w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. What is the primary function of albumin in blood plasma?
A) Transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues
B) Maintaining colloid osmotic pressure
C) Initiating the coagulation cascade
D) Producing antibodies against pathogens
Correct Answer: Maintaining colloid osmotic pressure
Rationale: Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and is primarily
responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, which prevents fluid from
leaking out of capillaries into surrounding tissues. Oxygen transport is performed by
hemoglobin in erythrocytes, the coagulation cascade is mediated by clotting factors,
and antibodies are produced by plasma cells.
2. Which formed element is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
A) Leukocytes
B) Thrombocytes
C) Erythrocytes
D) Plasma cells
Correct Answer: Erythrocytes
,Rationale: Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, contain hemoglobin, which binds and
transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and facilitates carbon dioxide transport
back to the lungs. Leukocytes are involved in immunity, thrombocytes in clotting, and
plasma cells in antibody production.
3. What is the average normal pH range of human arterial blood?
A) 6.35 to 6.45
B) 7.00 to 7.15
C) 7.35 to 7.45
D) 7.85 to 7.95
Correct Answer: 7.35 to 7.45
Rationale: Human blood is slightly alkaline, with a tightly regulated pH between
7.35 and 7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis, and values above 7.45 indicate
alkalosis. This narrow range is essential for proper physiological function.
4. Which component makes up the largest percentage of blood plasma?
A) Water
B) Plasma proteins
C) Electrolytes
D) Nutrients
Correct Answer: Water
, Rationale: Water makes up approximately 91-92% of blood plasma, serving as the
solvent for dissolved substances. Plasma proteins account for about 7-8% of plasma,
and electrolytes, nutrients, and wastes make up the remaining small percentage. This
high water content is essential for transport and temperature regulation.
5. A patient lacking functional fibrinogen would most likely experience failure during
which stage of hemostasis?
A) Vascular spasm
B) Platelet adhesion
C) Formation of a stable fibrin clot
D) Platelet activation
Correct Answer: Formation of a stable fibrin clot
Rationale: Fibrinogen is converted into fibrin by thrombin, forming the stable
mesh that strengthens the platelet plug. Without functional fibrinogen, the platelet
plug would remain fragile and bleeding would continue. Vascular spasm, platelet
adhesion, and platelet activation occur earlier and do not require fibrinogen.
6. What is the name of the process by which all formed elements of blood are
produced in the red bone marrow?
A) Erythropoiesis
B) Leukopoiesis
C) Hemopoiesis
D) Thrombopoiesis