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
Correct Answer: Hemopoiesis
Rationale: Hemopoiesis, also called hematopoiesis, is the overarching term for the
production of all blood cells, including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. Erythropoiesis
refers specifically to red blood cell production, leukopoiesis to white blood cell production,
and thrombopoiesis to platelet production.
7. Which stem cell in the red bone marrow serves as the common ancestor for all formed
elements of blood?
A) Myeloblast