Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

The Nephron

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

The Nephron

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for potassium reabsorption?

Bowman's capsule

Glomerulus

Collecting duct

Proximal convoluted tubule

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of potassium in the body: Potassium is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. A serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Review the anatomy of the nephron: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. It consists of several parts, including Bowman's capsule, the glomerulus, the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, the distal convoluted tubule, and the collecting duct.

Identify the function of each nephron part: Bowman's capsule and the glomerulus are involved in filtration, not reabsorption. The collecting duct is primarily responsible for water reabsorption and fine-tuning electrolyte balance. The proximal convoluted tubule is the main site for reabsorption of potassium, sodium, glucose, and other substances.

Explain potassium reabsorption: Potassium reabsorption occurs primarily in the proximal convoluted tubule through active and passive transport mechanisms. This ensures that potassium is retained in the body to maintain proper electrolyte balance.

Conclude the reasoning: Based on the nephron's structure and function, the proximal convoluted tubule is the correct answer because it is the primary site for potassium reabsorption, as opposed to Bowman's capsule, the glomerulus, or the collecting duct.