NSG 3850 Exam 1 Galen College Of Nursing Actual Exam 120 Questions And Answers
Practice Questions with Solutions Newest | Already Graded A+
Question 1
Which of the following characterizes the composition of the Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
compartment?
A) High in sodium and chloride, low in potassium
B) Rich in protein and calcium, low in magnesium
C) Rich in potassium, magnesium, and organic/inorganic phosphates
D) Protein deficient and rich in bicarbonate
E) Primarily composed of cerebrospinal and synovial fluids
Correct Answer: C) Rich in potassium, magnesium, and organic/inorganic phosphates
Rationale: The intracellular compartment (ICF) is the fluid inside the cells. It is chemically
distinct from the extracellular fluid. The ICF is high in potassium (the primary
intracellular cation), magnesium, and phosphates, while remaining very low in sodium and
chloride.
Question 2
The Extracellular Fluid (ECF) is divided into three sub-compartments. Which sub-compartment
is specifically noted for being "protein deficient"?
A) Vascular
B) Transcellular
C) Interstitial
D) Intracellular
E) Intravascular
Correct Answer: C) Interstitial
Rationale: The ECF consists of the vascular (plasma), interstitial, and transcellular spaces.
While plasma is rich in proteins (like albumin) which maintain oncotic pressure, the
interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells and outside of vessels) is typically protein-deficient
under normal physiological conditions.
Question 3
Fluid contained within specialized body cavities, such as the pleural, synovial, and cerebrospinal
spaces, is classified as:
A) Vascular fluid
B) Interstitial fluid
C) Intracellular fluid
D) Transcellular fluid
E) Lymphatic fluid
Correct Answer: D) Transcellular fluid
Rationale: Transcellular fluid is a subset of the extracellular fluid that is secreted by
epithelial cells into specialized functional compartments. Examples include cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF), synovial fluid in joints, and pleural fluid around the lungs.
, 2
Question 4
Which physiological change is a primary trigger for the thirst mechanism?
A) Decreased serum osmolarity
B) Increased circulating blood volume
C) Increased osmolarity of the extracellular fluid
D) Moistening of the oral mucous membranes
E) Decreased production of ADH
Correct Answer: C) Increased osmolarity of the extracellular fluid
Rationale: The thirst mechanism is regulated by the hypothalamus. It is triggered by an
increase in ECF osmolarity (concentration of particles), a decrease in blood volume
(hemorrhage/dehydration), or dryness of the mucous membranes. In older adults, this
mechanism is often less sensitive, increasing their risk for dehydration.
Question 5
To ensure the proper absorption and regulation of fluids and electrolytes, which organ system
must be healthy and functioning correctly?
A) Integumentary system
B) Musculoskeletal system
C) Renal system (Kidneys)
D) Lymphatic system
E) Nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Kidneys
Rationale: The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for fluid and electrolyte
homeostasis. They filter the blood and adjust the excretion of water and ions (like sodium
and potassium) based on the body's needs. Without healthy kidneys, the body cannot
effectively manage volume or concentration.
Question 6
A patient with cirrhosis has a low serum albumin level. This condition results in a decrease in
which of the following?
A) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Interstitial hydrostatic pressure
C) Oncotic pressure (Colloid osmotic pressure)
D) Osmotic diuresis
E) Intracellular potassium
Correct Answer: C) Oncotic pressure (Colloid osmotic pressure)
Rationale: Oncotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted specifically by proteins,
primarily albumin. It acts as an "inward pull," keeping fluid inside the vascular space. In
cirrhosis, the liver produces less albumin, leading to decreased oncotic pressure and
allowing fluid to leak into the tissues (edema) or the abdomen (ascites).
, 3
Question 7
What is the clinical definition of "Osmotic Diuresis"?
A) The movement of water from an area of low to high concentration
B) The failure of the kidneys to filter blood properly
C) Increased urine output caused by the excretion of substances like glucose or mannitol in the
urine
D) The reabsorption of water in the collecting ducts
E) The outward push of vascular fluid against capillary walls
Correct Answer: C) Increased urine output caused by the excretion of substances, such as
glucose, mannitol, or contrast agents in the urine.
Rationale: Osmotic diuresis occurs when large amounts of non-reabsorbable solutes (like
glucose in uncontrolled diabetes) stay in the kidney tubules. These particles pull water with
them via osmosis, resulting in high-volume urine output.
Question 8
Which force is responsible for the "outward push" of vascular fluid against the capillary walls,
potentially leading to edema if excessive?
A) Oncotic pressure
B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
C) Interstitial oncotic pressure
D) Diffusion
E) Active transport
Correct Answer: B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Capillary hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the
vessel wall. It is the "pushing" force that moves fluid out of the capillary into the
interstitial space. When this pressure is too high (as in heart failure), fluid is pushed out
excessively, causing edema.
Question 9
In the movement of fluids and electrolytes, what is the primary difference between Diffusion and
Osmosis?
A) Diffusion moves water; Osmosis moves particles.
B) Diffusion is lower to higher; Osmosis is higher to lower.
C) Diffusion is higher to lower concentration of particles; Osmosis is lower to higher
concentration of particles (moving water).
D) Only Diffusion requires ATP.
E) Electrolytes move freely in Osmosis.
Correct Answer: C) Diffusion is higher to lower; Osmosis is lower to higher
Rationale: Diffusion is the passive movement of particles (solutes) from an area of higher
concentration to lower concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water (the solvent)
, 4
across a membrane from an area of lower particle concentration to higher particle
concentration to reach equilibrium.
Question 10
Which hormone is known as the "Free Water Hormone" and is released in response to high
osmolarity, low BP, or exercise?
A) Aldosterone
B) Insulin
C) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D) Epinephrine
E) Glucagon
Correct Answer: C) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Rationale: ADH is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior
pituitary. It acts on the renal collecting ducts to reabsorb water, not salt. This "free water"
reabsorption dilutes the blood and body fluids, lowering serum osmolarity.
Question 11
How does the "Salt Water Hormone" Aldosterone affect fluid balance?
A) It causes the reabsorption of water only, diluting the blood.
B) It causes the kidneys to excrete sodium and water to lower BP.
C) It causes the renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and water, expanding ECF volume.
D) It increases the heart rate and blood sugar.
E) It inhibits the thirst mechanism.
Correct Answer: C) Causes the renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and water, which expands
the extracellular fluid volume
Rationale: Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that signals the kidneys to retain sodium.
Because water follows sodium osmotically, aldosterone results in the retention of both,
effectively expanding the total extracellular volume.
Question 12
Which of the following is considered an "Abnormal" fluid excretion that would contribute to a
fluid volume deficit?
A) Sweating during exercise
B) Breathing (insensible loss)
C) Paracentesis or GI suctioning
D) Normal urination
E) Daily bowel movements
Correct Answer: C) Paracentesis / GI tubes
Rationale: Normal (obligatory) losses include sweating, breathing, urinating, and
defecating. Abnormal losses are those resulting from disease or medical intervention, such
Practice Questions with Solutions Newest | Already Graded A+
Question 1
Which of the following characterizes the composition of the Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
compartment?
A) High in sodium and chloride, low in potassium
B) Rich in protein and calcium, low in magnesium
C) Rich in potassium, magnesium, and organic/inorganic phosphates
D) Protein deficient and rich in bicarbonate
E) Primarily composed of cerebrospinal and synovial fluids
Correct Answer: C) Rich in potassium, magnesium, and organic/inorganic phosphates
Rationale: The intracellular compartment (ICF) is the fluid inside the cells. It is chemically
distinct from the extracellular fluid. The ICF is high in potassium (the primary
intracellular cation), magnesium, and phosphates, while remaining very low in sodium and
chloride.
Question 2
The Extracellular Fluid (ECF) is divided into three sub-compartments. Which sub-compartment
is specifically noted for being "protein deficient"?
A) Vascular
B) Transcellular
C) Interstitial
D) Intracellular
E) Intravascular
Correct Answer: C) Interstitial
Rationale: The ECF consists of the vascular (plasma), interstitial, and transcellular spaces.
While plasma is rich in proteins (like albumin) which maintain oncotic pressure, the
interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells and outside of vessels) is typically protein-deficient
under normal physiological conditions.
Question 3
Fluid contained within specialized body cavities, such as the pleural, synovial, and cerebrospinal
spaces, is classified as:
A) Vascular fluid
B) Interstitial fluid
C) Intracellular fluid
D) Transcellular fluid
E) Lymphatic fluid
Correct Answer: D) Transcellular fluid
Rationale: Transcellular fluid is a subset of the extracellular fluid that is secreted by
epithelial cells into specialized functional compartments. Examples include cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF), synovial fluid in joints, and pleural fluid around the lungs.
, 2
Question 4
Which physiological change is a primary trigger for the thirst mechanism?
A) Decreased serum osmolarity
B) Increased circulating blood volume
C) Increased osmolarity of the extracellular fluid
D) Moistening of the oral mucous membranes
E) Decreased production of ADH
Correct Answer: C) Increased osmolarity of the extracellular fluid
Rationale: The thirst mechanism is regulated by the hypothalamus. It is triggered by an
increase in ECF osmolarity (concentration of particles), a decrease in blood volume
(hemorrhage/dehydration), or dryness of the mucous membranes. In older adults, this
mechanism is often less sensitive, increasing their risk for dehydration.
Question 5
To ensure the proper absorption and regulation of fluids and electrolytes, which organ system
must be healthy and functioning correctly?
A) Integumentary system
B) Musculoskeletal system
C) Renal system (Kidneys)
D) Lymphatic system
E) Nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Kidneys
Rationale: The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for fluid and electrolyte
homeostasis. They filter the blood and adjust the excretion of water and ions (like sodium
and potassium) based on the body's needs. Without healthy kidneys, the body cannot
effectively manage volume or concentration.
Question 6
A patient with cirrhosis has a low serum albumin level. This condition results in a decrease in
which of the following?
A) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Interstitial hydrostatic pressure
C) Oncotic pressure (Colloid osmotic pressure)
D) Osmotic diuresis
E) Intracellular potassium
Correct Answer: C) Oncotic pressure (Colloid osmotic pressure)
Rationale: Oncotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted specifically by proteins,
primarily albumin. It acts as an "inward pull," keeping fluid inside the vascular space. In
cirrhosis, the liver produces less albumin, leading to decreased oncotic pressure and
allowing fluid to leak into the tissues (edema) or the abdomen (ascites).
, 3
Question 7
What is the clinical definition of "Osmotic Diuresis"?
A) The movement of water from an area of low to high concentration
B) The failure of the kidneys to filter blood properly
C) Increased urine output caused by the excretion of substances like glucose or mannitol in the
urine
D) The reabsorption of water in the collecting ducts
E) The outward push of vascular fluid against capillary walls
Correct Answer: C) Increased urine output caused by the excretion of substances, such as
glucose, mannitol, or contrast agents in the urine.
Rationale: Osmotic diuresis occurs when large amounts of non-reabsorbable solutes (like
glucose in uncontrolled diabetes) stay in the kidney tubules. These particles pull water with
them via osmosis, resulting in high-volume urine output.
Question 8
Which force is responsible for the "outward push" of vascular fluid against the capillary walls,
potentially leading to edema if excessive?
A) Oncotic pressure
B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
C) Interstitial oncotic pressure
D) Diffusion
E) Active transport
Correct Answer: B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Capillary hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the
vessel wall. It is the "pushing" force that moves fluid out of the capillary into the
interstitial space. When this pressure is too high (as in heart failure), fluid is pushed out
excessively, causing edema.
Question 9
In the movement of fluids and electrolytes, what is the primary difference between Diffusion and
Osmosis?
A) Diffusion moves water; Osmosis moves particles.
B) Diffusion is lower to higher; Osmosis is higher to lower.
C) Diffusion is higher to lower concentration of particles; Osmosis is lower to higher
concentration of particles (moving water).
D) Only Diffusion requires ATP.
E) Electrolytes move freely in Osmosis.
Correct Answer: C) Diffusion is higher to lower; Osmosis is lower to higher
Rationale: Diffusion is the passive movement of particles (solutes) from an area of higher
concentration to lower concentration. Osmosis is the movement of water (the solvent)
, 4
across a membrane from an area of lower particle concentration to higher particle
concentration to reach equilibrium.
Question 10
Which hormone is known as the "Free Water Hormone" and is released in response to high
osmolarity, low BP, or exercise?
A) Aldosterone
B) Insulin
C) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D) Epinephrine
E) Glucagon
Correct Answer: C) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Rationale: ADH is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior
pituitary. It acts on the renal collecting ducts to reabsorb water, not salt. This "free water"
reabsorption dilutes the blood and body fluids, lowering serum osmolarity.
Question 11
How does the "Salt Water Hormone" Aldosterone affect fluid balance?
A) It causes the reabsorption of water only, diluting the blood.
B) It causes the kidneys to excrete sodium and water to lower BP.
C) It causes the renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and water, expanding ECF volume.
D) It increases the heart rate and blood sugar.
E) It inhibits the thirst mechanism.
Correct Answer: C) Causes the renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and water, which expands
the extracellular fluid volume
Rationale: Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that signals the kidneys to retain sodium.
Because water follows sodium osmotically, aldosterone results in the retention of both,
effectively expanding the total extracellular volume.
Question 12
Which of the following is considered an "Abnormal" fluid excretion that would contribute to a
fluid volume deficit?
A) Sweating during exercise
B) Breathing (insensible loss)
C) Paracentesis or GI suctioning
D) Normal urination
E) Daily bowel movements
Correct Answer: C) Paracentesis / GI tubes
Rationale: Normal (obligatory) losses include sweating, breathing, urinating, and
defecating. Abnormal losses are those resulting from disease or medical intervention, such
