BIO 669 EXAM 200 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST
2026 ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive 200-question exam bank covers the full spectrum of BIO
669 Human Pathophysiology, including fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-
base disorders, immunology (innate and adaptive immunity, complement,
inflammation), neurology (brain lobes, autonomic nervous system),
cardiovascular physiology, and renal function. Questions address Starling's
forces, edema causes, electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, phosphate), acid-base disturbances (respiratory and metabolic
acidosis/alkalosis), immune system components, and neurological pathways.
Each unique question features multiple-choice format with correct answers
and detailed rationales to reinforce understanding of pathophysiological
mechanisms. The bank emphasizes clinical application, critical thinking, and
integration of physiological concepts essential for nursing and health science
students preparing for comprehensive pathophysiology examinations.
1. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the adaptive immune system?
A) It is inducible and long-lived
B) It is specific in terms of targeting
C) It has memory and responds differently to re-infection by the same organism
D) All of the above are features of the adaptive immune system
Correct Answer: D) All of the above are features of the adaptive immune system
Rationale: All options describe key characteristics of adaptive immunity. Unlike
innate immunity, adaptive immunity is specific, inducible, and possesses
immunological memory .
2. A loss of proteins, such as albumin, from the plasma will result in:
A) A shift of fluid from the interstitial fluid to the plasma
B) A shift of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid
C) No change in overall fluid movement between the plasma and interstitial fluid
D) A swelling of cells due to increase in intracellular fluid
Correct Answer: B) A shift of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid
Rationale: Plasma proteins like albumin contribute to plasma oncotic pressure,
which pulls fluid into the capillaries. A loss of these proteins reduces this pressure,
,allowing more fluid to leave the plasma and accumulate in the interstitial space,
leading to edema .
3. Which of the following is NOT a circulating plasma protein system involved in
inflammation?
A) Complement
B) Clotting
C) Kinin
D) Carbonic anhydrase
Correct Answer: D) Carbonic anhydrase
Rationale: The complement, clotting, and kinin systems are three plasma protein
systems that play crucial roles in the inflammatory response. Carbonic anhydrase is
an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic
acid and is not considered a circulating plasma protein in this context .
4. Which of the following is NOT a non-volatile acid in the body?
A) Lactic acid
B) Ketone bodies
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Carbonic acid
Correct Answer: D) Carbonic acid
Rationale: Non-volatile acids (also called fixed acids) include lactic acid, ketone
bodies, and sulfuric acid. They cannot be eliminated as a gas and must be buffered
and excreted by the kidneys. Carbonic acid is a volatile acid that can be converted
to CO2 and eliminated by the lungs .
5. Increased capillary permeability will result in:
A) Increased net movement of fluid into the vessels
B) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased loss of fluid, as proteins also leave, from vessels
D) Increased capillary hydrostatic forces
Correct Answer: C) Increased loss of fluid, as proteins also leave, from vessels
Rationale: When capillary permeability increases, plasma proteins escape into the
interstitial space. This loss of proteins reduces capillary oncotic pressure and
increases interstitial oncotic pressure, leading to more fluid leaving the vessels and
causing edema .
6. Papilledema is an indicator of which problem?
A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Decreased blood pressure
,C) Kidney failure
D) Liver failure
Correct Answer: A) Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Papilledema is the swelling of the optic disc caused by increased
intracranial pressure. It is a clinical sign that indicates elevated pressure within the
cranium, often due to conditions such as tumors, meningitis, or head trauma .
7. Which of the following is NOT a cause of edema?
A) Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased capillary permeability
D) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Correct Answer: D) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Edema is caused by increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (forcing
fluid out), decreased plasma oncotic pressure (reduced fluid reabsorption),
increased capillary permeability (allowing proteins and fluid to escape), and
lymphatic obstruction. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure would favor
reabsorption, not edema .
8. The fluid exchange between the arterial end and the venous end of a capillary
bed results in all the fluid that leaked out of the capillary being reabsorbed and
retained within the vessels with no net loss of fluid.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: B) False
Rationale: There is a slight imbalance; slightly more fluid leaves the capillary at
the arterial end than is reabsorbed at the venous end. The excess is returned to the
circulation by the lymphatic system. Therefore, there is a net loss of fluid from the
capillary .
9. What percentage of total body water is located within the intravascular space of
the extracellular fluid?
A) Two-thirds (66%)
B) One-quarter (4-5%)
C) Three-fourths (75%)
D) One-third (33%)
Correct Answer: B) One-quarter (4-5%)
Rationale: The extracellular fluid (ECF) is composed of interstitial fluid
(approximately 75%) and intravascular fluid (plasma), which makes up about 25%
, of the ECF. Since ECF comprises about 20% of total body water, plasma is
approximately 4-5% of total body water .
10. A stroke affecting the temporal lobe is most likely to show signs and symptoms
affecting the:
A) Patient's vision
B) Autonomic nervous system
C) Facial nerve (Bell's Palsy)
D) Patient's speech or hearing
Correct Answer: D) Patient's speech or hearing
Rationale: The temporal lobe contains the primary auditory cortex, which is
responsible for processing hearing, as well as Wernicke's area, which is involved in
language comprehension. A stroke in this area would most likely result in deficits
in these functions .
11. Which of the following forces, when increased, would cause a shift from the
plasma to the interstitial space according to Starling's law?
A) Capillary oncotic pressure
B) Interstitial oncotic pressure
C) Plasma hydrostatic pressure
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D) Both B and C
Rationale: The forces favoring filtration (movement of fluid out of the capillary)
are capillary hydrostatic pressure and interstitial oncotic pressure. Forces favoring
reabsorption (fluid moving into the capillary) are capillary oncotic pressure and
interstitial hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, an increase in either interstitial oncotic
pressure or plasma hydrostatic pressure would promote a shift from plasma to the
interstitial space .
12. The primary extracellular cation is:
A) Potassium
B) Calcium
C) Sodium
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: C) Sodium
Rationale: Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid. It
plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and nerve
impulse transmission. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation .
13. Which of the following is a function of the kinin system?
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE LATEST
2026 ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive 200-question exam bank covers the full spectrum of BIO
669 Human Pathophysiology, including fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-
base disorders, immunology (innate and adaptive immunity, complement,
inflammation), neurology (brain lobes, autonomic nervous system),
cardiovascular physiology, and renal function. Questions address Starling's
forces, edema causes, electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, phosphate), acid-base disturbances (respiratory and metabolic
acidosis/alkalosis), immune system components, and neurological pathways.
Each unique question features multiple-choice format with correct answers
and detailed rationales to reinforce understanding of pathophysiological
mechanisms. The bank emphasizes clinical application, critical thinking, and
integration of physiological concepts essential for nursing and health science
students preparing for comprehensive pathophysiology examinations.
1. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the adaptive immune system?
A) It is inducible and long-lived
B) It is specific in terms of targeting
C) It has memory and responds differently to re-infection by the same organism
D) All of the above are features of the adaptive immune system
Correct Answer: D) All of the above are features of the adaptive immune system
Rationale: All options describe key characteristics of adaptive immunity. Unlike
innate immunity, adaptive immunity is specific, inducible, and possesses
immunological memory .
2. A loss of proteins, such as albumin, from the plasma will result in:
A) A shift of fluid from the interstitial fluid to the plasma
B) A shift of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid
C) No change in overall fluid movement between the plasma and interstitial fluid
D) A swelling of cells due to increase in intracellular fluid
Correct Answer: B) A shift of fluid from the plasma to the interstitial fluid
Rationale: Plasma proteins like albumin contribute to plasma oncotic pressure,
which pulls fluid into the capillaries. A loss of these proteins reduces this pressure,
,allowing more fluid to leave the plasma and accumulate in the interstitial space,
leading to edema .
3. Which of the following is NOT a circulating plasma protein system involved in
inflammation?
A) Complement
B) Clotting
C) Kinin
D) Carbonic anhydrase
Correct Answer: D) Carbonic anhydrase
Rationale: The complement, clotting, and kinin systems are three plasma protein
systems that play crucial roles in the inflammatory response. Carbonic anhydrase is
an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic
acid and is not considered a circulating plasma protein in this context .
4. Which of the following is NOT a non-volatile acid in the body?
A) Lactic acid
B) Ketone bodies
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Carbonic acid
Correct Answer: D) Carbonic acid
Rationale: Non-volatile acids (also called fixed acids) include lactic acid, ketone
bodies, and sulfuric acid. They cannot be eliminated as a gas and must be buffered
and excreted by the kidneys. Carbonic acid is a volatile acid that can be converted
to CO2 and eliminated by the lungs .
5. Increased capillary permeability will result in:
A) Increased net movement of fluid into the vessels
B) Increased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased loss of fluid, as proteins also leave, from vessels
D) Increased capillary hydrostatic forces
Correct Answer: C) Increased loss of fluid, as proteins also leave, from vessels
Rationale: When capillary permeability increases, plasma proteins escape into the
interstitial space. This loss of proteins reduces capillary oncotic pressure and
increases interstitial oncotic pressure, leading to more fluid leaving the vessels and
causing edema .
6. Papilledema is an indicator of which problem?
A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Decreased blood pressure
,C) Kidney failure
D) Liver failure
Correct Answer: A) Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Papilledema is the swelling of the optic disc caused by increased
intracranial pressure. It is a clinical sign that indicates elevated pressure within the
cranium, often due to conditions such as tumors, meningitis, or head trauma .
7. Which of the following is NOT a cause of edema?
A) Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
C) Increased capillary permeability
D) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Correct Answer: D) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
Rationale: Edema is caused by increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (forcing
fluid out), decreased plasma oncotic pressure (reduced fluid reabsorption),
increased capillary permeability (allowing proteins and fluid to escape), and
lymphatic obstruction. Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure would favor
reabsorption, not edema .
8. The fluid exchange between the arterial end and the venous end of a capillary
bed results in all the fluid that leaked out of the capillary being reabsorbed and
retained within the vessels with no net loss of fluid.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: B) False
Rationale: There is a slight imbalance; slightly more fluid leaves the capillary at
the arterial end than is reabsorbed at the venous end. The excess is returned to the
circulation by the lymphatic system. Therefore, there is a net loss of fluid from the
capillary .
9. What percentage of total body water is located within the intravascular space of
the extracellular fluid?
A) Two-thirds (66%)
B) One-quarter (4-5%)
C) Three-fourths (75%)
D) One-third (33%)
Correct Answer: B) One-quarter (4-5%)
Rationale: The extracellular fluid (ECF) is composed of interstitial fluid
(approximately 75%) and intravascular fluid (plasma), which makes up about 25%
, of the ECF. Since ECF comprises about 20% of total body water, plasma is
approximately 4-5% of total body water .
10. A stroke affecting the temporal lobe is most likely to show signs and symptoms
affecting the:
A) Patient's vision
B) Autonomic nervous system
C) Facial nerve (Bell's Palsy)
D) Patient's speech or hearing
Correct Answer: D) Patient's speech or hearing
Rationale: The temporal lobe contains the primary auditory cortex, which is
responsible for processing hearing, as well as Wernicke's area, which is involved in
language comprehension. A stroke in this area would most likely result in deficits
in these functions .
11. Which of the following forces, when increased, would cause a shift from the
plasma to the interstitial space according to Starling's law?
A) Capillary oncotic pressure
B) Interstitial oncotic pressure
C) Plasma hydrostatic pressure
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D) Both B and C
Rationale: The forces favoring filtration (movement of fluid out of the capillary)
are capillary hydrostatic pressure and interstitial oncotic pressure. Forces favoring
reabsorption (fluid moving into the capillary) are capillary oncotic pressure and
interstitial hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, an increase in either interstitial oncotic
pressure or plasma hydrostatic pressure would promote a shift from plasma to the
interstitial space .
12. The primary extracellular cation is:
A) Potassium
B) Calcium
C) Sodium
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: C) Sodium
Rationale: Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid. It
plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and nerve
impulse transmission. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation .
13. Which of the following is a function of the kinin system?
