Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient presents with dehydration. Which fluid compartment will lose the greatest volume first?

Accepted Answer

Interstitial fluid

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the solute composition of plasma and interstitial fluid is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plasma contains more proteins than interstitial fluid.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the relationship between total body water ($$TBW$$), intracellular fluid ($$ICF$$), and extracellular fluid ($$ECF$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$TBW = ICF + ECF$$

Question 5

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for regulating water intake in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Thirst center in the hypothalamus

Question 6

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 7

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

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$Na^+)$$

Question 8

A patient with hyperkalemia (elevated $$K^+$$ levels) is at risk for which physiological disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias

Question 9

Which of the following equations represents the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used to estimate blood pH?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = pK_a + \log \left( \frac{[$$HCO_3$$^-]}{[CO_2$]} \right)$$

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Kidneys retain more $$HCO_3$$^-$$ to raise pH.

Question 13

Which electrolyte is essential for muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release, and is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

A patient is experiencing metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following is a likely compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Decreased respiratory rate to retain $$CO_2$$

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus leading to ketoacidosis

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log [H^+]$$

Question 17

Which electrolyte is primarily regulated by aldosterone and is critical for action potential generation in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ($$K^+)$$

Question 18

A patient with severe diarrhea is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased $$CO_2$$ levels in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in blood pH (acidosis)

Question 20

A patient with renal failure is unable to excrete $$H^+$$ efficiently. What acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions