Question 1

Which of the following best describes the distribution of body fluids in a healthy, non-obese 70-kg adult male?

Accepted Answer

Plasma: 3 L, Interstitial fluid: 12 L, Intracellular fluid: 25 L

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, and cardiac arrhythmias. Laboratory results show a blood calcium level of 12 mg/dL. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia

Question 3

Which hormone is released from the atrial wall of the heart in response to increased blood volume and acts as a diuretic by increasing sodium and water loss in urine?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH)

Question 4

Which of the following is the largest fluid compartment in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid

Question 5

A marathon runner collapses after the race and is found to have confusion, headache, and seizures. Laboratory tests reveal a blood sodium level of 130 mEq/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between total body water (TBW), body weight (BW), and percentage of water in an adult male?

Accepted Answer

$$TBW = BW 	imes 0.6$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a major cause of edema?

Accepted Answer

Retention of sodium in the extracellular fluid

Question 8

A patient with severe burns is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance due to the shift of potassium from the intracellular fluid to the blood?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why elderly individuals are at higher risk for dehydration?

Accepted Answer

They have less total body water per kilogram due to increased fat and decreased muscle.

Question 10

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which the body regulates fluid output to maintain homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting urine volume via the kidneys

Question 11

A patient is given a massive infusion of sodium-free IV solution. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Increases reabsorption of sodium and water, decreasing urine volume

Question 13

Which of the following is a sign of hypokalemia on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged ST segment and presence of a U wave

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why water intoxication can be life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

It leads to neurological impairment due to electrolyte imbalance.

Question 15

Which of the following is the most abundant cation in the intracellular fluid compartment?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ($$K^+)$$

Question 16

A patient with a blood potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle weakness and slow GI motility

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of capillary blood pressure in fluid movement?

Accepted Answer

It pushes water out of the capillaries into the interstitial fluid.

Question 18

Which of the following is a nonelectrolyte commonly found in body fluids?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the feedback mechanism that regulates thirst?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in ECF volume stimulates hypothalamic receptors, causing thirst and increased fluid intake

Question 20

A patient with muscle cramping, twitching, and a positive Chvostek's sign is most likely suffering from which electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance: Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

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