LAB MED EXAM 2 | QUESTIONS, ANSWERS
AND DETAILED RATIONALES | COMPLETE
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Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
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,What is the significance of resting membrane potential (RMP) D) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes less negative
in electrolyte balance?
Explanation: Depolarization refers to the process where the resting membrane potential
A) The resting potential is positively charged at all times becomes less negative, typically as a result of electrolyte shifts.
B) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes more
negative
C) Electrolytes do not affect the resting membrane potential
D) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes less
negative
Which of the following is NOT included in a basic metabolic C) Total Bilirubin
panel (BMP)?
Explanation: Total Bilirubin is part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), not the
A) Sodium BMP
B) Glucose
C) Total Bilirubin
D) Creatinine
What is the primary purpose of measuring sodium levels in a B) To evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance
BMP?
Explanation: Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
A) To assess liver function
B) To evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance
C) To determine kidney function
D) To assess blood glucose levels
Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing renal B) Aldosterone
reabsorption of sodium?
Explanation: Aldosterone stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, helping regulate
A) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) fluid balance and blood pressure.
B) Aldosterone
C) Natriuretic hormone
D) Insulin
What is the normal range for potassium (K+) levels? B) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
A) 2.5-4.5 mEq/L Explanation: The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
B) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
C) 4.0-6.0 mEq/L
D) 5.0-7.0 mEq/L
,Which additional tests are included in the Comprehensive B) Total Protein and Bilirubin
Metabolic Panel (CMP) compared to the BMP?
Explanation: The CMP includes tests for liver function, such as total protein and bilirubin.
A) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B) Total Protein and Bilirubin
C) Thyroid Function Tests
D) Hemoglobin A1C
What is the purpose of measuring glucose levels in a CMP? C) To determine carbohydrate metabolism
A) To assess liver function Explanation: Glucose levels indicate how well the body metabolizes carbohydrates.
B) To evaluate kidney health
C) To determine carbohydrate metabolism
D) To assess electrolyte balance
Which of the following electrolytes is the major determinant of A) Sodium
extracellular osmolality?
Explanation: Sodium is the primary electrolyte that regulates extracellular osmolality,
A) Sodium affecting fluid balance
B) Potassium
C) Chloride
D) Bicarbonate
What condition is indicated by a sodium level lower than 135 B) Hyponatremia
mEq/L?
Explanation: Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels in the blood.
A) Hypernatremia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypokalemia
What is the normal range of sodium (Na+) in the blood? B) 135-145 mEq/L
A) 100-130 mEq/L Explanation: Normal sodium levels range between 135 and 145 mEq/L, and deviations
B) 135-145 mEq/L from this can indicate fluid or electrolyte imbalances.
C) 150-160 mEq/L
D) 120-135 mEq/L
, Which of the following factors does NOT regulate serum D) Insulin
sodium levels?
Explanation: Insulin primarily regulates glucose metabolism, not sodium levels. Sodium is
A) Aldosterone regulated by hormones like aldosterone and ADH.
B) Renal excretion
C) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D) Insulin
What is a potential cause of hyponatremia (Na+ < 135 mEq/L)? A) Increased water intake
A) Increased water intake Explanation: Excessive water intake dilutes sodium in the blood, leading to hyponatremia.
B) Hyperaldosteronism
C) High-sodium diet
D) Excessive sweating
Which condition is NOT associated with increased sodium D) Hyperaldosteronism
loss?
Explanation: Hyperaldosteronism causes sodium retention, not loss. The other conditions
A) Addison's disease are associated with increased sodium loss.
B) Diuretic use
C) Chronic renal insufficiency
D) Hyperaldosteronism
In hyponatremia, what effect does hyperglycemia have on C) Decreases sodium concentration
sodium levels?
Explanation: Hyperglycemia causes water to move into the extracellular space, diluting
A) Increases sodium concentration sodium levels and lowering its concentration.
B) Has no effect on sodium
C) Decreases sodium concentration
D) Increases sodium reabsorption
Which of the following is a sign of severe hyponatremia (Na+ < B) Confusion progressing to stupor
115 mEq/L)?
Explanation: Severe hyponatremia can cause neurological symptoms, including
A) Tremors confusion, lethargy, and stupor
B) Confusion progressing to stupor
C) Hypotension
D) Muscle cramps
AND DETAILED RATIONALES | COMPLETE
STUDY GUIDE
| GRADED A+ | GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep
,What is the significance of resting membrane potential (RMP) D) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes less negative
in electrolyte balance?
Explanation: Depolarization refers to the process where the resting membrane potential
A) The resting potential is positively charged at all times becomes less negative, typically as a result of electrolyte shifts.
B) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes more
negative
C) Electrolytes do not affect the resting membrane potential
D) Depolarization occurs when the RMP becomes less
negative
Which of the following is NOT included in a basic metabolic C) Total Bilirubin
panel (BMP)?
Explanation: Total Bilirubin is part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), not the
A) Sodium BMP
B) Glucose
C) Total Bilirubin
D) Creatinine
What is the primary purpose of measuring sodium levels in a B) To evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance
BMP?
Explanation: Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
A) To assess liver function
B) To evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance
C) To determine kidney function
D) To assess blood glucose levels
Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing renal B) Aldosterone
reabsorption of sodium?
Explanation: Aldosterone stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium, helping regulate
A) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) fluid balance and blood pressure.
B) Aldosterone
C) Natriuretic hormone
D) Insulin
What is the normal range for potassium (K+) levels? B) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
A) 2.5-4.5 mEq/L Explanation: The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
B) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
C) 4.0-6.0 mEq/L
D) 5.0-7.0 mEq/L
,Which additional tests are included in the Comprehensive B) Total Protein and Bilirubin
Metabolic Panel (CMP) compared to the BMP?
Explanation: The CMP includes tests for liver function, such as total protein and bilirubin.
A) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B) Total Protein and Bilirubin
C) Thyroid Function Tests
D) Hemoglobin A1C
What is the purpose of measuring glucose levels in a CMP? C) To determine carbohydrate metabolism
A) To assess liver function Explanation: Glucose levels indicate how well the body metabolizes carbohydrates.
B) To evaluate kidney health
C) To determine carbohydrate metabolism
D) To assess electrolyte balance
Which of the following electrolytes is the major determinant of A) Sodium
extracellular osmolality?
Explanation: Sodium is the primary electrolyte that regulates extracellular osmolality,
A) Sodium affecting fluid balance
B) Potassium
C) Chloride
D) Bicarbonate
What condition is indicated by a sodium level lower than 135 B) Hyponatremia
mEq/L?
Explanation: Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels in the blood.
A) Hypernatremia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypokalemia
What is the normal range of sodium (Na+) in the blood? B) 135-145 mEq/L
A) 100-130 mEq/L Explanation: Normal sodium levels range between 135 and 145 mEq/L, and deviations
B) 135-145 mEq/L from this can indicate fluid or electrolyte imbalances.
C) 150-160 mEq/L
D) 120-135 mEq/L
, Which of the following factors does NOT regulate serum D) Insulin
sodium levels?
Explanation: Insulin primarily regulates glucose metabolism, not sodium levels. Sodium is
A) Aldosterone regulated by hormones like aldosterone and ADH.
B) Renal excretion
C) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
D) Insulin
What is a potential cause of hyponatremia (Na+ < 135 mEq/L)? A) Increased water intake
A) Increased water intake Explanation: Excessive water intake dilutes sodium in the blood, leading to hyponatremia.
B) Hyperaldosteronism
C) High-sodium diet
D) Excessive sweating
Which condition is NOT associated with increased sodium D) Hyperaldosteronism
loss?
Explanation: Hyperaldosteronism causes sodium retention, not loss. The other conditions
A) Addison's disease are associated with increased sodium loss.
B) Diuretic use
C) Chronic renal insufficiency
D) Hyperaldosteronism
In hyponatremia, what effect does hyperglycemia have on C) Decreases sodium concentration
sodium levels?
Explanation: Hyperglycemia causes water to move into the extracellular space, diluting
A) Increases sodium concentration sodium levels and lowering its concentration.
B) Has no effect on sodium
C) Decreases sodium concentration
D) Increases sodium reabsorption
Which of the following is a sign of severe hyponatremia (Na+ < B) Confusion progressing to stupor
115 mEq/L)?
Explanation: Severe hyponatremia can cause neurological symptoms, including
A) Tremors confusion, lethargy, and stupor
B) Confusion progressing to stupor
C) Hypotension
D) Muscle cramps
