UNIT 6 STUDY GUIDE: FLUID,
ELECTROLYTES, AND GI DISORDERS
2025 UPDATED 200+ QUESTIONS
WITH ACTUAL ANSWERS VERIFIED
BY EXPERTS GRADED A+
Intracellular Fluid (ICF) - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid inside cells (about 60% of total body
water).
Extracellular Fluid (ECF) - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid outside cells (about 40% of total
body water).
Interstitial Fluid - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid between cells.
Plasma - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid in blood vessels.
Transcellular Fluid - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Specialized fluids (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid,
synovial fluid).
Osmosis - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to
high solute concentration across semi-permeable membranes.
Filtration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Water moves from high to low pressure (hydrostatic
pressure) across capillary walls, driven by blood pressure.
Osmotic Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The concentration of solutes that draws water
toward higher solute areas.
Hydrostatic Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The pressure exerted by fluid on the
membrane, pushing water out of compartments.
Membrane Permeability - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>How easily water and solutes can pass
through the membrane.
Concentration Gradient - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The difference in solute concentration
between compartments, driving osmosis.
Causes of Edema - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure,
decreased plasma oncotic pressure (low protein levels), increased capillary permeability,
impaired lymphatic drainage.
1
,Effects of Edema - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Swelling and tissue distension, impaired nutrient
and oxygen delivery to tissues, compression of blood vessels and nerves, leading to pain or
dysfunction, reduced organ efficiency.
Fluid Deficit - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Dehydration.
Common Causes of Dehydration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Inadequate fluid intake, excessive
fluid loss (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or urination), fever, diabetes (especially
uncontrolled), high heat or humidity.
Dehydration Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Blood
pressure may decrease due to reduced blood volume; heart rate increases as the body
compensates for low blood volume.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Thirst, dry mouth and skin,
dark yellow urine, fatigue or dizziness, rapid heart rate and low blood pressure, reduced urine
output.
Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the
interstitial space or body cavities (e.g., abdomen, pleural space), where it is not readily available
for use by the body.
Conditions Leading to Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Severe burns, trauma or
surgery, liver cirrhosis, heart failure, kidney disease, infections (e.g., sepsis).
Treatment of Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid and electrolyte replacement
(e.g., IV fluids), treating the underlying condition (e.g., infection, liver disease), diuretics (if
appropriate) to help remove excess fluid, monitoring fluid balance and supporting organ
function.
Primary Functions of Sodium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Regulating fluid balance,
transmitting nerve impulses, and muscle contraction.
Causes and Effects of Hyponatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes include excessive
fluid intake, certain medications, and medical conditions; effects include confusion, seizures, and
coma.
Causes and Effects of Hypernatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes include dehydration
and excessive salt intake; effects include thirst, confusion, and muscle twitching.
Primary functions of sodium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Maintains fluid balance, osmotic
pressure, and blood volume; Supports nerve and muscle function; Regulates acid-base balance.
Hyponatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Excessive fluid intake, kidney or heart
failure, SIADH, medications; Effects: Swelling of cells, confusion, seizures, weakness,
headache, coma.
2
,Hypernatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Inadequate water intake, dehydration,
excessive salt, diabetes insipidus; Effects: Thirst, dry mouth, irritability, muscle twitching,
confusion, seizures.
Potassium's role in nerve and muscle function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Potassium helps
maintain the resting membrane potential, essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle
contraction, including the heart.
Hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Excessive loss through vomiting, diarrhea,
diuretics, kidney disease; Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, arrhythmias,
constipation.
Hyperkalemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive potassium intake,
certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors), tissue damage; Symptoms: Muscle weakness,
numbness, arrhythmias, fatigue.
Effect of hypokalemia on cardiac function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Hypokalemia can cause
arrhythmias, including flat or inverted T waves and potential for heart failure.
Effect of hyperkalemia on cardiac function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Hyperkalemia can lead
to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as peaked T waves and cardiac arrest.
Key functions of calcium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Bone and teeth strength; Muscle
contraction; Nerve signal transmission; Blood clotting; Hormonal and enzyme regulation.
Hypocalcemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency,
kidney disease; Effects: Muscle cramps, tetany, numbness, seizures, arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive
vitamin D; Effects: Weakness, fatigue, nausea, confusion, kidney stones, arrhythmias.
Hypomagnesemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Chronic alcoholism, malnutrition,
diarrhea, kidney disease, diuretic use; Effects: Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, seizures,
arrhythmias, fatigue.
Hypermagnesemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive magnesium
intake (e.g., supplements or antacids), dehydration; Effects: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness,
hypotension, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest.
Function of phosphate in the body - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Essential for energy production
(ATP); Bone and teeth formation; Cell membrane structure; Acid-base balance regulation.
Hypophosphatemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Malnutrition, alcohol abuse, vitamin D
deficiency, excessive use of antacids, hyperparathyroidism; Effects: Muscle weakness, fatigue,
bone pain, respiratory failure, arrhythmias.
3
, Hyperphosphatemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive phosphate
intake, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication; Effects: Itchy skin, muscle cramps,
calcification of tissues, joint pain, risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chloride's role in acid-base balance - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Chloride helps maintain
electrical neutrality in the body by balancing the positive charge of sodium, particularly in the
extracellular fluid. It also plays a role in the bicarbonate-chloride shift, aiding in pH regulation.
Causes and effects of hypochloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Not specified;
Effects: Not specified.
Causes and effects of hyperchloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Not specified;
Effects: Not specified.
Hypochloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating,
diuretics, renal failure, metabolic alkalosis. Effects: Weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue,
metabolic alkalosis, muscle spasms.
Hyperchloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Dehydration, kidney disease, excess salt
intake, hypernatremia, metabolic acidosis. Effects: Hyperventilation, weakness, fatigue,
hypertension, metabolic acidosis.
Normal pH range of blood - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The normal pH range of blood is 7.35 to
7.45.
Importance of maintaining acid-base balance for homeostasis - CORRECT
ANSWER>>>>Maintaining acid-base balance is crucial for enzyme function, cellular processes,
and proper organ function. Deviations from the normal pH range can impair metabolic activities,
affect oxygen delivery, and disrupt overall homeostasis.
Major buffer systems that regulate blood pH - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Bicarbonate-carbonic
acid buffer system, Protein buffer system, Hemoglobin buffer system, Phosphate buffer system.
Bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>It maintains pH by
balancing carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3⁻). When blood becomes too acidic,
bicarbonate binds to excess hydrogen ions (H⁺), and when it's too alkaline, carbonic acid releases
hydrogen ions to lower pH.
Lungs' role in regulating blood pH - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The lungs regulate pH by
adjusting the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) through breathing. Increased CO2 (acidosis) leads
to faster breathing to expel more CO2, raising pH. Decreased CO2 (alkalosis) slows down
breathing to retain CO2, lowering pH.
Kidneys' contribution to pH balance - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The kidneys regulate pH by
excreting or reabsorbing hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO3⁻). They can also produce
4
ELECTROLYTES, AND GI DISORDERS
2025 UPDATED 200+ QUESTIONS
WITH ACTUAL ANSWERS VERIFIED
BY EXPERTS GRADED A+
Intracellular Fluid (ICF) - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid inside cells (about 60% of total body
water).
Extracellular Fluid (ECF) - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid outside cells (about 40% of total
body water).
Interstitial Fluid - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid between cells.
Plasma - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid in blood vessels.
Transcellular Fluid - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Specialized fluids (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid,
synovial fluid).
Osmosis - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to
high solute concentration across semi-permeable membranes.
Filtration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Water moves from high to low pressure (hydrostatic
pressure) across capillary walls, driven by blood pressure.
Osmotic Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The concentration of solutes that draws water
toward higher solute areas.
Hydrostatic Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The pressure exerted by fluid on the
membrane, pushing water out of compartments.
Membrane Permeability - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>How easily water and solutes can pass
through the membrane.
Concentration Gradient - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The difference in solute concentration
between compartments, driving osmosis.
Causes of Edema - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure,
decreased plasma oncotic pressure (low protein levels), increased capillary permeability,
impaired lymphatic drainage.
1
,Effects of Edema - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Swelling and tissue distension, impaired nutrient
and oxygen delivery to tissues, compression of blood vessels and nerves, leading to pain or
dysfunction, reduced organ efficiency.
Fluid Deficit - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Dehydration.
Common Causes of Dehydration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Inadequate fluid intake, excessive
fluid loss (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or urination), fever, diabetes (especially
uncontrolled), high heat or humidity.
Dehydration Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Blood
pressure may decrease due to reduced blood volume; heart rate increases as the body
compensates for low blood volume.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Thirst, dry mouth and skin,
dark yellow urine, fatigue or dizziness, rapid heart rate and low blood pressure, reduced urine
output.
Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the
interstitial space or body cavities (e.g., abdomen, pleural space), where it is not readily available
for use by the body.
Conditions Leading to Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Severe burns, trauma or
surgery, liver cirrhosis, heart failure, kidney disease, infections (e.g., sepsis).
Treatment of Third-Spacing - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Fluid and electrolyte replacement
(e.g., IV fluids), treating the underlying condition (e.g., infection, liver disease), diuretics (if
appropriate) to help remove excess fluid, monitoring fluid balance and supporting organ
function.
Primary Functions of Sodium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Regulating fluid balance,
transmitting nerve impulses, and muscle contraction.
Causes and Effects of Hyponatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes include excessive
fluid intake, certain medications, and medical conditions; effects include confusion, seizures, and
coma.
Causes and Effects of Hypernatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes include dehydration
and excessive salt intake; effects include thirst, confusion, and muscle twitching.
Primary functions of sodium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Maintains fluid balance, osmotic
pressure, and blood volume; Supports nerve and muscle function; Regulates acid-base balance.
Hyponatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Excessive fluid intake, kidney or heart
failure, SIADH, medications; Effects: Swelling of cells, confusion, seizures, weakness,
headache, coma.
2
,Hypernatremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Inadequate water intake, dehydration,
excessive salt, diabetes insipidus; Effects: Thirst, dry mouth, irritability, muscle twitching,
confusion, seizures.
Potassium's role in nerve and muscle function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Potassium helps
maintain the resting membrane potential, essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle
contraction, including the heart.
Hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Excessive loss through vomiting, diarrhea,
diuretics, kidney disease; Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, arrhythmias,
constipation.
Hyperkalemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive potassium intake,
certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors), tissue damage; Symptoms: Muscle weakness,
numbness, arrhythmias, fatigue.
Effect of hypokalemia on cardiac function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Hypokalemia can cause
arrhythmias, including flat or inverted T waves and potential for heart failure.
Effect of hyperkalemia on cardiac function - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Hyperkalemia can lead
to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as peaked T waves and cardiac arrest.
Key functions of calcium - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Bone and teeth strength; Muscle
contraction; Nerve signal transmission; Blood clotting; Hormonal and enzyme regulation.
Hypocalcemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency,
kidney disease; Effects: Muscle cramps, tetany, numbness, seizures, arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive
vitamin D; Effects: Weakness, fatigue, nausea, confusion, kidney stones, arrhythmias.
Hypomagnesemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Chronic alcoholism, malnutrition,
diarrhea, kidney disease, diuretic use; Effects: Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, seizures,
arrhythmias, fatigue.
Hypermagnesemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive magnesium
intake (e.g., supplements or antacids), dehydration; Effects: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness,
hypotension, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest.
Function of phosphate in the body - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Essential for energy production
(ATP); Bone and teeth formation; Cell membrane structure; Acid-base balance regulation.
Hypophosphatemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Malnutrition, alcohol abuse, vitamin D
deficiency, excessive use of antacids, hyperparathyroidism; Effects: Muscle weakness, fatigue,
bone pain, respiratory failure, arrhythmias.
3
, Hyperphosphatemia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Kidney failure, excessive phosphate
intake, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication; Effects: Itchy skin, muscle cramps,
calcification of tissues, joint pain, risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chloride's role in acid-base balance - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Chloride helps maintain
electrical neutrality in the body by balancing the positive charge of sodium, particularly in the
extracellular fluid. It also plays a role in the bicarbonate-chloride shift, aiding in pH regulation.
Causes and effects of hypochloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Not specified;
Effects: Not specified.
Causes and effects of hyperchloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Not specified;
Effects: Not specified.
Hypochloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating,
diuretics, renal failure, metabolic alkalosis. Effects: Weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue,
metabolic alkalosis, muscle spasms.
Hyperchloremia - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Causes: Dehydration, kidney disease, excess salt
intake, hypernatremia, metabolic acidosis. Effects: Hyperventilation, weakness, fatigue,
hypertension, metabolic acidosis.
Normal pH range of blood - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The normal pH range of blood is 7.35 to
7.45.
Importance of maintaining acid-base balance for homeostasis - CORRECT
ANSWER>>>>Maintaining acid-base balance is crucial for enzyme function, cellular processes,
and proper organ function. Deviations from the normal pH range can impair metabolic activities,
affect oxygen delivery, and disrupt overall homeostasis.
Major buffer systems that regulate blood pH - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>Bicarbonate-carbonic
acid buffer system, Protein buffer system, Hemoglobin buffer system, Phosphate buffer system.
Bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>It maintains pH by
balancing carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3⁻). When blood becomes too acidic,
bicarbonate binds to excess hydrogen ions (H⁺), and when it's too alkaline, carbonic acid releases
hydrogen ions to lower pH.
Lungs' role in regulating blood pH - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The lungs regulate pH by
adjusting the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) through breathing. Increased CO2 (acidosis) leads
to faster breathing to expel more CO2, raising pH. Decreased CO2 (alkalosis) slows down
breathing to retain CO2, lowering pH.
Kidneys' contribution to pH balance - CORRECT ANSWER>>>>The kidneys regulate pH by
excreting or reabsorbing hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO3⁻). They can also produce
4
