Question 1

A 65-year-old male patient presents with chronic dehydration, polyuria, and low levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Which condition is most likely responsible for his symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes insipidus

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why elderly adults are more susceptible to dehydration compared to younger adults?

Accepted Answer

Elderly adults have a lower percentage of body water due to increased adipose tissue.

Question 3

A patient is admitted with severe burns and is found to have hyponatremia. Which of the following is a likely consequence if the sodium and water loss is not corrected?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood volume and risk of shock

Question 4

Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidney tubules, and what is the effect on water balance?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; increases water reabsorption

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the movement of chloride ions (Cl-) in the nephron in response to aldosterone?

Accepted Answer

Chloride reabsorption increases as sodium is reabsorbed.

Question 6

A patient with untreated diabetes mellitus is experiencing metabolic acidosis. Which compensatory mechanism would you expect to be activated?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation and increased reabsorption of HCO$$_3^- by $$the kidneys

Question 7

Which buffer system is most important for maintaining pH in the extracellular fluid (ECF)?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system

Question 8

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What acid-base disturbance is most likely to develop, and what is the expected compensation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis; compensation by renal reabsorption of H$$^+$$ and secretion of HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why a patient with chronic renal failure is at risk for hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

The kidneys cannot adequately secrete potassium into the urine.

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the reaction of a strong acid with the bicarbonate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 + \mathrm{NaCl} $$

Question 11

A patient with severe vomiting is found to have metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following laboratory findings would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood pH, increased HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on calcium and phosphate levels in the blood?

Accepted Answer

PTH increases calcium and decreases phosphate levels in the blood.

Question 13

A patient with a plasma sodium concentration of 150 mEq/L is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Thirst, and with severity, risk of coma and death

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely result of hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Increased neuromuscular excitability, tetany, and convulsions

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO$$_2) $$and blood pH?

Accepted Answer

As PCO$$_2$$ increases, pH decreases

Question 16

A patient with Addison’s disease is found to have hyponatremia. Which hormonal deficiency is most directly responsible for this electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why hypotonic hydration can lead to lysis of body cells?

Accepted Answer

The ECF becomes hypotonic, causing water to move into cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement regarding the protein buffer system?

Accepted Answer

It can function in both intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Question 19

A patient with chronic bronchitis is hypoventilating. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely, and what is the expected renal compensation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis; increased reabsorption of HCO$$_3^-$$ and secretion of H$$^+$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the movement of water between compartments in the body?

Accepted Answer

Water moves freely in response to concentration gradients across selectively permeable membranes.

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards