Which electrolyte is associated with a change in pH of blood?
Calcium
Sodium
Magnesium
Potassium
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Calcium
Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. While calcium is essential for maintaining overall health, it is not directly associated with changes in blood pH. Calcium levels are tightly regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, but these do not significantly influence blood pH.
Choice B: Sodium
Sodium is a major extracellular electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Although sodium is vital for maintaining osmotic balance and blood pressure, it does not directly affect blood pH. Sodium levels are primarily controlled by the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone, which do not have a direct impact on the acid-base balance of the blood.
Choice C: Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and blood glucose control. While magnesium is important for overall health, it does not have a direct role in altering blood pH. Magnesium levels are regulated by the kidneys and are essential for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, but they do not directly influence the acid-base balance.
Choice D: Potassium
Potassium is a key intracellular electrolyte that plays a significant role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood. Changes in potassium levels can affect the pH of the blood. For example, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can lead to acidosis, while hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can lead to alkalosis. Potassium helps regulate the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood, which directly impacts the pH. Therefore, potassium is the electrolyte most closely associated with changes in blood pH.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Alkalosis
Alkalosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.25, which indicates an acidic environment rather than an alkaline one. Therefore, alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice B: Respiratory
Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is determined by the levels of PaCO2. In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 is elevated, while in respiratory alkalosis, PaCO2 is decreased. Here, the PaCO2 is 20 mm Hg, which is below the normal range, indicating a respiratory component. However, the primary issue is not respiratory because the HCO3- is also significantly low, pointing towards a metabolic cause.
Choice C: Metabolic
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3- level. In this case, the pH is 7.25, and the HCO3- is 10 mEq/L, both of which are below the normal ranges. This indicates that the primary acid-base imbalance is metabolic acidosis.
Choice D: Acidosis
Acidosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range (below 7.35). The given pH of 7.25 confirms that the patient is experiencing acidosis. However, this choice alone does not specify whether it is metabolic or respiratory acidosis.
Choice E: With Compensation (Being Compensated)
Compensation refers to the body’s attempt to return the pH to normal by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 or HCO3-. In this case, the low PaCO2 suggests that there is a respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis. However, the primary imbalance remains metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Biotransformation, also known as drug metabolism, is the process by which the body chemically alters a drug. This typically occurs in the liver and results in the conversion of the drug into metabolites, which can be more easily excreted from the body. Biotransformation is crucial for drug elimination but is not the process by which a drug is transported to receptor sites.
Choice B Reason:
Distribution is the correct answer. This process involves the dispersion of a drug throughout the body via the bloodstream after it has been absorbed. The drug is transported to various tissues and organs, including the target receptor sites where it exerts its therapeutic effects. Distribution is influenced by factors such as blood flow, tissue permeability, and the binding of the drug to plasma proteins.
Choice C Reason:
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. While osmosis is a fundamental biological process, it is not involved in the transport of drugs to receptor sites.
Choice D Reason:
Absorption is the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. This can occur through various routes, such as oral, intravenous, or transdermal. Absorption is the initial step in drug delivery, but it is not the process by which the drug is transported to receptor sites.
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