Q&A | Portage Learning
Here are 100 original NCLEX-style practice questions for BIOD 101 Module 6 | Essential
Biology I. This module focuses on fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; nutrition
and metabolism; thermoregulation; stress and adaptation; aging; population genetics;
ecology; and clinical prioritization.
Question 1:
A nurse is teaching about body fluid compartments. Which compartment contains the
largest volume of water in the body?
A. Intracellular fluid
B. Interstitial fluid
C. Plasma
D. Transcellular fluid
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
Intracellular fluid (ICF) accounts for about two-thirds of total body water, making it the
largest fluid compartment.
Question 2:
Which electrolyte is the primary cation in extracellular fluid?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Sodium is the primary cation in extracellular fluid and is essential for fluid balance,
nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Question 3:
Which electrolyte is the primary cation in intracellular fluid?
,A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Potassium is the primary intracellular cation and is essential for nerve conduction and
muscle contraction.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of aldosterone?
A. Increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion
B. Decrease sodium reabsorption
C. Increase water excretion
D. Decrease blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys,
helping regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.
Question 5:
What is the primary function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
A. Increase water reabsorption in the kidneys
B. Increase sodium excretion
C. Decrease blood volume
D. Increase urine output
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
ADH increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, concentrating urine and
reducing urine output.
Question 6:
A client has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
,A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia.
Question 7:
A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
A serum potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can cause
cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 8:
A client has a serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A serum calcium level below 8.5 mg/dL indicates hypocalcemia, which can cause tetany
and seizures.
, Question 9:
A client has a serum magnesium level of 1.0 mEq/L. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypomagnesemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A serum magnesium level below 1.3 mEq/L indicates hypomagnesemia.
Question 10:
A client has a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance is this?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
A low pH with elevated PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis due to hypoventilation.
Question 11:
A client has a pH of 7.50, PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance is this?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A high pH with low PaCO2 indicates respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation.