Question 1

A patient is experiencing metabolic acidosis due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Which of the following compensatory mechanisms would you expect to be activated first to help restore acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate to expel more carbon dioxide

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the movement of water between the intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

A person is breathing rapidly and deeply after strenuous exercise. Which of the following best explains the physiological reason for this change in breathing pattern?

Accepted Answer

To expel excess carbon dioxide produced by increased metabolism

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents Boyle's Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the nephron's loop of Henle in the kidney?

Accepted Answer

Reabsorption of water and creation of a concentration gradient in the medulla

Question 6

A patient with severe diarrhea is at risk for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

ADH increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidney.

Question 8

A person with a blocked trachea would have difficulty with which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Air conduction to the lungs

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is correct?

Accepted Answer

Angiotensin II stimulates vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the partial pressure of oxygen ($P_{O_2}$) in the alveoli is lower than in atmospheric air?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen mixes with residual air and is diluted by water vapor in the alveoli.

Question 11

A patient with chronic kidney disease is unable to excrete sufficient hydrogen ions. What acid-base imbalance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the countercurrent multiplier mechanism in the nephron?

Accepted Answer

It creates a concentration gradient in the medulla to facilitate water reabsorption.

Question 13

Which of the following is the primary force driving filtration at the glomerulus?

Accepted Answer

Hydrostatic pressure of the blood in the glomerular capillaries

Question 14

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. Which of the following changes in blood gases would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $P_{CO_2}$ and increased pH

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

Sodium is retained in the extracellular fluid due to selective permeability of cell membranes.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of aldosterone on the kidney?

Accepted Answer

It increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal tubule.

Question 17

A patient with emphysema has difficulty exhaling air from the lungs. Which of the following best explains the underlying problem?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance due to loss of elastic recoil

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between electrolytes and non-electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes dissociate into ions in water, while non-electrolytes do not.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the role of surfactant in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

It decreases alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse.

Question 20

A patient is found to have a plasma sodium concentration of 130 mEq/L (normal: 135-145 mEq/L). Which of the following terms best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance; The Respiratory and Urinary Systems

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