WGU D236 NURS 2508 Pathophysiology OA READINESS EXAM GUIDE Q & S 2025/2026

1. Multiple Choice: Which of the following mechanisms is
primarily involved in the development of cardiogenic shock?
 A) Systemic vasodilation
 B) Increased cardiac preload
 C) Impaired myocardial contractility
 D) Reduced cardiac afterload
 Answer: C) Impaired myocardial contractility
 Rationale: Cardiogenic shock is characterized by the heart's
inability to pump sufficient blood, often due to damage to the
heart muscle, affecting its contractility.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The primary pathophysiological process of
asthma is ___________ of the airway.
 Answer: Bronchoconstriction
 Rationale: Asthma is marked by bronchoconstriction, which
leads to narrowing of the airways and difficulty in breathing.
3. True/False: Pulmonary edema is commonly caused by leftsided heart failure.
 Answer: True
 Rationale: Left-sided heart failure can lead to an increase in
pulmonary capillary pressure, which causes fluid to leak into the
alveolar spaces, resulting in pulmonary edema.
4. Multiple Response: Select all that apply. Which of the
following are recognized compensatory mechanisms in heart
failure?
 A) Tachycardia