Question 1

Which of the following best describes an electrolyte in the human body?

Accepted Answer

An ion that conducts electricity in solution, such as $$\mathrm{Na^+} or$$ $$\mathrm{K^+}$$

Question 2

Most water in the human body is found in which compartment?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Question 3

Which ion is found in the highest concentration in extracellular fluid (ECF)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Na^+} ($$sodium)

Question 4

What happens to a human cell placed in a hypertonic environment?

Accepted Answer

The cell shrinks (crenates) due to water loss

Question 5

During dehydration, what is the state of the extracellular fluid (ECF) and how does this affect cells?

Accepted Answer

ECF becomes hypertonic, causing cells to shrink

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a way humans lose water throughout the day?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis

Question 7

A patient is severely dehydrated. What physiological change triggers the thirst response?

Accepted Answer

Increased plasma osmolarity

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the principle of mass balance as it applies to fluid regulation in the body?

Accepted Answer

Fluid intake and output must be equal to maintain homeostasis

Question 9

Hypernatremia is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

High $$\mathrm{Na^+} in $$extracellular fluid, leading to cell shrinkage and dehydration

Question 10

Which of the following is a major effect of hypokalemia on the body?

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias due to low $$\mathrm{K^+}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes an acid in the context of human physiology?

Accepted Answer

A substance that releases $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions in solution

Question 12

What is the biggest source of acid in the human body?

Accepted Answer

CO$$_2$$ produced by metabolism, which forms carbonic acid ($$\mathrm{H_2CO_3})$$

Question 13

How does the generation of bicarbonate anion ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}) $$help regulate body pH?

Accepted Answer

It removes $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions from the body, raising pH

Question 14

A patient is experiencing acidosis. Which compensatory mechanism is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Faster breathing and increased $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ excretion by the kidneys

Question 15

Which equation represents the formation of carbonic acid from metabolic CO$$_2 in $$the body?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3}$$

Question 16

If a person breathes faster than normal, what is the expected effect on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases (more alkaline)

Question 17

Which of the following is a buffer system in the human body?

Accepted Answer

A system that binds or releases $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ ions to stabilize pH

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the chemical composition of plasma and blood?

Accepted Answer

Plasma and blood are essentially chemically identical except plasma has more proteins

Question 19

A patient with hyponatremia is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Cell swelling, headache, and risk of seizures

Question 20

Which of the following best describes alkalosis and its compensation?

Accepted Answer

Alkalosis is high pH; compensation is slower breathing or increased bicarbonate excretion

Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Homeostasis: Key Concepts and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions