WGU D236 Objective Assessment Pathophysiology Exam (Latest 2023/ 2024 Update) Questions and Verified Answers| Grade A
WGU D236 Objective Assessment
Pathophysiology Exam (Latest 2023/ 2024
Update) Questions and Verified Answers|
Grade A
Q: What is Spina Bifida? Why are relative deficiencies in Folic acid or B12 associated with
Spina Bifida?
Answer:
Failure to close the neural tube early in gestation due to low folic acid and B-12 These vitamins
help activate DNA synthesis in the developing fetus in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, that are
responsible for closing up the spinal column. Three types of spina bifida. 1) spina bifida occulta
(most common, less severe) 2) Meningocele (least common) 3) Myelomeningocele (most
severe).
Q: How does the body’s cellular responses and adaptations react to disrup- tions?
Answer:
The body uses the RAAS system to regulate blood volume and pressure, the immune response
reacts to fight infection, the inflammatory response reacts to injury
Q: Describe how calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and calcitriol (Vitamin D) work together to
maintain normal blood calcium levels.
Answer:
Vitamin D: UV light stimulates formation of cholecalciferol, which is hydroxylated in the liver
and the kidney into the active form of Vitamin D, calcitriol. Calcitriol stimulates absorption of
calcium and phosphorus from the GI tract in the intestine and phosphate in the
kidney. Calcitriol increases the calcification of osteoid. Calcitriol also stimulates the formation of
bone by raising the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Low
vitamin D levels can cause hypocalcemia, which stimulates the parathyroid gland to release
parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH stimulates osteoclasts to resorb bone calcium to increase blood
calcium levels. PTH also stimulates osteoblasts to form bone. PTH stimulates kidneys to
reabsorb calcium into the blood and to synthesize vitamin D. When blood calcium gets too high,
the thyroid is stimulated to release calcitonin (suppresses osteoclast activity and calcium will be
used to form bone).
Q: Describe the function of osteocytes within lacunae of bone
Answer:
Osteocytes absorb nutrients from the bloodstream and distribute them within the bone structure. Osteocytes absorb waste products from the bone and excrete them into the bloodstream.
Q: Describe bone remodeling. Which cells are involved in this process and what is their
function?
Answer:
Osteoclasts breakdown older bone structure and secrete the release calcium into the
bloodstream. Osteoblasts absorb calcium from the bloodstream and use it to build new bone
structure. Working together, these two cell types allow for regeneration of damaged bone
structure.
Q: Describe the process of articular degeneration. Which cells are involved in this process and
what is their function?
Answer:
Articular Degeneration is the thinning and breakdown of the articular cartilage that covers joints
and acts as a lubricant and cushion. This articular cartilage is comprised of chondrocytes in a
matrix of collagen and aggrecan. The chondrocytes produce enzymes and other proteins that
slowly break down and reform the matrix, allowing for regeneration. Stress caused by being
overweight or physical trauma can cause chondrocytes to speed up the matrix breakdown process
relative to the reformation process, leading to a thinning of the articular cartilage.
Q: What is rickets? How does it develop? Who usually develops rickets? How can rickets be
treated?
Answer:
Rickets is, primarily, due to a deficiency of vitamin D (due to sunlight exposure), which leads to
a deficiency of blood calcium. Rickets can lead to bone weakness, deformity, and susceptibility
to fracture. Rickets results from a failure to calcify osteoid due to low amounts of blood calcium
and low vitamin D (typically). There are many different types of rickets. Children, especially
under age
2, are most likely to be diagnosed with rickets. Infants can develop rickets if their mother’s diet
was low in vitamin D or in calcium, and breastmilk is low in vitamin D, so mother and baby
need to supplement vitamin D (and calcium). The best way to treat rickets is to prevent it by
taking supplements of vitamin D and calcium, eating food/drink containing vitamin D/calcium,
and getting sufficient sunlight. Physical therapy with weight-bearing exercise can help to treat
rickets, as well. It is a multi step process to make the active form of Vit D
Q: How does Denosumab treat osteoporosis?
Answer:
Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to osteoclasts and inhibits their Calciumwithdrawing capability.
Q: Distinguish between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and hip replacement
surgery.
Answer:
Open reduction and internal fixation involves “surgical open- ing’ and insertion of hardware into
the patient that assists with maintaining proper bone alignment during the healing process. Hip
replacement involves replacement of a fractured hip joint with a prosthesis.
Q: What is degenerative disc disease? What are some of the anatomical features of degenerative
disc disease? What are some symptoms of lumbar vs. cervical degenerative disc disease?
Answer:
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a disorder of the intervertebral discs. When the discs
deteriorate, they cause improper alignment of the spinal column. Some anatomical issues that
result are thinning discs, herniated discs (nucleus pulposus leaking through annulus fibrosus
cartilage), bulging discs, and degenerated discs (possible with the formation of osteophytes).
Lumbar DDD results in pain in the buttock and thighs that gets worse with sitting, bending,
lifting or twisting; weakness and numbness in the lower body, such as sciat- ica. Cervical DDD
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