Health-Fitness-and-Wellness WGU Exam Lab Questions

Fever, headache, and neck stiffness are classic warning signs associated withmeningitis, an inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This symptom combination is considered medically significant because meningitis can develop quickly and may become life-threatening without prompt evaluation and treatment. In many health education materials, the “triad” offever + severe headache + stiff neckis strongly linked to meningitis, sometimes accompanied by sensitivity to light (photophobia), nausea/vomiting, confusion, or a rash (more common in certain bacterial types).

Meningitis can be caused byviruses(often milder and self-limited) orbacteria(more severe and requiring urgent antibiotics). Because bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly, the correct health and wellness guidance is to seek immediate medical care when these symptoms appear together—especially if symptoms are sudden, intense, or worsening.

The other options do not best match the symptom pattern.Hepatitisprimarily affects the liver and is more commonly associated with fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice rather than neck stiffness. Anulcer(stomach or duodenal) usually causes burning abdominal pain, indigestion, or nausea, not stiff neck and fever as key features.Asthmais a respiratory condition characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath; it does not typically present with neck stiffness and fever.

From a wellness education perspective, prevention strategies include vaccination where appropriate (e.g., meningococcal vaccines), practicing good hygiene to reduce spread of infections, and understanding when symptoms require urgent medical attention. Recognizing meningitis symptoms early is crucial because timely assessment and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Active listening is a key skill withinemotional intelligence, especially in workplaces where communication affects trust, morale, and performance. When a manager uses active listening, they are intentionally focusing on the speaker, asking clarifying questions, reflecting back what they heard, noticing tone and body language, and responding with respect. This supportsrecognizing and understanding the emotions of others, which is central to emotional intelligence and to strong social-emotional skills.

In a medical office, employees may experience pressure, time demands, and emotionally sensitive interactions. A manager who actively listens helps staff feel heard and valued, which can reduce stress and conflict. It also improves problem-solving: employees are more likely to share concerns early (workload issues, workflow barriers, interpersonal tension), allowing the manager to address problems before they escalate. Active listening supports psychological safety—people feel they can speak up without being dismissed—leading to better teamwork and a healthier work climate.

The other answer choices are less precise. “Pursuing happiness by working with other employees” is vague and doesn’t describe a specific communication skill. “Meeting needs through self-actualization” relates to personal growth and fulfillment rather than a manager’s interpersonal strategy during conversations. “Becoming optimistic” focuses on expecting positive outcomes, which can be helpful, but it is not what active listening specifically represents. Active listening is most directly tied to building emotional awareness, empathy, and relationship skills—makingboosting emotional intelligencethe best match.

Low-fat dairy products are emphasized in many balanced-diet frameworks because they provide key nutrients—especiallycalcium and protein—while helping limitexcess saturated fat. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, supporting normal muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Adequate calcium intake across the lifespan helps reduce the risk of bone thinning with age. Protein supports tissue growth and repair, immune function, and the maintenance of lean body mass, which is important for metabolic health and physical performance.

Many low-fat dairy options (like low-fat milk, yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese) also contributevitamin Dwhen fortified, which assists calcium absorption and supports bone health. Yogurt can additionally support gut health when it contains live cultures. Choosing low-fat versions can be helpful because saturated fat intake is commonly advised to be moderate; low-fat dairy helps individuals meet calcium and protein goals without pushing saturated fat too high.

The incorrect choices contain misleading or false nutrition statements. While dairy can contain small amounts of thiamin, it is not typically highlighted as the main reason for dairy inclusion. Dairy isnota major source of iron, and the statement about iron increasing absorption of fat into red blood cells is inaccurate. Finally, dairy does contain carbohydrates (lactose), but glucose isnotthe only fuel the brain can use; the brain can also use ketones during certain metabolic states. The strongest, most document-consistent rationale is that low-fat dairy providescalcium and proteinthat support bone and tissue health.

Vitamins and minerals are categorized asmicronutrientsbecause the body needs them insmall amountsto support essential functions, even though they donotprovide calories (energy). They play critical roles in maintaining normal growth, immune function, bone health, blood formation, nerve signaling, and metabolism. For example, vitamins such asA, C, D, E, K, and theB-complexhelp regulate processes like vision, collagen formation, calcium absorption, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism. Minerals such ascalcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodinesupport bone structure, oxygen transport, fluid balance, muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and thyroid function.

Micronutrients differ frommacronutrients(carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), which are needed in larger quantities and supply the body with energy and building materials. In a balanced diet, macronutrients provide fuel and tissue-building components, while micronutrients help the bodyuse that fuel effectivelyand keep organs and systems functioning properly.

The other options are not correct categories for vitamins and minerals.Antioxidantsdescribe substances that help protect cells from oxidative damage; some vitamins (like C and E) act as antioxidants, but not all vitamins and minerals are classified that way.Essential amino acidsare the building blocks of protein that must come from food; they are not vitamins or minerals. Therefore, “micronutrients” is the broad, accurate classification that includes both vitamins and minerals, highlighting their importance despite the small amounts required.