Final answer:
The incorrect statement about whole blood is that it is slightly alkaline at room temperature, when in fact, blood is normally slightly alkaline with a pH of approximately 7.35 to 7.45.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is incorrect about whole blood is that it is slightly alkaline at room temperature. The pH of blood typically ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. Blood is also known to be approximately five times more viscous than water due to the proteins and formed elements in the plasma, such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. It is true that blood accounts for about 8% of the total body weight and has a specific gravity higher than water due to its composition.
Furthermore, blood has a characteristic metallic taste, which is due to the iron content in hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Also, note that blood consists of plasma, which is about 92 percent water and contains many dissolved substances including proteins, glucose, mineral ions, hormones, and carbon dioxide.