Question

Which condition causes increased ECF osmolarity?

A. water intoxication
B. dehydration
C. hemorrhage
D. renal failure

Answer 1

The condition that causes increased extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolarity is D. renal failure.

Explanation:

Renal failure, or impaired kidney function, is a condition that can lead to increased extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolarity. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of water and solutes in the body. In renal failure, the kidneys may not effectively filter and excrete waste products, electrolytes, and excess water, leading to an accumulation of solutes in the extracellular fluid. This increased concentration of solutes raises the osmolarity of the ECF.

Osmolarity is a measure of the concentration of solute particles in a solution, expressed in osmoles per liter (osmol/L). It is calculated using the formula:

Osmolarity = moles of solute / liters of solution.

In the context of renal failure, the impaired excretion of solutes contributes to an elevation in osmolarity. This alteration in osmolarity can have significant physiological effects, impacting cell function, fluid balance, and overall homeostasis. Therefore, identifying and managing renal failure is crucial in preventing complications associated with increased ECF osmolarity.

In summary, renal failure is the condition that causes increased ECF osmolarity. Understanding the role of the kidneys in osmoregulation and the consequences of impaired renal function is essential for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing patients with renal failure.

Answer 2

Dehydration is the condition that leads to an increased extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolarity, as it causes an excessive water loss that raises the concentration of solutes, like sodium, outside the cells.Option b, dehydration is correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition that causes increased ECF osmolarity is dehydration, option b. When the body is dehydrated, there is excessive water loss due to factors such as vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, and sweating. As a result, the concentration of extracellular fluid increases, pulling water out of the cells and causing both extracellular and intracellular compartments to shrink. The body experiences extreme thirst, and symptoms such as a hot and dry body and a dry tongue may occur.

In contrast, water intoxication involves excessive water retention, leading to a diluted ECF osmolarity. Hemorrhage primarily affects blood volume rather than osmolarity directly, and renal failure can cause various imbalances in fluid volume and osmolarity depending on its effects on water and sodium regulation.