Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Renal blood flow distribution. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 1: A healthy 30-year-old female has a measured creatinine clearance of 100 mL/min. She has a filtration fraction (FF) of 25%. Serum analysis reveals a creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL and an elevated hematocrit of 0.6. Which of the following is the best estimate of this patient’s renal blood flow?
- A. 1.2 L/min
- B. 600 mL/min
- C. 800 mL/min
- D. 400 mL/min
- E. 1.0 L/min (Correct Answer)
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***1.0 L/min***
- The **renal plasma flow (RPF)** can be calculated by dividing the **creatinine clearance (which approximates GFR)** by the **filtration fraction (FF)**: RPF = GFR / FF = 100 mL/min / 0.25 = 400 mL/min.
- To find the **renal blood flow (RBF)**, we use the formula RBF = RPF / (1 - Hematocrit). Given RPF = 400 mL/min and Hematocrit = 0.6, RBF = 400 mL/min / (1 - 0.6) = 400 mL/min / 0.4 = 1000 mL/min, or **1.0 L/min**.
*1.2 L/min*
- This value would result if the hematocrit were lower (e.g., 0.5) or if the GFR or FF were different, leading to an incorrect RPF or RBF calculation.
- It does not align with the provided values when applying the standard physiological formulas relating GFR, FF, RPF, and hematocrit.
*600 mL/min*
- This value might be obtained if the hematocrit was significantly underestimated or if the RPF calculation was incorrect in determining the RBF.
- It arises from using an incorrect formula or misinterpreting the relationship between plasma flow and blood flow.
*800 mL/min*
- This result would occur if the calculation for RPF or the subsequent RBF was erroneous, possibly by using an incorrect denominator in the RBF formula.
- For example, if RPF was incorrectly assumed to be 320 mL/min and divided by 0.4 (1-Hematocrit).
*400 mL/min*
- This value represents the calculated **renal plasma flow (RPF)**, not the **renal blood flow (RBF)**.
- RBF is always higher than RPF because it includes both plasma and cellular components of blood.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 2: A 64-year-old African American female comes to the physician's office for a routine check-up. The patient's past medical history is significant for hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis in her right knee. Her medications include metformin, glimepiride, lisinopril, metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, and ibuprofen as needed. Her only complaint is an unremitting cough that started about 3 weeks ago and she has noticed some swelling around her mouth. The drug most likely responsible for her recent symptoms causes its primary renal hemodynamic effect on which part of the kidney?
- A. Collecting duct
- B. Distal convoluted tubule
- C. Juxtaglomerular cells
- D. Efferent arteriole (Correct Answer)
- E. Afferent arteriole
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Efferent arteriole***
- The patient's symptoms of an **unremitting cough** and **angioedema** (swelling around her mouth) are classic side effects of **ACE inhibitors**, such as **lisinopril**.
- ACE inhibitors primarily exert their renal hemodynamic effects by **dilating the efferent arteriole**, leading to a decrease in intraglomerular pressure and glomerular filtration rate.
*Collecting duct*
- The collecting duct is the primary site of action for **vasopressin (ADH)** and **aldosterone**, regulating water and sodium reabsorption, respectively.
- While other medications like **thiazides** (used by the patient) affect distal tubules and collecting ducts indirectly, their direct impact on the collecting duct is not the cause of angioedema or cough.
*Distal convoluted tubule*
- The distal convoluted tubule is the main site of action for **thiazide diuretics** (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), which inhibit the Na-Cl cotransporter.
- This tubule segment is not directly involved in the mechanism leading to angioedema or cough caused by ACE inhibitors.
*Juxtaglomerular cells*
- Juxtaglomerular cells are responsible for producing **renin**, which is the initial step in the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)**.
- While ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, they do not directly act on the juxtaglomerular cells themselves to cause their side effects.
*Afferent arteriole*
- The afferent arteriole is primarily regulated by **sympathetic tone** and local factors, and is the main site of action for medications like **NSAIDs** (e.g., ibuprofen, which the patient takes as needed).
- While NSAIDs cause **afferent arteriole constriction** and can impair renal function, they do not cause angioedema or a chronic cough.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 3: On cardiology service rounds, your team sees a patient admitted with an acute congestive heart failure exacerbation. In congestive heart failure, decreased cardiac function leads to decreased renal perfusion, which eventually leads to excess volume retention. To test your knowledge of physiology, your attending asks you which segment of the nephron is responsible for the majority of water absorption. Which of the following is a correct pairing of the segment of the nephron that reabsorbs the majority of all filtered water with the means by which that segment absorbs water?
- A. Distal convoluted tubule via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption
- B. Distal convoluted tubule via aquaporin channels
- C. Thick ascending loop of Henle via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption
- D. Proximal convoluted tubule via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption (Correct Answer)
- E. Collecting duct via aquaporin channels
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Proximal convoluted tubule via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption***
- The **proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)** is responsible for reabsorbing approximately **65-70% of filtered water**, making it the primary site of water reabsorption in the nephron.
- This water reabsorption primarily occurs **passively**, following the active reabsorption of solutes (especially **sodium ions**), which creates an osmotic gradient.
*Distal convoluted tubule via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption*
- The **distal convoluted tubule (DCT)** reabsorbs a much smaller percentage of filtered water (around 5-10%) and its water reabsorption is largely **regulated by ADH**, not primarily simple passive diffusion following bulk ion reabsorption.
- While some passive water movement occurs, it is not the main mechanism or location for the majority of water reabsorption.
*Distal convoluted tubule via aquaporin channels*
- While aquaporin channels do play a role in water reabsorption in the DCT, particularly under the influence of **ADH**, the DCT is not the segment responsible for the **majority of all filtered water absorption**.
- The bulk of water reabsorption occurs earlier in the nephron, independently of ADH for the most part.
*Thick ascending loop of Henle via passive diffusion following ion reabsorption*
- The **thick ascending loop of Henle** is primarily involved in reabsorbing ions like Na+, K+, and Cl- but is largely **impermeable to water**.
- Its impermeability to water is crucial for creating the **osmotic gradient** in the renal medulla, which is necessary for later water reabsorption.
*Collecting duct via aquaporin channels*
- The **collecting duct** is critically important for **regulated water reabsorption** via **aquaporin-2 channels** under the influence of **ADH**, allowing for fine-tuning of urine concentration.
- However, it reabsorbs only a variable portion (typically 5-19%) of the remaining filtered water, not the **majority of all filtered water**.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 4: A 52-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after a motor vehicle accident. He was an unrestrained passenger who was ejected from the vehicle. On presentation, he is found to be actively bleeding from numerous wounds. His blood pressure is 76/42 mmHg and pulse is 152/min. Attempts at resuscitation fail, and he dies 25 minutes later. Autopsy shows blood in the peritoneal cavity, and histology of the kidney reveals swelling of the proximal convoluted tubule epithelial cells. Which of the following is most likely the mechanism underlying the renal cell findings?
- A. Decreased activity of caspase 7
- B. Increased activity of caspase 9
- C. Increased function of the Na+/K+-ATPase
- D. Increased activity of caspase 8
- E. Decreased function of the Na+/K+-ATPase (Correct Answer)
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Decreased function of the Na+/K+-ATPase***
- The patient experienced **hypovolemic shock** due to severe blood loss, leading to a significant drop in blood pressure and organ perfusion. This results in **ischemia** of the renal cells.
- **Ischemic injury** impairs ATP production, which is essential for the function of the **Na+/K+-ATPase pump**. Failure of this pump leads to intracellular accumulation of sodium and water, causing **cellular swelling**, particularly noticeable in the proximal convoluted tubules.
*Decreased activity of caspase 7*
- **Caspases**, including caspase 7, are involved in **apoptosis** (programmed cell death), which involves cell shrinkage and fragmentation, not the swelling observed here.
- Decreased caspase activity would generally *reduce* apoptosis, which is not the primary mechanism of acute cell injury in shock.
*Increased activity of caspase 9*
- Increased activity of **caspase 9** is indicative of the **intrinsic apoptotic pathway**, typically initiated by mitochondrial damage.
- While prolonged ischemia can eventually lead to apoptotic changes, the acute finding of **cellular swelling** points more directly to immediate membrane pump dysfunction due to ATP depletion.
*Increased function of the Na+/K+-ATPase*
- **Increased function** of the Na+/K+-ATPase would actively pump sodium out of the cell and potassium in, *preventing* intracellular swelling.
- This option contradicts the observed finding of proximal convoluted tubule epithelial cell swelling, which is characteristic of acute cellular injury due to pump failure.
*Increased activity of caspase 8*
- **Caspase 8** is a key initiator caspase in the **extrinsic apoptotic pathway**, often triggered by death receptor signaling.
- Similar to caspase 9, increased caspase 8 activity would lead to apoptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage, not the **cellular swelling** seen in acute ischemic injury.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 5: A 22-year-old male college student volunteers for a research study involving renal function. He undergoes several laboratory tests, the results of which are below:
Urine
Serum
Glucose
0 mg/dL
93 mg/dL
Inulin
100 mg/dL
1.0 mg/dL
Para-aminohippurate (PAH)
150 mg/dL
0.2 mg/dL
Hematocrit
50%
Urine flow rate
1 mL/min
What is the estimated renal blood flow?
- A. 1,500 mL/min (Correct Answer)
- B. 200 mL/min
- C. 3,000 mL/min
- D. 1,000 mL/min
- E. 750 mL/min
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Correct: 1,500 mL/min***
- Renal Plasma Flow (RPF) is calculated using the formula: RPF = (Urine Flow Rate × Urine PAH concentration) / Plasma PAH concentration = (1 mL/min × 150 mg/dL) / 0.2 mg/dL = 750 mL/min.
- Renal Blood Flow (RBF) is then calculated from RPF and hematocrit (Hct) using the formula: RBF = RPF / (1 - Hct). Given Hct = 50% or 0.5, RBF = 750 mL/min / (1 - 0.5) = 750 / 0.5 = **1,500 mL/min**.
*Incorrect: 200 mL/min*
- This value is not consistent with the calculation for renal blood flow based on the provided PAH clearance and hematocrit.
- It might incorrectly represent a fraction of the actual renal blood flow or be derived from an erroneous formula.
*Incorrect: 3,000 mL/min*
- This value would result if the hematocrit was incorrectly subtracted from RPF instead of being used in the denominator, or if there was a calculation error in the RPF.
- An RBF of 3,000 mL/min would imply a much higher RPF, which is not supported by the given PAH concentrations and urine flow.
*Incorrect: 1,000 mL/min*
- This value is incorrect and does not result from the proper application of the formulas for RPF and RBF with the given data.
- It might be a miscalculation of RPF or an incorrect estimation of the hematocrit's impact.
*Incorrect: 750 mL/min*
- This value represents the calculated **Renal Plasma Flow (RPF)**, not the Renal Blood Flow (RBF).
- To get RBF, you must account for the hematocrit to include both plasma and red blood cells.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 6: A new drug X is being tested for its effect on renal function. During the experiments, the researchers found that in patients taking substance X, the urinary concentration of sodium decreases while urine potassium concentration increase. Which of the following affects the kidneys in the same way as does substance X?
- A. Aldosterone (Correct Answer)
- B. Furosemide
- C. Spironolactone
- D. Atrial natriuretic peptide
- E. Hydrochlorothiazide
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Aldosterone***
- **Aldosterone** acts on the **principal cells** of the **collecting duct** to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion.
- This action leads to a decrease in urinary sodium concentration and an increase in urinary potassium concentration, matching the effects of drug X.
*Furosemide*
- **Furosemide** is a **loop diuretic** that inhibits the **Na-K-2Cl cotransporter** in the **thick ascending limb** of the loop of Henle.
- This inhibition leads to increased excretion of sodium, potassium, and water, resulting in higher urinary sodium concentration.
*Spironolactone*
- **Spironolactone** is an **aldosterone antagonist** that blocks aldosterone's effects on the collecting duct.
- This leads to increased sodium excretion and decreased potassium excretion (potassium-sparing effect), which is the opposite of drug X.
*Atrial natriuretic peptide*
- **Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)** is released in response to atrial stretch and causes **natriuresis** (increased sodium excretion) and **diuresis**.
- It works by dilating afferent arterioles and constricting efferent arterioles, increasing GFR, and inhibiting sodium reabsorption, thus increasing urinary sodium concentration.
*Hydrochlorothiazide*
- **Hydrochlorothiazide** is a **thiazide diuretic** that inhibits the **Na-Cl cotransporter** in the **distal convoluted tubule**.
- This leads to increased sodium and chloride excretion but typically causes potassium wasting (hypokalemia), which differs from the increased urinary potassium concentration seen with drug X.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 7: A 75-year-old woman is brought to a physician’s office by her son with complaints of diarrhea and vomiting for 1 day. Her stool is loose, watery, and yellow-colored, while her vomitus contains partially digested food particles. She denies having blood or mucus in her stools and vomitus. Since the onset of her symptoms, she has not had anything to eat and her son adds that she is unable to tolerate fluids. The past medical history is unremarkable and she does not take any medications regularly. The pulse is 115/min, the respiratory rate is 16/min, the blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, and the temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). The physical examination shows dry mucous membranes and slightly sunken eyes. The abdomen is soft and non-tender. Which of the following physiologic changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), and filtration fraction (FF) are expected?
- A. Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, decreased FF
- B. Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, no change in FF
- C. Increased GFR, increased RPF, increased FF
- D. Increased GFR, decreased RPF, increased FF
- E. Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, increased FF (Correct Answer)
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, increased FF***
- Due to **dehydration** from diarrhea and vomiting, there is a decrease in blood volume leading to decreased renal blood flow and **renal plasma flow (RPF)**.
- The body responds to hypovolemia by activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system, which cause **preferential efferent arteriolar constriction** (more than afferent constriction). This helps maintain glomerular hydrostatic pressure despite reduced renal perfusion.
- As a result, **GFR decreases** but proportionally **less than RPF decreases**, causing the **filtration fraction (FF = GFR/RPF) to increase**.
- In this patient with significant dehydration (tachycardia, hypotension, dry mucous membranes), both GFR and RPF are reduced, but FF is elevated due to compensatory mechanisms.
*Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, decreased FF*
- While GFR and RPF will decrease due to dehydration, the **filtration fraction is expected to increase**, not decrease.
- A decreased FF would imply GFR fell proportionally more than RPF, which contradicts the physiologic response where efferent arteriolar constriction helps preserve GFR relative to RPF.
*Decreased GFR, decreased RPF, no change in FF*
- With significant fluid loss and compensatory mechanisms (efferent arteriolar constriction via angiotensin II), a change in **filtration fraction** is expected.
- The body actively alters arteriolar tone to prioritize GFR maintenance, which directly increases FF.
*Increased GFR, increased RPF, increased FF*
- This pattern suggests **hypervolemia** or increased renal perfusion, which directly contradicts the patient's severe dehydration.
- Both GFR and RPF are expected to decrease in volume depletion, not increase.
*Increased GFR, decreased RPF, increased FF*
- An increase in GFR is physiologically impossible given the patient's severe volume depletion and reduced renal perfusion.
- While FF does increase in dehydration, this occurs in the context of **both GFR and RPF being decreased**, not with an increased GFR.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 8: A 48-year-old woman comes to the physician for a follow-up examination. At her visit 1 month ago, her glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 100 mL/min/1.73 m2 and her renal plasma flow (RPF) was 588 mL/min. Today, her RPF is 540 mL/min and her filtration fraction (FF) is 0.2. After her previous appointment, this patient was most likely started on a drug that has which of the following effects?
- A. Inhibition of the renal Na-K-Cl cotransporter
- B. Constriction of the afferent arteriole
- C. Relaxation of urinary smooth muscle
- D. Constriction of the efferent arteriole (Correct Answer)
- E. Inhibition of vasopressin
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Constriction of the efferent arteriole***
- The previous GFR was 100 mL/min and RPF was 588 mL/min. For the follow-up, RPF is 540 mL/min and FF is 0.2. The new GFR can be calculated as FF × RPF = 0.2 × 540 = **108 mL/min**.
- The patient shows **increased GFR** (100→108 mL/min) with **decreased RPF** (588→540 mL/min), resulting in an **increased filtration fraction**.
- Medications that **constrict the efferent arteriole**, such as **NSAIDs**, produce this pattern by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins normally cause vasodilation (predominantly of the afferent arteriole). When blocked, there is relatively more **efferent arteriolar constriction**, which increases glomerular hydrostatic pressure, thereby **increasing GFR while reducing overall RPF**.
*Inhibition of the renal Na-K-Cl cotransporter*
- This effect describes **loop diuretics** (e.g., furosemide), which increase sodium excretion and water diuresis.
- Loop diuretics typically cause a **decrease in GFR** due to reduced fluid volume and lower filtration pressure, which contradicts the slight increase in GFR observed.
*Constriction of the afferent arteriole*
- **Afferent arteriole constriction** (e.g., by NSAIDs in high doses or norepinephrine) would decrease blood flow into the glomerulus, leading to a **decrease in both RPF and GFR**.
- While RPF decreased in this case, GFR actually increased, making this option incorrect.
*Relaxation of urinary smooth muscle*
- Relaxation of urinary smooth muscle is characteristic of drugs like **alpha-blockers** (e.g., tamsulosin) or antimuscarinics used for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder.
- This effect primarily impacts urine flow out of the bladder and does **not directly affect GFR or RPF** in the way described.
*Inhibition of vasopressin*
- Vasopressin (ADH) inhibition leads to **increased water excretion** and is seen with drugs like **vasopressin receptor antagonists** (vaptans) or ethanol.
- While it affects fluid balance, it typically causes a **decrease in GFR** due to hypovolemia and has no direct mechanism to increase GFR with decreased RPF as observed.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 9: A scientist is studying the excretion of a novel toxin X by the kidney in order to understand the dynamics of this new substance. He discovers that this new toxin X has a clearance that is half that of inulin in a particular patient. This patient's filtration fraction is 20% and his para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) dynamics are as follows:
Urine volume: 100 mL/min
Urine PAH concentration: 30 mg/mL
Plasma PAH concentration: 5 mg/mL
Given these findings, what is the clearance of the novel toxin X?
- A. 1,500 mL/min
- B. 600 mL/min
- C. 300 mL/min
- D. 60 mL/min (Correct Answer)
- E. 120 mL/min
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***60 ml/min***
- First, calculate the **renal plasma flow (RPF)** using PAH clearance: RPF = (Urine PAH conc. × Urine vol.) / Plasma PAH conc. = (30 mg/mL × 100 mL/min) / 5 mg/mL = 600 mL/min.
- Next, calculate the **glomerular filtration rate (GFR)**, which is the clearance of inulin. GFR = RPF × Filtration Fraction = 600 mL/min × 0.20 = 120 mL/min. Toxin X clearance is half of inulin clearance, so 120 mL/min / 2 = **60 mL/min**.
*1,500 ml/min*
- This value is likely obtained if an incorrect formula or conversion was made, possibly by misinterpreting the units or the relationship between GFR, RPF, and filtration fraction.
- It significantly overestimates the clearance for a substance that is cleared at half the rate of inulin.
*600 ml/min*
- This value represents the **renal plasma flow (RPF)**, calculated using the PAH clearance data.
- It does not account for the filtration fraction or the fact that toxin X clearance is half of inulin clearance (GFR).
*300 ml/min*
- This value would be obtained if the renal plasma flow (RPF) was incorrectly halved, or if an intermediate calculation was misinterpreted as the final answer.
- It does not align with the given filtration fraction and the relationship between toxin X and inulin clearance.
*120 ml/min*
- This value represents the **glomerular filtration rate (GFR)**, which is equal to the clearance of inulin (RPF × Filtration Fraction = 600 mL/min × 0.20 = 120 mL/min).
- The question states that the clearance of toxin X is **half** that of inulin, so this is an intermediate step, not the final answer.
Renal blood flow distribution US Medical PG Question 10: A 28-year-old research assistant is brought to the emergency department for severe chemical burns 30 minutes after accidentally spilling hydrochloric acid on himself. The burns cover both hands and forearms. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 112/min, respirations are 20/min, and blood pressure is 108/82 mm Hg. Initial stabilization and resuscitation is begun, including respiratory support, fluid resuscitation, and cardiovascular stabilization. The burned skin is irrigated with saline water to remove the chemical agent. Which of the following is the most appropriate method to verify adequate fluid infusion in this patient?
- A. The Parkland formula
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
- D. Heart rate
- E. Urinary output (Correct Answer)
Renal blood flow distribution Explanation: ***Urinary output***
- Maintaining a specific **urinary output** (e.g., adult with major burns: 0.5-1.0 mL/kg/hr or 30-50 mL/hr) is the most reliable clinical indicator of adequate fluid resuscitation in burn patients.
- This ensures sufficient end-organ perfusion and avoids both under-resuscitation (leading to shock and organ damage) and over-resuscitation (risk of compartment syndrome and pulmonary edema).
*The Parkland formula*
- The **Parkland formula** is used to *calculate* the initial fluid volume needed, but it does not *verify* the adequacy of the infusion once started.
- This formula provides a starting point for fluid administration, which then needs to be adjusted based on the patient's response.
*Blood pressure*
- **Blood pressure** can be misleading in burn patients; it may remain deceptively normal due to compensatory mechanisms even with significant fluid deficits.
- It is a late indicator of hypovolemic shock, and relying solely on it can lead to under-resuscitation.
*Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure*
- **Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)** requires invasive monitoring via a pulmonary artery catheter, which is rarely indicated for routine fluid management in burn patients due to its invasiveness and associated risks.
- Less invasive and equally effective methods, like urinary output, are preferred for monitoring resuscitation.
*Heart rate*
- **Heart rate** is a sensitive but non-specific indicator of fluid status; it can be elevated due to pain, anxiety, or infection, not solely hypovolemia.
- While a decreasing heart rate can indicate improved fluid status, it is not as reliable or direct an indicator of end-organ perfusion as urinary output.
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