FLUID, ELECTROLYTE & ACID-BASE
BALANCE EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Describe average values for total body water in body men and women. Explain the
difference in total body water. - ANS -women: 50-60% H2O
-men: 60-70% H2O
-There is a difference b/c *women have more body fat and less skeletal muscle* than men
-body weight *(kg) x .6 = TBW*
-as mass increases, TBW increased
Identify the two major fluid compartments of the body. - ANS -intracellular fluid (ICF)
-extracellular fluid (ECF)
-->plasma
--> interstitial
What proportion of total body water is found in each of the above compartments (#2)? -
ANS -ICF- 2/3 of body fluid
-ECF- 1/3 of body fluid
Identify the subdivisions of the extracellular fluid compartment (ECF). What
proportion of the ECF is found in each of the compartments? - ANS -*Plasma*- 20%
1 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
, -*interstitial fluid*- 80%
What barrier separates the ECF and ICF? What barrier separates the plasma and
interstitial fluid? - ANS -ECF/ICF barrier- cell walls
-Plasma/interstitial barrier- capillary walls
Compare and contrast the electrolyte profile of the ECF and ICF. (ECF) - ANS -↑
concentrations of Na+, Cl-, HCO3-
-↓ concentrations of K+, HPO4 2- (hydrogen phosphate), SO4 2- (sulfate)
-major cation: Na+
-major anion: Cl-
Compare and contrast the electrolyte profile of the ECF and ICF. (ICF) - ANS -↑
concentrations of K+, HPO4 2- (hydrogen phosphate), SO4 2- (sulfate)
-↓ concentrations of Na+, Cl-, HCO3-
-major cation: K+
-major anion: HPO4 2- and proteins
What is the primary difference in solute composition between the plasma and interstitial
fluid? - ANS plasma has *fewer chloride ions* and a *high protein count*
Identify and describe the two forces responsible for fluid movement from one fluid
compartment to another. - ANS -*osmotic pressure* pulls fluid in or holds it in
2 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
BALANCE EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Describe average values for total body water in body men and women. Explain the
difference in total body water. - ANS -women: 50-60% H2O
-men: 60-70% H2O
-There is a difference b/c *women have more body fat and less skeletal muscle* than men
-body weight *(kg) x .6 = TBW*
-as mass increases, TBW increased
Identify the two major fluid compartments of the body. - ANS -intracellular fluid (ICF)
-extracellular fluid (ECF)
-->plasma
--> interstitial
What proportion of total body water is found in each of the above compartments (#2)? -
ANS -ICF- 2/3 of body fluid
-ECF- 1/3 of body fluid
Identify the subdivisions of the extracellular fluid compartment (ECF). What
proportion of the ECF is found in each of the compartments? - ANS -*Plasma*- 20%
1 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
, -*interstitial fluid*- 80%
What barrier separates the ECF and ICF? What barrier separates the plasma and
interstitial fluid? - ANS -ECF/ICF barrier- cell walls
-Plasma/interstitial barrier- capillary walls
Compare and contrast the electrolyte profile of the ECF and ICF. (ECF) - ANS -↑
concentrations of Na+, Cl-, HCO3-
-↓ concentrations of K+, HPO4 2- (hydrogen phosphate), SO4 2- (sulfate)
-major cation: Na+
-major anion: Cl-
Compare and contrast the electrolyte profile of the ECF and ICF. (ICF) - ANS -↑
concentrations of K+, HPO4 2- (hydrogen phosphate), SO4 2- (sulfate)
-↓ concentrations of Na+, Cl-, HCO3-
-major cation: K+
-major anion: HPO4 2- and proteins
What is the primary difference in solute composition between the plasma and interstitial
fluid? - ANS plasma has *fewer chloride ions* and a *high protein count*
Identify and describe the two forces responsible for fluid movement from one fluid
compartment to another. - ANS -*osmotic pressure* pulls fluid in or holds it in
2 @COPYRIGHT THESTAR 2025/2026
