U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A AT B I R M I N G H A M · S C H O O L O F N U R S I N G
NURS 612 Exam 2
Practice Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Renal, GI, Hematology — Advanced Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NURS 612 · UAB Page 1
,NURS 612 PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Renal, GI, Hematology — Advanced Pathophysiology
1 What is the primary function of the renal system?
A Maintain a stable internal environment for optimal cell and tissue metabolism
B Filter waste products only
C Regulate blood pressure only
D Produce hormones only
Correct Answer: A — The primary function of the renal system is to maintain a stable
internal environment for optimal cell and tissue metabolism.
B — Filtration is one function, not the primary overall function.
C — BP regulation is one function.
D — Hormone production is one function.
,2 The renal artery is very _____, blood in the kidney moves with ____ pressure, which is
necessary for filtration.
A short; high
B long; low
C short; low
D long; high
Correct Answer: A — The renal artery is very short, and blood in the kidney moves with
high pressure, which is necessary for filtration.
B — The renal artery is short, not long.
C — The pressure is high, not low.
D — The artery is short, not long.
3 The Juxtaglomerular Apparatus's large-scale function is controlling:
A Blood pressure (by controlling renal blood flow and filtration)
B Sodium reabsorption
C Potassium secretion
D Acid-base balance
Correct Answer: A — The JGA controls blood pressure by regulating renal blood flow and
filtration.
B — Sodium reabsorption is controlled by other mechanisms.
C — Potassium secretion is controlled by other mechanisms.
D — Acid-base balance is controlled by other mechanisms.
, 4 Juxtaglomerular cells are located:
A Around the afferent arteriole where it enters the glomerulus
B Between the afferent and efferent arterioles in the distal convoluted tubule
C In the renal medulla
D In the collecting duct
Correct Answer: A — Juxtaglomerular cells are located around the afferent arteriole where
it enters the glomerulus.
B — This describes the macula densa.
C — The renal medulla is not the location.
D — The collecting duct is not the location.
5 The macula densa is composed of:
A Sodium-sensing cells located between the afferent and efferent arterioles of the
distal convoluted tubule
B Cells that produce renin
C Cells located in the proximal convoluted tubule
D Cells that filter blood
Correct Answer: A — The macula densa is composed of sodium-sensing cells located
between the afferent and efferent arterioles.
B — Juxtaglomerular cells produce renin.
C — The macula densa is in the distal convoluted tubule.
D — Glomerular cells filter blood.
NURS 612 Exam 2
Practice Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Renal, GI, Hematology — Advanced Pathophysiology
Edition 1 · September 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NURS 612 · UAB Page 1
,NURS 612 PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Renal, GI, Hematology — Advanced Pathophysiology
1 What is the primary function of the renal system?
A Maintain a stable internal environment for optimal cell and tissue metabolism
B Filter waste products only
C Regulate blood pressure only
D Produce hormones only
Correct Answer: A — The primary function of the renal system is to maintain a stable
internal environment for optimal cell and tissue metabolism.
B — Filtration is one function, not the primary overall function.
C — BP regulation is one function.
D — Hormone production is one function.
,2 The renal artery is very _____, blood in the kidney moves with ____ pressure, which is
necessary for filtration.
A short; high
B long; low
C short; low
D long; high
Correct Answer: A — The renal artery is very short, and blood in the kidney moves with
high pressure, which is necessary for filtration.
B — The renal artery is short, not long.
C — The pressure is high, not low.
D — The artery is short, not long.
3 The Juxtaglomerular Apparatus's large-scale function is controlling:
A Blood pressure (by controlling renal blood flow and filtration)
B Sodium reabsorption
C Potassium secretion
D Acid-base balance
Correct Answer: A — The JGA controls blood pressure by regulating renal blood flow and
filtration.
B — Sodium reabsorption is controlled by other mechanisms.
C — Potassium secretion is controlled by other mechanisms.
D — Acid-base balance is controlled by other mechanisms.
, 4 Juxtaglomerular cells are located:
A Around the afferent arteriole where it enters the glomerulus
B Between the afferent and efferent arterioles in the distal convoluted tubule
C In the renal medulla
D In the collecting duct
Correct Answer: A — Juxtaglomerular cells are located around the afferent arteriole where
it enters the glomerulus.
B — This describes the macula densa.
C — The renal medulla is not the location.
D — The collecting duct is not the location.
5 The macula densa is composed of:
A Sodium-sensing cells located between the afferent and efferent arterioles of the
distal convoluted tubule
B Cells that produce renin
C Cells located in the proximal convoluted tubule
D Cells that filter blood
Correct Answer: A — The macula densa is composed of sodium-sensing cells located
between the afferent and efferent arterioles.
B — Juxtaglomerular cells produce renin.
C — The macula densa is in the distal convoluted tubule.
D — Glomerular cells filter blood.
