Question 1

A 70-kg healthy adult male has a total body water volume of approximately 40 L. Based on the distribution of body fluids, how much of this water is found in the intracellular fluid (ICF) compartment?

Accepted Answer

25 L

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why elderly individuals are at greater risk for dehydration compared to younger adults?

Accepted Answer

They have a higher percentage of body fat, which contains less water.

Question 3

Which hormone is released from the atrial wall of the heart in response to increased blood volume and acts as a diuretic by increasing sodium and water loss in urine?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH)

Question 4

A patient presents with muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and abdominal distention. Laboratory results show a blood potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which the body regulates the total volume of body water?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting fluid output, mainly through urine volume

Question 6

A patient is given a massive infusion of sodium-free intravenous solution. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased capillary blood pressure on fluid movement?

Accepted Answer

It transfers fluid from the blood to the interstitial fluid, causing a fluid shift.

Question 8

A patient with severe burns is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance due to the shift of potassium from the intracellular fluid to the blood?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic sign of pitting edema?

Accepted Answer

Depressions in swollen tissue that do not rapidly refill after pressure is applied

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between an electrolyte and a nonelectrolyte?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes dissociate into ions in water, while nonelectrolytes do not.

Question 11

A patient with blood sodium levels of 150 mEq/L is most likely experiencing which condition, and what is a possible cause?

Accepted Answer

Hypernatremia; dehydration

Question 12

Which of the following is a major cation found in the intracellular fluid compartment?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Question 13

A patient with blood calcium levels of 7.5 mg/dL is likely to exhibit which clinical signs?

Accepted Answer

Muscle cramping, twitching, hyperactive reflexes

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in overhydration and water intoxication?

Accepted Answer

Rapid infusion of large volumes of water without electrolytes

Question 15

Which hormone increases kidney reabsorption of sodium and water, thereby decreasing urine volume and increasing extracellular fluid volume?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 16

A patient is experiencing confusion, seizures, and has a blood sodium level of 130 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in fluid balance?

Accepted Answer

ADH decreases urine volume by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Question 18

A patient with a history of chronic diuretic use presents with muscle weakness and a prolonged ST segment on ECG. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 19

Which of the following is the largest volume of body fluid in a healthy adult male?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid

Question 20

A patient with Paget disease and increased bone resorption is most likely to develop which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance: Body Fluid Compartments and Homeostasis

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