Question 1

A patient presents with yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Which of the following best explains the physiological cause of this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Excessive breakdown of hemoglobin leads to accumulation of bilirubin, which is not efficiently excreted by the liver.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in red blood cell production?

Accepted Answer

EPO is a hormone secreted by the kidneys and liver in response to hypoxia, stimulating erythropoiesis in red bone marrow.

Question 3

A 70-kg adult has approximately what volume of blood in liters? Use the formula $$ 	ext{Blood Volume (L)} = 0.07 	imes 	ext{Body Weight (kg)} .$$

Accepted Answer

$$ 4.9 $$ liters

Question 4

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining plasma osmolarity and transporting fatty acids and hormones?

Accepted Answer

Albumins

Question 5

A patient with type B negative (B–) blood receives a transfusion of type AB positive (AB+) blood. What is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

Agglutination and possible hemolysis due to anti-A and anti-Rh antibodies in the recipient's plasma attacking donor RBCs.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why mature red blood cells (RBCs) have a biconcave shape?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio, enhancing gas exchange and allowing flexibility to pass through narrow capillaries.

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Question 8

Which of the following white blood cells is primarily responsible for producing antibodies?

Accepted Answer

B lymphocytes (B cells)

Question 9

During the coagulation phase of hemostasis, which sequence of events correctly describes the conversion of prothrombin to fibrin?

Accepted Answer

Factor X activates prothrombin activator, which converts prothrombin to thrombin; thrombin then converts fibrinogen to fibrin.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of transferrin in the blood?

Accepted Answer

It binds and transports iron in the bloodstream to developing red blood cells.

Question 11

A patient has a WBC count of 15,000 per microliter. Which term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of platelets during hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

They release clotting chemicals, form temporary plugs, and reduce the size of vessel breaks.

Question 13

A patient with hemophilia is most likely to have a deficiency in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Clotting factors required for the coagulation phase

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why type O– blood is considered the universal donor?

Accepted Answer

It lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, minimizing the risk of agglutination in recipients.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of vitamin K in hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of four clotting factors.

Question 16

A patient with a genetic deficiency in antithrombin-III is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Excessive clot formation (thrombophilia)

Question 17

Which white blood cell type is most likely to increase in response to a parasitic infection?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Question 18

A patient’s blood sample shows a high number of reticulocytes. What does this indicate about their erythropoietic activity?

Accepted Answer

There is increased red blood cell production, possibly in response to anemia or blood loss.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of fibrinolysis?

Accepted Answer

It is the gradual breakdown of a blood clot by plasmin, which digests fibrin strands.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation?

Accepted Answer

Damaged tissues release Factor III, which leads to activation of Factor X.

Blood: Components, Functions, and Hemostasis

Study Guide - Practice Questions