BIOL252: Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab –
Module 1: Blood | Intensive Exam Review Questions
(70+ Questions with Answers & Rationales)
Question 1
Blood spills in a laboratory should always be cleaned with solutions specifically designed to
disinfect and inactivate pathogens, not just any cleaning solution that removes visible blood.
Which statement is correct?
● ✅False – Only approved disinfectants that inactivate pathogens such as bloodborne viruses
are acceptable.
● True – Any cleaning solution is sufficient as long as it removes visible blood.
● Partially true – Only bleach solutions work.
● True for dry blood only.
Rationale: Blood can carry infectious agents like HIV or hepatitis B/C. Proper decontamination
requires approved disinfectants (e.g., 10% bleach), not just visual removal.
Question 2
What is the primary function of erythrocytes in human blood?
● Transporting hormones throughout the body
● Clotting blood to prevent hemorrhage
● Fighting infections through phagocytosis
● ✅Carrying oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide
Rationale: Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it
to tissues while carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Question 3
Which condition would not result in an increased hematocrit level?
● Polycythemia, a condition with increased RBC production
● Increased exercise, which temporarily increases plasma volume
● Dehydration, which concentrates RBCs
● ✅Anemia, a condition with decreased RBCs
,ESTUDYR
Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood that is red cells. Anemia reduces RBCs,
lowering hematocrit, whereas polycythemia, dehydration, or exercise may increase it.
Question 4
A ______ provides a detailed breakdown of each type of white blood cell, aiding in diagnosing
specific infections or immune responses.
● Hematocrit test
● Platelet count
● ✅Differential blood cell count
● Blood typing
Rationale: A differential count identifies percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes,
eosinophils, and basophils, revealing patterns consistent with infections, allergies, or
hematologic disorders.
Question 5
To visualize reticulocytes, or immature red blood cells, in a patient’s blood sample, which
procedure is commonly performed?
● CBC only
● Bone marrow biopsy
● ✅Blood smear
● Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Rationale: A blood smear stained with a supravital dye allows visualization of reticulocytes,
providing insight into bone marrow activity and erythropoiesis.
Question 6
Neutrophils are white blood cells that increase in number in response to:
● Tissue repair and wound healing
● ✅Acute infections, such as bacterial infections
● Chronic infections that persist over months
● Allergic reactions
Rationale: Neutrophils are first responders in the immune system, particularly effective against
bacteria, and their numbers rise quickly during acute infections.
, ESTUDYR
Question 7
Thrombocytosis, identified by a complete blood count (CBC), increases the risk of blood clotting
due to:
● Low platelet count causing excessive bleeding
● ✅A high platelet count leading to increased clot formation
● Decreased coagulation factor activity
● Dehydration
Rationale: Excess platelets enhance the risk of thrombosis, potentially causing ischemia in vital
organs like the heart or brain.
Question 8
In a differential blood cell count, if neutrophils are more abundant than lymphocytes, this is
considered:
● Abnormal, indicating chronic infection
● ✅Normal in healthy adults
● Indicative of viral infection
● Indicative of bone marrow failure
Rationale: In healthy adults, neutrophils typically constitute 50–70% of WBCs, while
lymphocytes make up about 20–40%.
Question 9
Which component of blood is primarily responsible for clot formation to prevent excessive
bleeding?
● Erythrocytes
● Leukocytes
● ✅Platelets (thrombocytes)
● Plasma proteins
Rationale: Platelets adhere to damaged endothelium and release clotting factors, forming a
platelet plug as the first step in hemostasis.