Question 1

A patient presents with glucose detected in their urine during a routine checkup. Which renal process is most likely impaired, and what is the physiological explanation?

Accepted Answer

Tubular reabsorption; the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption has been exceeded, so not all filtered glucose is reabsorbed.

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why the right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the left kidney in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The liver occupies space above the right kidney, displacing it downward.

Question 3

A laboratory technician places a red blood cell in a solution and observes that the cell shrinks. Which type of solution was used, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Hypertonic; water left the cell by osmosis toward higher solute concentration.

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration $$[H^+]$$?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10} [H^+]$$

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis. Which of the following laboratory findings would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood pH and decreased bicarbonate ($$HCO_3$$^-$$)

Question 6

Which hormone is released by the kidneys in response to low oxygen delivery and directly stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin

Question 7

A solution has a pH of 4. How many times greater is the hydrogen ion concentration compared to a solution with pH 7?

Accepted Answer

1000 times greater

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining cellular homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move 3 $$Na^+$$ ions out of the cell and 2 $$K^+$$ ions into the cell.

Question 9

A patient with chronic kidney disease is found to have protein in their urine (proteinuria). What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the glomerular filtration barrier, allowing large proteins to pass into the filtrate

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why water moves from the interstitial fluid into the plasma during dehydration?

Accepted Answer

The plasma becomes hypertonic, so water moves in by osmosis toward higher solute concentration.

Question 11

Which of the following is the main force driving glomerular filtration in the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Blood hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries

Question 12

A patient is experiencing muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms. Laboratory tests reveal low plasma potassium levels. Which hormone is most likely elevated and responsible for this effect?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the bicarbonate buffer system in extracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

It resists sudden changes in pH by reversibly binding or releasing $$H^+$$ ions.

Question 14

Which of the following correctly traces the flow of urine from the nephron to the outside of the body?

Accepted Answer

Collecting duct → minor calyx → major calyx → renal pelvis → ureter → bladder → urethra

Question 15

A patient with chronic respiratory disease develops metabolic compensation. Which organ system is primarily responsible for this compensation, and what is the mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Urinary system; adjusts $$H^+$$ secretion and $$HCO_3$$^-$$ reabsorption to help restore pH.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why sodium is the most important ion for regulating extracellular fluid volume?

Accepted Answer

Sodium is the major extracellular cation and its concentration determines water movement by osmosis.

Question 17

Which of the following is a nonelectrolyte and why?

Accepted Answer

Glucose; because it dissolves in water but does not dissociate into ions.

Question 18

A cell is placed in a solution and there is no net movement of water across its membrane. What is the tonicity of the solution relative to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the nephron?

Accepted Answer

ADH increases water permeability of the collecting duct, promoting water reabsorption.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the physiological response to metabolic acidosis in terms of respiratory compensation?

Accepted Answer

The respiratory rate increases to expel $$CO_2$$ and raise pH.

Urinary System and Renal Physiology Practice Exam Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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