, absolute insulin deficiency),
Type 2 DM (resistance + relative deficiency), Graves' disease
(TSI, hyperthyroid, goiter, ophthalmopathy), Hashimoto's
thyroiditis (TPO, hypothyroid), Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Endocrine
(adenoma, hypercalcemia), Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Disorders
(CKD, hypocalcemia), Hypoparathyroidism (decreased PTH,
hypocalcemia), Cushing's syndrome (high cortisol, moon face,
buffalo horn), Addison's disease (low cortisol + aldosterone,
hyperpigmentation), Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)
Heart failure (decreased CO, sympathetic + RAAS
compensation, edema), Hypertension (renal RAAS,
Cardiovascular
hyperaldosteronism), Venous insufficiency (edema from valve
Pathophysiology
dysfunction), Sepsis (vasodilation, capillary leak, DIC, organ
dysfunction)
pg. 1
,2
Category Topics Included
COPD (emphysema: alveolar destruction vs chronic bronchitis:
"blue bloater"), Asthma (reversible bronchoconstriction),
Respiratory Pneumonia (alveolar filling), Pulmonary embolism (V/Q
Pathophysiology mismatch, sudden dyspnea), ARDS (increased permeability),
Pneumothorax (lung collapse), RDS (decreased surfactant in
neonates), Cystic fibrosis (thick secretions)
Liver disease (cirrhosis, ascites from low albumin, jaundice
types, pruritus from bile acids, bleeding from low clotting
Gastrointestinal
factors), Chronic pancreatitis (acinar destruction,
Pathophysiology
malabsorption), Gout (urate crystals),
Hemolytic/Hepatic/Obstructive jaundice
CKD (decreased GFR, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia,
Renal pruritus, hypertension, anemia, bone disease), AKI (rapid
Pathophysiology BUN/Cr rise, oliguria), Nephrotic syndrome (edema from low
albumin)
Anemias (iron deficiency: microcytic hypochromic, B12/folate:
Hematologic macrocytic, hemolytic, aplastic: pancytopenia, sickle cell:
Pathophysiology crescent-shaped, anemia of chronic disease), Leukemia
(malignant WBC proliferation), Jaundice types
Osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration), Rheumatoid arthritis
Musculoskeletal (autoimmune, RF/anti-CCP, pannus), Gout (urate crystals),
Pathophysiology Osteoporosis (resorption > formation), Hyperparathyroidism
("bones")
Multiple sclerosis (CNS demyelination), Parkinson's disease
Neurologic (decreased dopamine, bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor),
Pathophysiology Myasthenia gravis (ACh receptor antibodies), Stress response
(cortisol, catecholamines)
Cellular injury (necrosis: unregulated + inflammation vs
Cellular apoptosis: regulated, no inflammation), Hypoxia types (hypoxic,
Pathophysiology anemic, stagnant, histotoxic), Inflammation (capillary
permeability, edema)
ECG changes (K+: peaked T/widened QRS vs flat T/U waves;
Assessment & Ca+: short QT vs long QT), Lab findings (ferritin, MCV, MCHC,
Monitoring bilirubin types, BUN/Cr), Neuro signs (tetany, Chvostek's,
Trousseau's), DKA labs (glucose, pH, ketones, K+)
pg. 2
,3
Question 1
Which of the following is a characteristic of acute inflammation?
A. Long duration (weeks to months)
B. Increased production of antibodies
C. Vascular changes leading to edema
D. Tissue necrosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vascular changes leading to edema is a characteristic of acute
inflammation. Acute inflammation involves immediate vascular
responses (vasodilation, increased blood flow, increased permeability) → edema,
redness, warmth, pain. Duration is short (hours to days). Long duration is
chronic inflammation. Increased antibodies is immune response (chronic). Tissue
necrosis can occur but is not defining characteristic. Advanced practice nurses
must recognize acute inflammation signs.
Question 2
What is the primary function of neutrophils during the inflammatory response?
A. Antibody production
B. Phagocytosis of pathogens
C. Activation of T lymphocytes
D. Release of cytokines
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phagocytosis of pathogens is the primary function of neutrophils.
Neutrophils are first responders (arrive within hours) → engulf and destroy
bacteria/pathogens through phagocytosis. Antibody production is B cells/plasma
cells. T lymphocyte activation is macrophages/dendritic cells. Cytokine
release is multiple cells (macrophages, etc.). Advanced practice nurses must
understand neutrophil role in infection.
Question 3
pg. 3
, 4
In the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, which hormone is typically deficient
or ineffective?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is typically deficient or ineffective in diabetes mellitus. Type
1: autoimmune destruction of β-cells → little/no insulin. Type 2: insulin resistance
+ relative deficiency → hyperglycemia. Glucagon is increased
(unopposed). Cortisol/Epinephrine are stress hormones that increase glucose.
Advanced practice nurses must understand insulin deficiency/resistance in DM.
Question 4
Which respiratory condition is characterized by reversible airway
obstruction with bronchoconstriction?
A. Chronic bronchitis
B. Asthma
C. Emphysema
D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction with
bronchoconstriction. Allergen/exercise → immune response (IgE, mast cells) →
bronchospasm, inflammation, mucus → wheezing, dyspnea. Reversible with
bronchodilators. Chronic bronchitis/emphysema (COPD) are fixed
obstruction. Pneumonia is alveolar infection. Advanced practice nurses must
distinguish asthma from COPD.
Question 5
A patient presents with pH 7.25, CO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. What is the
acid-base disorder?
pg. 4
WGU D115 OA ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
EXAM 2026, Western Governors University | Latest
Actual Questions with Detailed Answers OA
Readiness Practice Exam
Category Topics Included
Acute vs chronic inflammation, neutrophils (first responders),
Inflammation & macrophages (chronic), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE,
Immunity IgD), cell-mediated immunity (T cells), antibody production (B
cells/plasma cells), phagocytosis, cytokine release
Metabolic acidosis (DKA, renal failure, diarrhea), metabolic
alkalosis (vomiting), respiratory acidosis (hypoventilation,
Acid-Base
opioid, COPD), respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation),
Disorders
compensatory mechanisms (Kussmaul, renal
retention/excretion)
Hyperkalemia/Hypokalemia (ECG changes: peaked T vs flat T,
U waves), Hypercalcemia/Hypocalcemia ("stones, bones" vs
tetany, Chvostek's, Trousseau's), Hypernatremia/Hyponatremia
Electrolyte
(cellular dehydration vs cerebral edema),
Imbalances
Hyperphosphatemia/Hypophosphatemia,
HyperMagnesium/Hypomagnesemia (neuromuscular
excitability), Hyperaldosteronism (hypernatremia, hypokalemia)
Type 1 DM (autoimmune, DKA, absolute insulin deficiency),
Type 2 DM (resistance + relative deficiency), Graves' disease
(TSI, hyperthyroid, goiter, ophthalmopathy), Hashimoto's
thyroiditis (TPO, hypothyroid), Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Endocrine
(adenoma, hypercalcemia), Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Disorders
(CKD, hypocalcemia), Hypoparathyroidism (decreased PTH,
hypocalcemia), Cushing's syndrome (high cortisol, moon face,
buffalo horn), Addison's disease (low cortisol + aldosterone,
hyperpigmentation), Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)
Heart failure (decreased CO, sympathetic + RAAS
compensation, edema), Hypertension (renal RAAS,
Cardiovascular
hyperaldosteronism), Venous insufficiency (edema from valve
Pathophysiology
dysfunction), Sepsis (vasodilation, capillary leak, DIC, organ
dysfunction)
pg. 1
,2
Category Topics Included
COPD (emphysema: alveolar destruction vs chronic bronchitis:
"blue bloater"), Asthma (reversible bronchoconstriction),
Respiratory Pneumonia (alveolar filling), Pulmonary embolism (V/Q
Pathophysiology mismatch, sudden dyspnea), ARDS (increased permeability),
Pneumothorax (lung collapse), RDS (decreased surfactant in
neonates), Cystic fibrosis (thick secretions)
Liver disease (cirrhosis, ascites from low albumin, jaundice
types, pruritus from bile acids, bleeding from low clotting
Gastrointestinal
factors), Chronic pancreatitis (acinar destruction,
Pathophysiology
malabsorption), Gout (urate crystals),
Hemolytic/Hepatic/Obstructive jaundice
CKD (decreased GFR, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia,
Renal pruritus, hypertension, anemia, bone disease), AKI (rapid
Pathophysiology BUN/Cr rise, oliguria), Nephrotic syndrome (edema from low
albumin)
Anemias (iron deficiency: microcytic hypochromic, B12/folate:
Hematologic macrocytic, hemolytic, aplastic: pancytopenia, sickle cell:
Pathophysiology crescent-shaped, anemia of chronic disease), Leukemia
(malignant WBC proliferation), Jaundice types
Osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration), Rheumatoid arthritis
Musculoskeletal (autoimmune, RF/anti-CCP, pannus), Gout (urate crystals),
Pathophysiology Osteoporosis (resorption > formation), Hyperparathyroidism
("bones")
Multiple sclerosis (CNS demyelination), Parkinson's disease
Neurologic (decreased dopamine, bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor),
Pathophysiology Myasthenia gravis (ACh receptor antibodies), Stress response
(cortisol, catecholamines)
Cellular injury (necrosis: unregulated + inflammation vs
Cellular apoptosis: regulated, no inflammation), Hypoxia types (hypoxic,
Pathophysiology anemic, stagnant, histotoxic), Inflammation (capillary
permeability, edema)
ECG changes (K+: peaked T/widened QRS vs flat T/U waves;
Assessment & Ca+: short QT vs long QT), Lab findings (ferritin, MCV, MCHC,
Monitoring bilirubin types, BUN/Cr), Neuro signs (tetany, Chvostek's,
Trousseau's), DKA labs (glucose, pH, ketones, K+)
pg. 2
,3
Question 1
Which of the following is a characteristic of acute inflammation?
A. Long duration (weeks to months)
B. Increased production of antibodies
C. Vascular changes leading to edema
D. Tissue necrosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vascular changes leading to edema is a characteristic of acute
inflammation. Acute inflammation involves immediate vascular
responses (vasodilation, increased blood flow, increased permeability) → edema,
redness, warmth, pain. Duration is short (hours to days). Long duration is
chronic inflammation. Increased antibodies is immune response (chronic). Tissue
necrosis can occur but is not defining characteristic. Advanced practice nurses
must recognize acute inflammation signs.
Question 2
What is the primary function of neutrophils during the inflammatory response?
A. Antibody production
B. Phagocytosis of pathogens
C. Activation of T lymphocytes
D. Release of cytokines
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phagocytosis of pathogens is the primary function of neutrophils.
Neutrophils are first responders (arrive within hours) → engulf and destroy
bacteria/pathogens through phagocytosis. Antibody production is B cells/plasma
cells. T lymphocyte activation is macrophages/dendritic cells. Cytokine
release is multiple cells (macrophages, etc.). Advanced practice nurses must
understand neutrophil role in infection.
Question 3
pg. 3
, 4
In the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, which hormone is typically deficient
or ineffective?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is typically deficient or ineffective in diabetes mellitus. Type
1: autoimmune destruction of β-cells → little/no insulin. Type 2: insulin resistance
+ relative deficiency → hyperglycemia. Glucagon is increased
(unopposed). Cortisol/Epinephrine are stress hormones that increase glucose.
Advanced practice nurses must understand insulin deficiency/resistance in DM.
Question 4
Which respiratory condition is characterized by reversible airway
obstruction with bronchoconstriction?
A. Chronic bronchitis
B. Asthma
C. Emphysema
D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction with
bronchoconstriction. Allergen/exercise → immune response (IgE, mast cells) →
bronchospasm, inflammation, mucus → wheezing, dyspnea. Reversible with
bronchodilators. Chronic bronchitis/emphysema (COPD) are fixed
obstruction. Pneumonia is alveolar infection. Advanced practice nurses must
distinguish asthma from COPD.
Question 5
A patient presents with pH 7.25, CO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. What is the
acid-base disorder?
pg. 4
