,Portage Pathophysiology Module 8
Exam | Complete Q&A Guide
2025/2026 | 300 Practice Questions
with Rationales
1. What is the normal GFR range for a healthy adult?
A) 60-80 mL/min
B) 80-100 mL/min
C) 120-125 mL/min
D) 150-175 mL/min
Rationale: Normal GFR is approximately 120-125 mL/min in healthy adults. GFR values
below this indicate impaired kidney function, while values that are too rapid can lead to
nutrient loss.
2. The glomerulus is located between which two structures?
A) Afferent arteriole and efferent venule
B) Afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole
C) Efferent arteriole and peritubular capillaries
D) Afferent venule and efferent arteriole
Rationale: The glomerulus sits between two arterioles - afferent and efferent. This
arrangement creates the high-pressure system necessary for filtration. Arterioles are high-
resistance vessels, enabling the pressure gradient needed for glomerular filtration.
3. Which of the following statements about ADH is FALSE?
A) ADH increases water reabsorption in collecting ducts
,B) Decreased ADH leads to dilute urine
C) Elevated ADH leads to dilute urine
D) ADH acts via aquaporins
Rationale: This statement is false because elevated ADH actually leads to concentrated
urine, not dilute urine. ADH increases water reabsorption by inserting aquaporins into
collecting duct membranes, producing concentrated urine. Decreased ADH results in dilute
urine.
4. The RAA system activates when:
A) Blood pressure drops below normal limits
B) Blood pressure rises above normal limits
C) Blood glucose increases
D) Oxygen levels decrease
Rationale: The RAA system responds to hypotension or hypovolemia by releasing renin,
which ultimately increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction and sodium/water
retention. It does not activate when blood pressure rises; that would require counter-
regulatory mechanisms.
5. Which stage of CKD has a GFR between 30-44 mL/min?
A) Stage 3a
B) Stage 3b
C) Stage 4
D) Stage 5
Rationale: Stage 3b CKD is defined by GFR of 30-44 mL/min. Stage 3a is 45-59 mL/min,
Stage 4 is 15-29 mL/min, and Stage 5 is less than 15 mL/min.
6. Potassium is secreted by which cells in the nephron?
A) Intercalated cells
B) Principal cells
, C) Podocytes
D) Mesangial cells
Rationale: Principal cells in the collecting duct are responsible for potassium secretion.
Intercalated cells are primarily involved in acid-base balance through hydrogen ion
secretion and bicarbonate reabsorption.
7. Which part of the kidney contains the glomeruli and convoluted tubules?
A) Renal cortex
B) Renal medulla
C) Renal pelvis
D) Renal papilla
Rationale: The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney that houses the glomeruli
and convoluted tubules. The renal medulla contains the loops of Henle and collecting
ducts.
8. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II in the:
A) Kidney
B) Lungs
C) Liver
D) Heart
Rationale: Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme
(ACE) primarily in the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs. This is a common point of
confusion, as many students incorrectly believe this occurs in the kidneys.
9. Which of the following is TRUE about renal autoregulation?
A) Afferent arteriole constriction increases GFR
B) Efferent arteriole constriction increases GFR
C) Afferent arteriole dilation decreases GFR
D) Efferent arteriole dilation increases GFR
Exam | Complete Q&A Guide
2025/2026 | 300 Practice Questions
with Rationales
1. What is the normal GFR range for a healthy adult?
A) 60-80 mL/min
B) 80-100 mL/min
C) 120-125 mL/min
D) 150-175 mL/min
Rationale: Normal GFR is approximately 120-125 mL/min in healthy adults. GFR values
below this indicate impaired kidney function, while values that are too rapid can lead to
nutrient loss.
2. The glomerulus is located between which two structures?
A) Afferent arteriole and efferent venule
B) Afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole
C) Efferent arteriole and peritubular capillaries
D) Afferent venule and efferent arteriole
Rationale: The glomerulus sits between two arterioles - afferent and efferent. This
arrangement creates the high-pressure system necessary for filtration. Arterioles are high-
resistance vessels, enabling the pressure gradient needed for glomerular filtration.
3. Which of the following statements about ADH is FALSE?
A) ADH increases water reabsorption in collecting ducts
,B) Decreased ADH leads to dilute urine
C) Elevated ADH leads to dilute urine
D) ADH acts via aquaporins
Rationale: This statement is false because elevated ADH actually leads to concentrated
urine, not dilute urine. ADH increases water reabsorption by inserting aquaporins into
collecting duct membranes, producing concentrated urine. Decreased ADH results in dilute
urine.
4. The RAA system activates when:
A) Blood pressure drops below normal limits
B) Blood pressure rises above normal limits
C) Blood glucose increases
D) Oxygen levels decrease
Rationale: The RAA system responds to hypotension or hypovolemia by releasing renin,
which ultimately increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction and sodium/water
retention. It does not activate when blood pressure rises; that would require counter-
regulatory mechanisms.
5. Which stage of CKD has a GFR between 30-44 mL/min?
A) Stage 3a
B) Stage 3b
C) Stage 4
D) Stage 5
Rationale: Stage 3b CKD is defined by GFR of 30-44 mL/min. Stage 3a is 45-59 mL/min,
Stage 4 is 15-29 mL/min, and Stage 5 is less than 15 mL/min.
6. Potassium is secreted by which cells in the nephron?
A) Intercalated cells
B) Principal cells
, C) Podocytes
D) Mesangial cells
Rationale: Principal cells in the collecting duct are responsible for potassium secretion.
Intercalated cells are primarily involved in acid-base balance through hydrogen ion
secretion and bicarbonate reabsorption.
7. Which part of the kidney contains the glomeruli and convoluted tubules?
A) Renal cortex
B) Renal medulla
C) Renal pelvis
D) Renal papilla
Rationale: The renal cortex is the outer portion of the kidney that houses the glomeruli
and convoluted tubules. The renal medulla contains the loops of Henle and collecting
ducts.
8. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II in the:
A) Kidney
B) Lungs
C) Liver
D) Heart
Rationale: Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme
(ACE) primarily in the pulmonary capillaries of the lungs. This is a common point of
confusion, as many students incorrectly believe this occurs in the kidneys.
9. Which of the following is TRUE about renal autoregulation?
A) Afferent arteriole constriction increases GFR
B) Efferent arteriole constriction increases GFR
C) Afferent arteriole dilation decreases GFR
D) Efferent arteriole dilation increases GFR
