Renal physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Renal physiology

Sample item

Which action is directly promoted by aldosterone in the distal nephron?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Sodium reabsorption with potassium secretion

Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption through principal cells in the late distal nephron while promoting potassium secretion; water retention follows when water permeability and intake permit.

Option by option

  • A. Bicarbonate loss from all cells

    Aldosterone does not cause universal bicarbonate loss.

  • B. Water loss without any sodium movement

    Water handling is linked to solute movement and ADH, not isolated as stated.

  • C. Sodium reabsorption with potassium secretion (correct)

    Correct: aldosterone retains sodium and promotes potassium excretion.

  • D. Glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule only

    Proximal glucose reabsorption is mainly mediated by sodium-glucose transporters.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Sodium reabsorption with potassium secretion. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption through principal cells in the late distal nephron while promoting potassium secretion; water retention follows when water permeability and intake permit.

Why is "Bicarbonate loss from all cells" not the answer?

Aldosterone does not cause universal bicarbonate loss.

Why is "Water loss without any sodium movement" not the answer?

Water handling is linked to solute movement and ADH, not isolated as stated.

Why is "Glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule only" not the answer?

Proximal glucose reabsorption is mainly mediated by sodium-glucose transporters.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: aldosterone retains sodium and promotes potassium excretion.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Renal physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.