A state of human body in which of the internal environment remains stable :

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Homeostasis is the correct term for the maintenance of a constant internal environment in the body.
This process was first described by Claude Bernard as the 'milieu intérieur' and the term 'homeostasis' was coined by Walter B. Cannon.
It involves complex feedback mechanisms that regulate variables like body temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels to ensure cellular functions can proceed normally.
The other options describe states of imbalance (Acidosis, Alkalosis) or a disease process (Metastasis), not the state of stability.

Option A: Alkalosis is a state of imbalance, not stability. It describes a condition where the body's pH is too high (alkaline), which disrupts normal physiological functions.
Option B: Acidosis is also a state of imbalance. It describes a condition where the body's pH is too low (acidic), which is detrimental to cellular processes.
Option D: Metastasis is a term used in oncology to describe the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to distant parts of the body. It is a pathological process of disease spread, not a physiological state of stability.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the definition of homeostasis, which is the physiological process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding homeostasis is fundamental to nursing. Nurses constantly monitor vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate) and lab values (electrolytes, pH, glucose) which are all indicators of the body's homeostatic state.
A disruption in homeostasis is the basis of nearly all diseases. For example, fever indicates a change in the body's temperature set-point, and diabetes mellitus represents a failure of glucose homeostasis.
Nursing interventions, such as administering IV fluids, oxygen, or medications, are often aimed at restoring homeostasis when the body is unable to do so on its own.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'internal environment' and 'stable'.
The question is asking for a term that defines a state of balance or stability within the body.
Evaluate each option based on this definition.
Recall the definitions: 'Alkalosis' and 'Acidosis' are states of pH imbalance.
'Metastasis' is the spread of cancer.
'Homeostasis' is the maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the definition of homeostasis, which is the physiological process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.
Stem keywords: human body, internal environment, stable
Lead-in keywords: A state of
Negative lead-in flag: false

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