Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of albumin in blood plasma?

Accepted Answer

It maintains osmotic pressure to regulate water movement between blood and tissues.

Question 2

A patient presents with yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Which of the following best explains the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Blocked bile ducts or inability of the liver to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in peripheral tissues.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of blood?

Accepted Answer

Initiating muscle contraction in skeletal muscle.

Question 4

A complete blood count (CBC) is ordered for a patient. Which of the following would NOT be directly measured in a standard CBC?

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose level

Question 5

During hemopoiesis, which cell type is the immediate precursor to platelets?

Accepted Answer

Megakaryocyte

Question 6

A patient with chronic kidney disease develops anemia. Which hormone deficiency is most likely responsible, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Deficiency of erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why mature red blood cells (RBCs) have a limited lifespan of about 120 days?

Accepted Answer

They lack nuclei and most organelles, so they cannot repair themselves.

Question 8

A patient with iron deficiency anemia is likely to have which of the following findings on a blood smear?

Accepted Answer

Small, pale red blood cells (microcytic RBCs)

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents the reversible binding of oxygen to hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Hb} + \mathrm{O}_2 \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HbO}_2$$

Question 10

A trauma patient is given a blood transfusion. Shortly after, they develop agglutination and hemolysis. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The recipient's plasma antibodies reacted with incompatible donor RBC antigens.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of fibrinogen in hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

It is converted to insoluble fibrin, forming the meshwork of a blood clot.

Question 12

A patient with a genetic mutation in the beta chain of hemoglobin is most likely to develop which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell disease

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why RBCs are able to pass through capillaries with diameters smaller than the RBC itself?

Accepted Answer

RBCs are highly flexible and can deform to fit through narrow capillaries.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the breakdown of hemoglobin from old RBCs?

Accepted Answer

Heme is converted to biliverdin, then to bilirubin, which is excreted in bile.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between plasma and interstitial fluid?

Accepted Answer

Plasma is found inside blood vessels, while interstitial fluid is found outside cells in tissues.

Question 16

A patient with a vitamin K deficiency is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ability to synthesize clotting factors, leading to excessive bleeding

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the significance of the large surface area-to-volume ratio in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

It allows for more rapid exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the cell membrane.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of positive chemotaxis in white blood cells?

Accepted Answer

WBCs are attracted to chemical signals released by damaged tissues or pathogens.

Question 19

A patient with a high hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration is most likely to be experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia

Blood: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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