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 change causes an increase in glomerular filtration rate at the afferent arteriole?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Afferent arteriolar dilation

Afferent dilation raises glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure and can increase filtration, whereas constriction or obstruction tends to reduce it.

Option by option

  • A. Afferent arteriolar constriction

    Afferent constriction reduces renal plasma flow and filtration.

  • B. Obstruction of urinary outflow

    Outflow obstruction raises Bowman space pressure and lowers GFR.

  • C. Afferent arteriolar dilation (correct)

    Correct: more afferent inflow raises glomerular capillary pressure.

  • D. Severe systemic dehydration

    Dehydration activates mechanisms that preserve volume and reduce filtration.

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, Afferent arteriolar dilation. Afferent dilation raises glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure and can increase filtration, whereas constriction or obstruction tends to reduce it.

Why is "Afferent arteriolar constriction" not the answer?

Afferent constriction reduces renal plasma flow and filtration.

Why is "Obstruction of urinary outflow" not the answer?

Outflow obstruction raises Bowman space pressure and lowers GFR.

Why is "Severe systemic dehydration" not the answer?

Dehydration activates mechanisms that preserve volume and reduce filtration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: more afferent inflow raises glomerular capillary pressure.

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.