6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre-
Assessment Exam Questions and Answers
(Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam)
2025\2026 LATEST VERSION!!
Save Add to calendar
Terms in this set (114)
What is Starling's Law of Capillary Starling's Law describes how fluids move across
forces? the capillary membrane. There are two major
opposing forces that act to balance each other,
How does this explain why a hydrostatic pressure (pushing water out of the
nutritionally deficient child would capillaries) and osmotic pressure (including
have edema? oncontic pressure, which pushes fluid into the
capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure)
in the blood affect osmotic pressure, high
electrolyte and protein concentrations in the blood
would cause water to leave the cells and interstitial
space and enter the blood stream to dilute the
high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein
concentrations (as seen in a nutritionally deficient
child) would cause water to leave the capillaries
and enter the cells and interstitial fluid which can
lead to edema.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 1/57
,6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
How does the RAAS (Renin- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys
Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) by low perfusion, which in turn begins to secrete
result in increased blood volume and renin.
increased blood pressure?
Renin then triggers the liver to produce
angiotensinogen, which is converted to
Angiotensin I in the lungs and then angiotensin II
by the enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin
II stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction
which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland
to release aldosterone, which acts to increase
sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood
volume, while also increased potassium secretion
in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and
cardiac arrest? 5.2 mEq/dL. Hyperkalemia refers to potassium
levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve
impulses in muscles. Too low and muscle weakness
occurs and too much can cause muscle spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle
and an irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 2/57
,6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
The body uses the Protein Buffering Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that
System, Phosphate Buffering System, can be affected by pH changes. Any increase or
and Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate decrease in blood pH can alter the structure of the
System to regulate and maintain protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as
homeostatic pH, what is the well
consequence of a pH imbalance
Describe the laboratory findings Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH:
associated with metabolic acidosis, 7.35-7.45 PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg
metabolic alkalosis, respiratory HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. (ie
relative pH and CO2 levels). Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are marked by
changes in PCO2. Higher = acidosis and lower =
alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are caused by
something other than abnormal CO2 levels. This
could include toxicity, diabetes, renal failure or
excessive GI losses.
Here are the rules to follow to determine if is
respiratory or metabolic in nature. -If pH and PCO2
are moving in opposite directions, then it is the
pCO2 levels that are causing the imbalance and it
is respiratory in nature.
-If PCO2 is normal or is moving in the same
direction as the pH, then the imbalance is
metabolic in nature.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 3/57
, 6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
The anion gap is the difference The anion gap is the calculation of unmeasured
between measured cations (Na+ and anions in the blood.
K+) and measured anions (Cl- and
HCO3-), this calculation can be Lactic acid and ketones both lead to the
useful in determining the cause of production of unmeasured anions, which remove
metabolic acidosis. HCO3- (a measured anion) due to buffering of the
excess H+ and therefore leads to an increase in the
Why would an increased anion gap AG.
be observed in diabetic ketoacidosis
or lactic acidosis?
Why is it important to maintain a Insulin is the hormone responsible for initiating the
homeostatic balance of glucose in uptake of glucose by the cells. Cells use glucose
the blood (ie describe the to produce energy (ATP).
pathogenesis of diabetes)?
In a normal individual, when blood glucose
increases, the pancreas is signaled to produced in
insulin, which binds to insulin receptors on a cells
surface and initiates the uptake of glucose.
Glucose is a very reactive molecule and if left in
the blood, it can start to bind to other proteins and
lipids, which can lead to loss of function.
AGEs are advanced glycation end products that
are a result of glucose reacting with the endothelial
lining, which can lead to damage in the heart and
kidneys.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 4/57
WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre-
Assessment Exam Questions and Answers
(Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam)
2025\2026 LATEST VERSION!!
Save Add to calendar
Terms in this set (114)
What is Starling's Law of Capillary Starling's Law describes how fluids move across
forces? the capillary membrane. There are two major
opposing forces that act to balance each other,
How does this explain why a hydrostatic pressure (pushing water out of the
nutritionally deficient child would capillaries) and osmotic pressure (including
have edema? oncontic pressure, which pushes fluid into the
capillaries).
Both electrolytes and proteins (oncontic pressure)
in the blood affect osmotic pressure, high
electrolyte and protein concentrations in the blood
would cause water to leave the cells and interstitial
space and enter the blood stream to dilute the
high concentrations.
On, the other hand, low electrolyte and protein
concentrations (as seen in a nutritionally deficient
child) would cause water to leave the capillaries
and enter the cells and interstitial fluid which can
lead to edema.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 1/57
,6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
How does the RAAS (Renin- A drop in blood pressure is sensed by the kidneys
Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) by low perfusion, which in turn begins to secrete
result in increased blood volume and renin.
increased blood pressure?
Renin then triggers the liver to produce
angiotensinogen, which is converted to
Angiotensin I in the lungs and then angiotensin II
by the enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin
II stimulates peripheral arterial vasoconstriction
which raises BP.
Angiotensin II is also stimulating the adrenal gland
to release aldosterone, which acts to increase
sodium and water reabsorption increasing blood
volume, while also increased potassium secretion
in urine.
How can hyperkalemia lead to Normal levels of potassium are between 3.5 and
cardiac arrest? 5.2 mEq/dL. Hyperkalemia refers to potassium
levels higher that 5.2 mEq/dL.
A major function of potassium is to conduct nerve
impulses in muscles. Too low and muscle weakness
occurs and too much can cause muscle spasms.
This is especially dangerous in the heart muscle
and an irregular heartbeat can cause a heart attack
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 2/57
,6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
The body uses the Protein Buffering Proteins contain many acidic and basic group that
System, Phosphate Buffering System, can be affected by pH changes. Any increase or
and Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate decrease in blood pH can alter the structure of the
System to regulate and maintain protein (denature), thereby affecting its function as
homeostatic pH, what is the well
consequence of a pH imbalance
Describe the laboratory findings Normal ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) Blood pH:
associated with metabolic acidosis, 7.35-7.45 PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg PO2: 90-100 mm Hg
metabolic alkalosis, respiratory HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L SaO2: 95-100%
acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. (ie
relative pH and CO2 levels). Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis are marked by
changes in PCO2. Higher = acidosis and lower =
alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis are caused by
something other than abnormal CO2 levels. This
could include toxicity, diabetes, renal failure or
excessive GI losses.
Here are the rules to follow to determine if is
respiratory or metabolic in nature. -If pH and PCO2
are moving in opposite directions, then it is the
pCO2 levels that are causing the imbalance and it
is respiratory in nature.
-If PCO2 is normal or is moving in the same
direction as the pH, then the imbalance is
metabolic in nature.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 3/57
, 6/23/26, 9:05 AM WGU D236 Pathophysiology OA and Pre- Assessment Exam Questions and Answers (Verified Answers) Updated (Actual Exam) 20…
The anion gap is the difference The anion gap is the calculation of unmeasured
between measured cations (Na+ and anions in the blood.
K+) and measured anions (Cl- and
HCO3-), this calculation can be Lactic acid and ketones both lead to the
useful in determining the cause of production of unmeasured anions, which remove
metabolic acidosis. HCO3- (a measured anion) due to buffering of the
excess H+ and therefore leads to an increase in the
Why would an increased anion gap AG.
be observed in diabetic ketoacidosis
or lactic acidosis?
Why is it important to maintain a Insulin is the hormone responsible for initiating the
homeostatic balance of glucose in uptake of glucose by the cells. Cells use glucose
the blood (ie describe the to produce energy (ATP).
pathogenesis of diabetes)?
In a normal individual, when blood glucose
increases, the pancreas is signaled to produced in
insulin, which binds to insulin receptors on a cells
surface and initiates the uptake of glucose.
Glucose is a very reactive molecule and if left in
the blood, it can start to bind to other proteins and
lipids, which can lead to loss of function.
AGEs are advanced glycation end products that
are a result of glucose reacting with the endothelial
lining, which can lead to damage in the heart and
kidneys.
https://quizlet.com/1191287938/wgu-d236-pathophysiology-oa-and-pre-assessment-exam-questions-and-answers-verified-answers-updated-actual-e… 4/57
