Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF) compartments?

Accepted Answer

ICF is the fluid within cells, while ECF is the fluid outside cells, including interstitial fluid and plasma.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing dehydration. Which of the following physiological responses is most likely to occur to restore fluid balance?

Accepted Answer

Increased thirst and increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 3

Which electrolyte is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and plays a major role in maintaining osmotic balance and nerve impulse transmission?

Accepted Answer

Na$$^+$$

Question 4

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) develops respiratory acidosis. Which compensatory mechanism will the body primarily use to restore normal pH?

Accepted Answer

Renal excretion of H$$^+$$ ions and reabsorption of HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why plasma and interstitial fluid are both considered part of the extracellular fluid compartment, but have different solute compositions?

Accepted Answer

Plasma contains more proteins due to the presence of the capillary wall, which restricts protein movement.

Question 6

A marathon runner collapses after the race and is found to have low plasma sodium (hyponatremia). Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Excessive water intake without adequate sodium replacement

Question 7

Which buffer system is the most important for regulating pH in the extracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system: $$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \leftrightarrow H_2CO_3 \leftrightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of aldosterone in electrolyte balance?

Accepted Answer

It increases renal reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium.

Question 9

A patient presents with metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following could be a likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged vomiting leading to loss of gastric acid (HCl)

Question 10

Which of the following statements about potassium (K$$^+) is $$correct?

Accepted Answer

It is the main cation in the intracellular fluid and is essential for normal muscle and nerve function.

Question 11

A patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus develops metabolic acidosis. Which of the following best describes the compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate to expel CO$$_2 ($$Kussmaul breathing)

Question 12

Which of the following is a major function of calcium ions (Ca$$^{2+}) in $$the body?

Accepted Answer

Serving as a cofactor for blood clotting and muscle contraction

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in respiratory alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

A patient experiencing a panic attack with rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation)

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the kidneys in acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

They reabsorb or secrete H$$^+$$ and HCO$$_3^- to $$regulate blood pH.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding magnesium (Mg$$^{2+}) in $$the body?

Accepted Answer

It is essential for the activation of many enzymes, especially those involved in ATP production.

Question 16

A patient is found to have a blood pH of 7.25, elevated CO$$_2$$ levels, and normal HCO$$_3^-$$ levels. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why chloride ions (Cl$$^-) $$are important in the body?

Accepted Answer

They help maintain electrical neutrality and osmotic balance, and are involved in the formation of gastric acid (HCl).

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely occur if the body’s buffer systems, respiratory system, and renal system all failed to regulate pH?

Accepted Answer

Severe acidosis or alkalosis would develop, leading to potentially fatal consequences.

Question 19

A patient with chronic kidney disease is unable to excrete sufficient H$$^+$$ ions. What acid-base disturbance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration (osmosis).

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards