,Galen NSG 3850 Exam 1 | Pathophysiology
for Nurses II (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. Which cation is predominant in intracellular fluid?
A) Potassium (K⁺)
B) Sodium (Na⁺)
C) Calcium (Ca²⁺)
D) Chloride (Cl⁻)
Correct Answer: Potassium (K⁺)
Rationale: Potassium is the major intracellular cation, essential for cell function,
while sodium is the major extracellular cation. The sodium‑potassium ATPase
pump maintains this gradient.
2. The hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary to regulate water
reabsorption in the kidneys is:
A) Aldosterone
B) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C) Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
D) Renin
Correct Answer: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
,Rationale: ADH, also called vasopressin, acts on the collecting ducts to increase
water permeability and reabsorption. Aldosterone regulates sodium. ANP
promotes excretion. Renin triggers angiotensin.
3. Aldosterone, the “salt‑water” hormone, increases reabsorption of sodium
and water while promoting urinary excretion of which ion?
A) Calcium
B) Magnesium
C) Potassium
D) Bicarbonate
Correct Answer: Potassium
Rationale: Aldosterone stimulates the Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase pump, causing sodium
retention and potassium secretion. Hypokalemia can result from
hyperaldosteronism. It does not primarily affect calcium or magnesium.
4. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B‑type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are
released from the heart and function to:
A) Increase sodium reabsorption
B) Stimulate ADH release
C) Constrict blood vessels
D) Promote fluid excretion in urine
Correct Answer: Promote fluid excretion in urine
, Rationale: ANP and BNP promote natriuresis and diuresis to reduce blood
volume and pressure, opposing aldosterone and ADH. They are released in
response to atrial or ventricular stretch.
5. Which fluid compartment contains a high concentration of sodium, chloride,
and bicarbonate but is protein‑poor?
A) Interstitial fluid
B) Intracellular fluid
C) Plasma
D) Transcellular fluid
Correct Answer: Interstitial fluid
Rationale: Interstitial fluid is part of the extracellular compartment, similar to
plasma but lacking proteins due to capillary wall impermeability. Intracellular
fluid is rich in potassium and phosphates.
6. The most sensitive measure of daily fluid gain or loss is:
A) Intake and output records
B) Daily weight measurements
C) Serum sodium levels
D) Blood pressure changes
Correct Answer: Daily weight measurements
for Nurses II (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. Which cation is predominant in intracellular fluid?
A) Potassium (K⁺)
B) Sodium (Na⁺)
C) Calcium (Ca²⁺)
D) Chloride (Cl⁻)
Correct Answer: Potassium (K⁺)
Rationale: Potassium is the major intracellular cation, essential for cell function,
while sodium is the major extracellular cation. The sodium‑potassium ATPase
pump maintains this gradient.
2. The hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary to regulate water
reabsorption in the kidneys is:
A) Aldosterone
B) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
C) Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
D) Renin
Correct Answer: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
,Rationale: ADH, also called vasopressin, acts on the collecting ducts to increase
water permeability and reabsorption. Aldosterone regulates sodium. ANP
promotes excretion. Renin triggers angiotensin.
3. Aldosterone, the “salt‑water” hormone, increases reabsorption of sodium
and water while promoting urinary excretion of which ion?
A) Calcium
B) Magnesium
C) Potassium
D) Bicarbonate
Correct Answer: Potassium
Rationale: Aldosterone stimulates the Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase pump, causing sodium
retention and potassium secretion. Hypokalemia can result from
hyperaldosteronism. It does not primarily affect calcium or magnesium.
4. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B‑type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are
released from the heart and function to:
A) Increase sodium reabsorption
B) Stimulate ADH release
C) Constrict blood vessels
D) Promote fluid excretion in urine
Correct Answer: Promote fluid excretion in urine
, Rationale: ANP and BNP promote natriuresis and diuresis to reduce blood
volume and pressure, opposing aldosterone and ADH. They are released in
response to atrial or ventricular stretch.
5. Which fluid compartment contains a high concentration of sodium, chloride,
and bicarbonate but is protein‑poor?
A) Interstitial fluid
B) Intracellular fluid
C) Plasma
D) Transcellular fluid
Correct Answer: Interstitial fluid
Rationale: Interstitial fluid is part of the extracellular compartment, similar to
plasma but lacking proteins due to capillary wall impermeability. Intracellular
fluid is rich in potassium and phosphates.
6. The most sensitive measure of daily fluid gain or loss is:
A) Intake and output records
B) Daily weight measurements
C) Serum sodium levels
D) Blood pressure changes
Correct Answer: Daily weight measurements
