WGU D236 Pathophysiology Objective Assessment Exam
| 250+ Verified Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationales | 2026 Updated Study Guide
EXAM OVERVIEW
The WGU D236 Pathophysiology Objective Assessment (OA) evaluates understanding
of disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and physiological alterations across
multiple body systems . Key competencies include cellular injury and adaptation,
inflammation, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, and
pathophysiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neurological,
gastrointestinal, immune, and hematologic systems . The exam emphasizes clinical
reasoning, symptom recognition, and connecting disease mechanisms to outcomes .
Question 1
What are two pulmonary causes leading to respiratory acidosis?
A) Asthma and shortness of breath
B) Hyperventilation and fever
C) Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
D) Anemia and pain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis results from inadequate CO2 elimination, leading to
increased arterial CO2 (hypercapnia) and decreased pH . Pulmonary causes include
conditions that impair ventilation such as cystic fibrosis (which causes chronic lung
disease and airflow obstruction) and hypoventilation from any cause . Acute respiratory
acidosis can result from respiratory failure due to airways disease (COPD, asthma),
while chronic respiratory acidosis involves sustained hypercapnia with renal
adaptation .
Question 2
Which issue would a child with Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal
Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) exhibit?
A) Nearsightedness
B) Trouble planning
C) Frequent nausea
D) Helpfulness
pg. 1
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ND-PAE is characterized by impairments in neurocognitive function,
including difficulty with executive functioning, planning, and problem-solving. These
children may also exhibit poor impulse control, memory deficits, and social challenges.
Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause structural brain changes and functional
impairments that persist throughout life .
Question 3
Which sign is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
A) Impaired mental flexibility
B) Blurred vision
C) Head drop
D) Slowed thought processing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons,
leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations. Head drop (dropped head
syndrome) occurs due to weakness of neck extensor muscles. Unlike some other
neurological conditions, ALS primarily affects motor function while cognitive function is
often preserved, though some patients may develop frontotemporal dementia .
Question 4
Which classification of drugs can trigger hemolytic anemia?
A) Nitrates
B) Diuretics
C) Cephalosporins
D) CNS stimulants
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that can cause drug-induced
immune hemolytic anemia through antibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells.
The drug binds to the RBC membrane, forming a drug-protein complex that triggers an
immune response. Other drugs associated with hemolytic anemia include penicillin,
quinine, and methyldopa .
Question 5
A patient's record documents headaches with memory defects. The patient's color and
temperature are unusual, and the patient reports pain at night. Which condition is
described?
pg. 2
,A) Angina pectoris
B) Atherosclerosis
C) Myocardial infarction
D) Thrombophlebitis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Thrombophlebitis involves inflammation of a vein with clot formation,
causing localized pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The "unusual color and
temperature" suggests circulatory compromise. Headaches and memory defects can
occur if thrombophlebitis leads to emboli or if there is an underlying systemic condition
affecting multiple vascular territories .
Question 6
Which condition is caused by Adenovirus?
A) Mononucleosis
B) Erythema infectiosum
C) Gastroenteritis
D) Upper respiratory infection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Adenoviruses are a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections,
including pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and the common cold. Mononucleosis is caused by
Epstein-Barr virus, erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) by parvovirus B19, and
gastroenteritis by various viruses including norovirus and rotavirus .
Question 7
Classify each condition as either an upper tract infection or a lower tract infection:
Laryngitis, Rhinitis, Pneumonia, COPD, Pharyngitis, Asthma
Correct Answer: Laryngitis - Upper, Rhinitis - Upper, Pharyngitis - Upper,
Pneumonia - Lower, COPD - Lower, Asthma - Lower
Explanation: Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and
larynx (laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis). Lower respiratory tract infections involve the
trachea, bronchi, and lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis). COPD and asthma are chronic
lower respiratory conditions, not infections, but affect the lower respiratory tract .
Question 8
Which two infections affect the lower respiratory tract? (Select 2)
A) Infectious mononucleosis
pg. 3
, B) Respiratory mycoses
C) Acute laryngitis
D) Pulmonary tuberculosis
Correct Answer: B, D
Explanation: Respiratory mycoses (fungal lung infections) and pulmonary
tuberculosis are lower respiratory tract infections. Infectious mononucleosis (caused by
EBV) affects the lymphatic system and can cause pharyngitis, while acute laryngitis is an
upper respiratory tract infection .
Question 9
Which symptom is associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
A) Arthralgias
B) Dark urine
C) Koilonychia
D) Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SLE is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation affecting
multiple systems. Arthralgias (joint pain) are one of the most common symptoms of
SLE. The classic "butterfly rash" across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is also
characteristic. Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) is associated with iron deficiency
anemia .
Question 10
What is a symptom of malaria?
A) Warm over a vein
B) Myalgia
C) Tachycardia
D) Muscle spasms
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito
bites, presents with fever, chills, headache, and myalgia (muscle aches). The classic
presentation includes cyclic fevers corresponding to parasite replication cycles. Warm
over a vein is associated with thrombophlebitis .
Question 11
What is a risk factor for malignant hypertension?
pg. 4
| 250+ Verified Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationales | 2026 Updated Study Guide
EXAM OVERVIEW
The WGU D236 Pathophysiology Objective Assessment (OA) evaluates understanding
of disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and physiological alterations across
multiple body systems . Key competencies include cellular injury and adaptation,
inflammation, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, and
pathophysiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neurological,
gastrointestinal, immune, and hematologic systems . The exam emphasizes clinical
reasoning, symptom recognition, and connecting disease mechanisms to outcomes .
Question 1
What are two pulmonary causes leading to respiratory acidosis?
A) Asthma and shortness of breath
B) Hyperventilation and fever
C) Cystic fibrosis and hypoventilation
D) Anemia and pain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis results from inadequate CO2 elimination, leading to
increased arterial CO2 (hypercapnia) and decreased pH . Pulmonary causes include
conditions that impair ventilation such as cystic fibrosis (which causes chronic lung
disease and airflow obstruction) and hypoventilation from any cause . Acute respiratory
acidosis can result from respiratory failure due to airways disease (COPD, asthma),
while chronic respiratory acidosis involves sustained hypercapnia with renal
adaptation .
Question 2
Which issue would a child with Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal
Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) exhibit?
A) Nearsightedness
B) Trouble planning
C) Frequent nausea
D) Helpfulness
pg. 1
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ND-PAE is characterized by impairments in neurocognitive function,
including difficulty with executive functioning, planning, and problem-solving. These
children may also exhibit poor impulse control, memory deficits, and social challenges.
Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause structural brain changes and functional
impairments that persist throughout life .
Question 3
Which sign is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
A) Impaired mental flexibility
B) Blurred vision
C) Head drop
D) Slowed thought processing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons,
leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations. Head drop (dropped head
syndrome) occurs due to weakness of neck extensor muscles. Unlike some other
neurological conditions, ALS primarily affects motor function while cognitive function is
often preserved, though some patients may develop frontotemporal dementia .
Question 4
Which classification of drugs can trigger hemolytic anemia?
A) Nitrates
B) Diuretics
C) Cephalosporins
D) CNS stimulants
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that can cause drug-induced
immune hemolytic anemia through antibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells.
The drug binds to the RBC membrane, forming a drug-protein complex that triggers an
immune response. Other drugs associated with hemolytic anemia include penicillin,
quinine, and methyldopa .
Question 5
A patient's record documents headaches with memory defects. The patient's color and
temperature are unusual, and the patient reports pain at night. Which condition is
described?
pg. 2
,A) Angina pectoris
B) Atherosclerosis
C) Myocardial infarction
D) Thrombophlebitis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Thrombophlebitis involves inflammation of a vein with clot formation,
causing localized pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The "unusual color and
temperature" suggests circulatory compromise. Headaches and memory defects can
occur if thrombophlebitis leads to emboli or if there is an underlying systemic condition
affecting multiple vascular territories .
Question 6
Which condition is caused by Adenovirus?
A) Mononucleosis
B) Erythema infectiosum
C) Gastroenteritis
D) Upper respiratory infection
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Adenoviruses are a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections,
including pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and the common cold. Mononucleosis is caused by
Epstein-Barr virus, erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) by parvovirus B19, and
gastroenteritis by various viruses including norovirus and rotavirus .
Question 7
Classify each condition as either an upper tract infection or a lower tract infection:
Laryngitis, Rhinitis, Pneumonia, COPD, Pharyngitis, Asthma
Correct Answer: Laryngitis - Upper, Rhinitis - Upper, Pharyngitis - Upper,
Pneumonia - Lower, COPD - Lower, Asthma - Lower
Explanation: Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and
larynx (laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis). Lower respiratory tract infections involve the
trachea, bronchi, and lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis). COPD and asthma are chronic
lower respiratory conditions, not infections, but affect the lower respiratory tract .
Question 8
Which two infections affect the lower respiratory tract? (Select 2)
A) Infectious mononucleosis
pg. 3
, B) Respiratory mycoses
C) Acute laryngitis
D) Pulmonary tuberculosis
Correct Answer: B, D
Explanation: Respiratory mycoses (fungal lung infections) and pulmonary
tuberculosis are lower respiratory tract infections. Infectious mononucleosis (caused by
EBV) affects the lymphatic system and can cause pharyngitis, while acute laryngitis is an
upper respiratory tract infection .
Question 9
Which symptom is associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
A) Arthralgias
B) Dark urine
C) Koilonychia
D) Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SLE is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation affecting
multiple systems. Arthralgias (joint pain) are one of the most common symptoms of
SLE. The classic "butterfly rash" across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is also
characteristic. Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) is associated with iron deficiency
anemia .
Question 10
What is a symptom of malaria?
A) Warm over a vein
B) Myalgia
C) Tachycardia
D) Muscle spasms
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito
bites, presents with fever, chills, headache, and myalgia (muscle aches). The classic
presentation includes cyclic fevers corresponding to parasite replication cycles. Warm
over a vein is associated with thrombophlebitis .
Question 11
What is a risk factor for malignant hypertension?
pg. 4
