Question 1

Which of the following best explains why erythrocytes (red blood cells) are biconcave in shape?

Accepted Answer

To increase their surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating efficient gas exchange.

Question 2

A patient presents with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. Laboratory tests reveal a hematocrit of 30%. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Anemia

Question 3

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure and acts as a carrier for various substances?

Accepted Answer

Albumin

Question 4

During a severe bacterial infection, which type of leukocyte would you expect to increase most significantly?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophils

Question 5

A person with type AB blood can safely receive blood from which of the following donors?

Accepted Answer

Any ABO blood type

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in erythropoiesis?

Accepted Answer

It is released by the kidneys in response to hypoxia and stimulates red bone marrow to increase RBC production.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

Vascular spasm → Platelet plug formation → Coagulation

Question 8

A patient with a genetic deficiency in the enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Inability to form a stable blood clot

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the ABO blood group system is correct?

Accepted Answer

Type A individuals have anti-B antibodies in their plasma.

Question 10

A woman who is Rh-negative becomes pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus. Which of the following best describes the risk in subsequent pregnancies if she is not treated?

Accepted Answer

Her anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and cause hemolysis of fetal RBCs.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why mature erythrocytes lack mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the use of oxygen they transport, maximizing oxygen delivery to tissues.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of basophils?

Accepted Answer

Release of histamine during inflammatory responses

Question 13

A patient with a WBC count of 2,000/μL is most likely suffering from which condition?

Accepted Answer

Leukopenia

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the fate of the iron from hemoglobin after erythrocyte destruction?

Accepted Answer

It is recycled and stored as ferritin or hemosiderin.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation?

Accepted Answer

The intrinsic pathway is initiated within the blood, while the extrinsic pathway is triggered by external tissue damage.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They form a temporary plug at sites of vessel injury and support the coagulation cascade.

Question 17

A patient receives a transfusion of mismatched blood. Which of the following is the most immediate and dangerous consequence?

Accepted Answer

Agglutination and hemolysis of donor RBCs

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why plasma proteins are generally retained within the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

They are too large to pass through capillary walls and help maintain osmotic balance.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of lymphocytes?

Accepted Answer

Production of antibodies and cell-mediated immunity

Question 20

A patient with chronic kidney disease develops anemia. Which of the following best explains this finding?

Accepted Answer

Decreased production of erythropoietin leads to reduced RBC production.

Chapter 19: The Circulatory System – Blood

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