What is the primary function of electrolytes in the human body?
To store genetic information
To convert carbohydrates into glucose
To transmit electrical impulses and maintain fluid balance
To act as structural components of bones
The Correct Answer is C
A. To store genetic information: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are the complex organic polymers responsible for genetic storage. Electrolytes like phosphate form part of the nucleic acid backbone, but the electrolytes themselves do not encode information. Information is stored in nitrogenous base sequences.
B. To convert carbohydrates into glucose: The breakdown of complex carbohydrates into glucose is an enzymatic process involving amylases and saccharidases. Electrolytes provide the required environment for enzyme activity but do not catalyze the conversion. Glucose is a monosaccharide, whereas electrolytes are inorganic ions.
C. To transmit electrical impulses and maintain fluid balance: Ions such as sodium and potassium create the electrochemical gradients necessary for depolarization in neurons and myocytes. They also exert osmotic pressure to regulate the distribution of water between compartments. These functions are vital for neuromuscular and hemodynamic stability.
D. To act as structural components of bones: While calcium and phosphate are electrolytes, their role in bone structure involves the formation of solid hydroxyapatite crystals. "Electrolytes" in a physiological context usually refers to these ions in their dissolved, chemically active state. Bone serves as a mineral reservoir for these ions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Promote calcium excretion by the kidneys: While calcitonin can have a mild phosphaturic effect, its primary physiological target for blood calcium reduction is the bone. Renal excretion of calcium is more significantly regulated by parathyroid hormone levels. Calcitonin primarily functions to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone breakdown.
B. Enhance calcium absorption from the gut: Increased intestinal absorption would elevate serum calcium levels, contradicting the goal of calcitonin during hypercalcemia. Calcitriol is the hormone responsible for upregulating calcium-binding proteins in the enterocytes. Calcitonin does not stimulate the synthesis of active Vitamin D.
C. Encourage calcium deposition into bone: This hormone, secreted by parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, inhibits osteoclast activity and stimulates osteoblastic mineral deposition. It effectively shifts ionized calcium from the plasma into the hydroxyapatite matrix. This decreases the circulating concentration of calcium.
D. Stimulate bone resorption: Bone resorption releases calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream, which would worsen a state of hypercalcemia. Parathyroid hormone is the agent that triggers this process to raise blood calcium. Calcitonin acts as a functional antagonist by suppressing bone mineral release.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. There is an excessive amount of free water on one side: A high concentration of free water on one side creates a significant osmotic gradient. This would lead to rapid and substantial water movement toward the side with higher solute concentration. Minimal movement implies the absence of such a gradient.
B. The solutes have all converted to free water: Solutes are distinct chemical entities and do not spontaneously transform into solvent molecules. This explanation lacks a scientific basis in chemistry or physics. Osmosis depends entirely on the presence of stable, non-penetrating solutes to drive movement.
C. The membrane has too many aquaporins: A high density of aquaporins would increase the permeability of the membrane to water. If a concentration gradient existed, this would result in faster, not minimal, water movement. Minimal movement suggests a lack of driving force, not a lack of channels.
D. Both sides of the membrane have an equal solute concentration (isotonic), resulting in no net movement of water: When the osmolarity is identical on both sides, the chemical potential of water is balanced. While individual molecules still cross the membrane, the net flux is zero. This equilibrium state prevents observable changes in fluid volume.
E. The solution on both sides of the membrane is hypertonic: The term hypertonic is relative and requires a comparison between two different environments. If both sides have the same high concentration, they are isotonic to each other. The absolute concentration does not matter as much as the gradient.
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