WGU D115 Comprehensive Exam | 2025/2026
Questions and 100% Answers With Rationales
Already Graded A+
1. What is the primary cause of hypovolemic shock?
A. Excessive blood loss
B. Failure of myocardial contractility
C. Massive vasodilation
D. Loss of interstitial fluids - ANSWER-Answer: A.
Excessive blood loss
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock is primarily caused by a
significant loss of intravascular volume, which can occur
due to hemorrhage or fluid loss such as in burns or severe
dehydration.
,2. In hypovolemic shock, how does a decrease in
circulating blood volume affect the cardiovascular system?
A. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output
B. It decreases stroke volume and cardiac output
C. It increases systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
D. It leads to vasodilation and reduced heart rate -
ANSWER-Answer: B. It decreases stroke volume and
cardiac output
Rationale: A reduction in circulating blood volume
decreases venous return, resulting in a reduced stroke
volume and, consequently, a decreased cardiac output.
,3. What compensatory mechanism is triggered when
blood volume decreases in hypovolemic shock?
A. Decreased heart rate and contractility
B. Release of catecholamines to increase heart rate and
contractility
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased systemic vascular resistance - ANSWER-
Answer: B. Release of catecholamines to increase heart
rate and contractility
Rationale: In response to decreased blood volume, the
body activates sympathetic mechanisms, including the
release of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine) to increase
heart rate and myocardial contractility to maintain cardiac
output.
, 4. Which of the following hormones is involved in
maintaining blood volume during hypovolemic shock?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Insulin
D. Thyroxine - ANSWER-Answer: B. Aldosterone
Rationale: Aldosterone promotes sodium and water
retention by the kidneys, which helps increase blood
volume and maintain perfusion during hypovolemic shock.
5. How does the body compensate for hypovolemic shock
at the vascular level?
A. By dilating peripheral blood vessels to increase flow
Questions and 100% Answers With Rationales
Already Graded A+
1. What is the primary cause of hypovolemic shock?
A. Excessive blood loss
B. Failure of myocardial contractility
C. Massive vasodilation
D. Loss of interstitial fluids - ANSWER-Answer: A.
Excessive blood loss
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock is primarily caused by a
significant loss of intravascular volume, which can occur
due to hemorrhage or fluid loss such as in burns or severe
dehydration.
,2. In hypovolemic shock, how does a decrease in
circulating blood volume affect the cardiovascular system?
A. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output
B. It decreases stroke volume and cardiac output
C. It increases systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
D. It leads to vasodilation and reduced heart rate -
ANSWER-Answer: B. It decreases stroke volume and
cardiac output
Rationale: A reduction in circulating blood volume
decreases venous return, resulting in a reduced stroke
volume and, consequently, a decreased cardiac output.
,3. What compensatory mechanism is triggered when
blood volume decreases in hypovolemic shock?
A. Decreased heart rate and contractility
B. Release of catecholamines to increase heart rate and
contractility
C. Increased capillary permeability
D. Decreased systemic vascular resistance - ANSWER-
Answer: B. Release of catecholamines to increase heart
rate and contractility
Rationale: In response to decreased blood volume, the
body activates sympathetic mechanisms, including the
release of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine) to increase
heart rate and myocardial contractility to maintain cardiac
output.
, 4. Which of the following hormones is involved in
maintaining blood volume during hypovolemic shock?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Insulin
D. Thyroxine - ANSWER-Answer: B. Aldosterone
Rationale: Aldosterone promotes sodium and water
retention by the kidneys, which helps increase blood
volume and maintain perfusion during hypovolemic shock.
5. How does the body compensate for hypovolemic shock
at the vascular level?
A. By dilating peripheral blood vessels to increase flow
