$$\text{Total Body Water} = \text{Intracellular Fluid} + \text{Extracellular Fluid}$$

$$\text{pH} = \text{pK}_a + \log \left( \frac{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}{[\text{CO}_2]} \right)$$

$$\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{HCO}_3^-$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient is experiencing dehydration. Which compartment will lose the greatest relative volume of water first?

Accepted Answer

Interstitial fluid compartment

Question 3

Which equation best represents the relationship between total body water, intracellular fluid, and extracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Total Body Water} = 	ext{Intracellular Fluid} + 	ext{Extracellular Fluid}$$

Question 4

Which of the following is the primary mechanism for water intake regulation in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Thirst center in the hypothalamus

Question 5

A marathon runner loses significant water and electrolytes through sweat. Which hormone is most likely to be secreted to conserve water?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 6

Which electrolyte is most abundant in the extracellular fluid and is crucial for maintaining osmotic balance?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$Na^+)$$

Question 7

A patient presents with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. Blood tests reveal low potassium levels. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 8

Which equation best describes the Henderson-Hasselbalch relationship for blood pH regulation?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{pH} = 	ext{pK}_a + \log \left( \frac{[	ext{HCO}_3^-]}{[	ext{CO}_2]} ight)$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system

Question 10

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 11

Which of the following best describes renal compensation for respiratory acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Kidneys retain more bicarbonate ($$HCO_3$$^-$$)

Question 12

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 13

Which electrolyte is essential for neuromuscular function and is regulated by parathyroid hormone?

Accepted Answer

Calcium ($$Ca^{2+})$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of severe metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate to eliminate $$CO_2$$

Question 15

Which equation represents the dissociation of carbonic acid in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{H}_2	ext{CO}_3 ightarrow 	ext{H}^+ + 	ext{HCO}_3^-$$

Question 16

Which electrolyte is most important for maintaining the resting membrane potential in muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ($$K^+)$$

Question 17

A patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus develops rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations). What is the underlying acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of magnesium ($$Mg^{2+}) in $$the body?

Accepted Answer

It is essential for enzyme activation and neuromuscular function.

Question 19

A patient is found to have a blood pH of 7.48. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

A patient with kidney failure increases breathing rate to lower $$CO_2$$ levels.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions