Bio 669 Pathophysiology Exam Finals
Complete Questions and Answers
2024/2025
What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?
They help maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
What electrolyte is most abundant in extracellular fluid?
Sodium (Na+).
What role does potassium (K+) play in the body?
It is crucial for maintaining normal cell function, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.
What can cause hyponatremia?
Excessive fluid intake, heart failure, or certain medications.
What is hyperkalemia?
A condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood.
How can dehydration affect electrolyte balance?
It can lead to increased concentrations of electrolytes, causing hypernatremia or
hyperkalemia.
1
,What are the signs of hypernatremia?
Symptoms include thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures.
What is the relationship between calcium (Ca2+) and muscle function?
Calcium is essential for muscle contraction; low levels can lead to muscle cramps and
spasms.
How does the body regulate fluid balance?
Through mechanisms like thirst, hormonal regulation (e.g., ADH, aldosterone), and kidney
function.
What can result from hypocalcemia?
Muscle cramps, tetany, and cardiac arrhythmias.
What is the primary source of fluid intake for the body?
Oral fluids and food consumption.
What role does magnesium (Mg2+) play in the body?
It is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production and protein
synthesis.
What is a common cause of hypomagnesemia?
2
, Chronic alcoholism or malnutrition.
How does acidosis affect potassium levels?
Acidosis can cause potassium to shift from cells into the bloodstream, leading to
hyperkalemia.
What is the physiological consequence of fluid overload?
It can result in edema, hypertension, and heart failure.
What can be a consequence of prolonged vomiting?
Metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia.
What are the effects of diuretics on fluid and electrolyte balance?
They increase urine output, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss.
How do the kidneys contribute to electrolyte homeostasis?
By filtering blood and reabsorbing necessary electrolytes while excreting excess amounts.
What is the term for excessive thirst?
Polydipsia.
What is a common electrolyte imbalance seen in patients with chronic kidney disease?
3
Complete Questions and Answers
2024/2025
What is the primary function of electrolytes in the body?
They help maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
What electrolyte is most abundant in extracellular fluid?
Sodium (Na+).
What role does potassium (K+) play in the body?
It is crucial for maintaining normal cell function, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.
What can cause hyponatremia?
Excessive fluid intake, heart failure, or certain medications.
What is hyperkalemia?
A condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood.
How can dehydration affect electrolyte balance?
It can lead to increased concentrations of electrolytes, causing hypernatremia or
hyperkalemia.
1
,What are the signs of hypernatremia?
Symptoms include thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures.
What is the relationship between calcium (Ca2+) and muscle function?
Calcium is essential for muscle contraction; low levels can lead to muscle cramps and
spasms.
How does the body regulate fluid balance?
Through mechanisms like thirst, hormonal regulation (e.g., ADH, aldosterone), and kidney
function.
What can result from hypocalcemia?
Muscle cramps, tetany, and cardiac arrhythmias.
What is the primary source of fluid intake for the body?
Oral fluids and food consumption.
What role does magnesium (Mg2+) play in the body?
It is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production and protein
synthesis.
What is a common cause of hypomagnesemia?
2
, Chronic alcoholism or malnutrition.
How does acidosis affect potassium levels?
Acidosis can cause potassium to shift from cells into the bloodstream, leading to
hyperkalemia.
What is the physiological consequence of fluid overload?
It can result in edema, hypertension, and heart failure.
What can be a consequence of prolonged vomiting?
Metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia.
What are the effects of diuretics on fluid and electrolyte balance?
They increase urine output, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss.
How do the kidneys contribute to electrolyte homeostasis?
By filtering blood and reabsorbing necessary electrolytes while excreting excess amounts.
What is the term for excessive thirst?
Polydipsia.
What is a common electrolyte imbalance seen in patients with chronic kidney disease?
3
