NSG 3850 EXAM 1: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY II
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Section 1: Fluid Compartments & Distribution (Questions 1–15)
1. The largest percentage of total body water (TBW) is located in which
compartment?
A) Intracellular fluid (ICF)
B) Extracellular fluid (ECF)
C) Interstitial fluid
D) Transcellular fluid
Answer: A
The intracellular compartment contains approximately 66% (two-thirds) of total body
water. The extracellular compartment contains the remaining one-third, which includes
interstitial fluid, plasma, and transcellular fluid.
2. Which electrolyte is found in the highest concentration in the extracellular fluid
(ECF)?
A) Potassium
,B) Magnesium
C) Sodium
D) Phosphate
Answer: C
Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid, with normal concentrations of 135–
145 mEq/L. Potassium, magnesium, and phosphate are predominantly intracellular
electrolytes.
3. A patient with severe burns develops generalized edema. The primary
mechanism is:
A) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased capillary permeability
D) Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: C
Burns cause direct damage to the capillary endothelium, increasing vascular permeability.
This allows plasma proteins to leak into the interstitial space, increasing interstitial
osmotic pressure and drawing fluid out of the vasculature, causing edema.
4. Which organ system is most critical for long-term regulation of fluid and
electrolyte balance?
A) Cardiovascular system
B) Kidneys
C) Lungs
D) Liver
,Answer: B
The kidneys are the primary regulators of fluid and electrolyte balance through their
control of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion of hormones like ADH
and aldosterone. They require adequate perfusion (about 25% of cardiac output) to
function properly.
5. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) primarily acts on the:
A) Proximal convoluted tubule
B) Loop of Henle
C) Distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts
D) Glomerulus
Answer: C
ADH (vasopressin) acts on the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney
to increase water reabsorption by inserting aquaporin channels into the cell membranes.
This concentrates the urine and dilutes the blood.
6. A patient who is 24 hours post-op from abdominal surgery has a urine output of
20 mL/hr, dry mucous membranes, and a heart rate of 110 bpm. The nurse
suspects:
A) Hypervolemia
B) Hypovolemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Renal failure
Answer: B
This patient shows classic signs of hypovolemia (dehydration): oliguria (<30 mL/hr),
, tachycardia (compensatory), and dry mucous membranes. Hypovolemia leads to
decreased renal perfusion and concentrated urine.
7. The most sensitive indicator of a patient's fluid status is:
A) Intake and output records
B) Daily weights
C) Skin turgor
D) Serum sodium level
Answer: B
Daily weights are the most sensitive and reliable indicator of fluid volume status. A weight
change of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) represents approximately 1 liter of fluid gain or loss. I&O records
can be inaccurate, and skin turgor is less reliable in older adults.
8. Which of the following would increase capillary oncotic (colloid osmotic)
pressure?
A) Decreased serum albumin
B) Increased serum albumin
C) Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D) Decreased capillary permeability
Answer: B
Oncotic pressure is the osmotic force exerted by plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
Increased serum albumin increases oncotic pressure, drawing fluid from the interstitial
space back into the capillaries. Decreased albumin (as in cirrhosis) reduces oncotic
pressure and causes edema.
Exam 2026 Preparation With Complete
Questions And Correct Answers With
Rationales | Already Graded A+||Brand New
Version!!.
Section 1: Fluid Compartments & Distribution (Questions 1–15)
1. The largest percentage of total body water (TBW) is located in which
compartment?
A) Intracellular fluid (ICF)
B) Extracellular fluid (ECF)
C) Interstitial fluid
D) Transcellular fluid
Answer: A
The intracellular compartment contains approximately 66% (two-thirds) of total body
water. The extracellular compartment contains the remaining one-third, which includes
interstitial fluid, plasma, and transcellular fluid.
2. Which electrolyte is found in the highest concentration in the extracellular fluid
(ECF)?
A) Potassium
,B) Magnesium
C) Sodium
D) Phosphate
Answer: C
Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid, with normal concentrations of 135–
145 mEq/L. Potassium, magnesium, and phosphate are predominantly intracellular
electrolytes.
3. A patient with severe burns develops generalized edema. The primary
mechanism is:
A) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased capillary permeability
D) Lymphatic obstruction
Answer: C
Burns cause direct damage to the capillary endothelium, increasing vascular permeability.
This allows plasma proteins to leak into the interstitial space, increasing interstitial
osmotic pressure and drawing fluid out of the vasculature, causing edema.
4. Which organ system is most critical for long-term regulation of fluid and
electrolyte balance?
A) Cardiovascular system
B) Kidneys
C) Lungs
D) Liver
,Answer: B
The kidneys are the primary regulators of fluid and electrolyte balance through their
control of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion of hormones like ADH
and aldosterone. They require adequate perfusion (about 25% of cardiac output) to
function properly.
5. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) primarily acts on the:
A) Proximal convoluted tubule
B) Loop of Henle
C) Distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts
D) Glomerulus
Answer: C
ADH (vasopressin) acts on the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney
to increase water reabsorption by inserting aquaporin channels into the cell membranes.
This concentrates the urine and dilutes the blood.
6. A patient who is 24 hours post-op from abdominal surgery has a urine output of
20 mL/hr, dry mucous membranes, and a heart rate of 110 bpm. The nurse
suspects:
A) Hypervolemia
B) Hypovolemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Renal failure
Answer: B
This patient shows classic signs of hypovolemia (dehydration): oliguria (<30 mL/hr),
, tachycardia (compensatory), and dry mucous membranes. Hypovolemia leads to
decreased renal perfusion and concentrated urine.
7. The most sensitive indicator of a patient's fluid status is:
A) Intake and output records
B) Daily weights
C) Skin turgor
D) Serum sodium level
Answer: B
Daily weights are the most sensitive and reliable indicator of fluid volume status. A weight
change of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) represents approximately 1 liter of fluid gain or loss. I&O records
can be inaccurate, and skin turgor is less reliable in older adults.
8. Which of the following would increase capillary oncotic (colloid osmotic)
pressure?
A) Decreased serum albumin
B) Increased serum albumin
C) Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
D) Decreased capillary permeability
Answer: B
Oncotic pressure is the osmotic force exerted by plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
Increased serum albumin increases oncotic pressure, drawing fluid from the interstitial
space back into the capillaries. Decreased albumin (as in cirrhosis) reduces oncotic
pressure and causes edema.
