Where is most potassium located in the body?
In the interstitial space
Inside the blood vessels
In the plasma
Inside the cell
The Correct Answer is D
A. In the interstitial space: The interstitial space contains extracellular fluid, but only a small fraction of the body’s potassium is located here. Potassium is primarily an intracellular ion, so the interstitial space accounts for a minor portion of total potassium.
B. Inside the blood vessels: Potassium in the blood vessels represents the intravascular component of extracellular fluid. While serum potassium is measured clinically, it makes up only about 2% of total body potassium.
C. In the plasma: Plasma is part of the extracellular fluid and contains potassium, but like the interstitial and intravascular compartments, it holds only a small fraction of total body potassium.
D. Inside the cell: The majority of the body’s potassium, approximately 98%, is located intracellularly, mainly within muscle and liver cells. Intracellular potassium is essential for maintaining resting membrane potential, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antidiuretic hormone:Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys by increasing the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts. It conserves water and increases blood volume, rather than promoting excretion of sodium and water.
B. Atrial natriuretic peptide:Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released by the atria in response to increased blood volume and pressure. It promotes sodium and water excretion by the kidneys, leading to decreased blood volume and reduced blood pressure, thereby helping maintain fluid balance.
C. Aldosterone:Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid from the adrenal cortex, promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. This action conserves sodium and water, increasing blood volume, rather than promoting their excretion.
D. Adrenalin:Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a catecholamine that primarily affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate, contractility, and vasoconstriction. It does not directly regulate sodium or water excretion and does not play a primary role in fluid balance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. High water intake:Adequate hydration is generally protective for overall health and does not directly contribute to peripheral nerve damage. Excessive water intake is rarely associated with neuropathy unless it leads to electrolyte imbalances, which is uncommon.
B. Low blood sugar:Hypoglycemia can cause temporary neurological symptoms such as confusion, tremors, or dizziness, but it does not typically result in chronic peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is more closely associated with prolonged metabolic disturbances rather than acute low glucose episodes.
C. Eating spicy food:Consuming spicy foods may cause transient sensations such as burning in the mouth or gastrointestinal discomfort, but it does not damage peripheral nerves or contribute to neuropathy. Dietary spices are not risk factors for peripheral nerve disease.
D. Atherosclerosis:Atherosclerosis impairs blood flow to peripheral nerves, leading to ischemia and increased risk of nerve injury. Chronic reduced perfusion can cause sensory deficits, pain, and tingling characteristic of peripheral neuropathy, especially in individuals with coexisting conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
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