Plasma of the blood is made up of:

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

Blood plasma is a complex fluid, not a single substance.
The correct option, 'protein, water and salt,' accurately lists the three main categories of components found in plasma.
Water is the most abundant component, making up about 90-92% of plasma volume.
Proteins, such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen, constitute about 7% and are vital for functions like maintaining osmotic pressure, immunity, and blood clotting.
Salts (electrolytes) and other solutes like nutrients and hormones make up the remaining 1%.

Option A: This option is incomplete as it omits water, which is the largest component of plasma by volume (around 90-92%).
Option B: Carbohydrates, mainly in the form of glucose, are present in plasma but only as a minor solute (part of the ~1%). They are not a primary structural component.
Option D: This option is incomplete. While water is the main component, it ignores the functionally critical proteins and salts that are also present.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Composition of Blood Plasma helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Plasma and its components are crucial for many clinical applications. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is administered to patients with clotting factor deficiencies.
Albumin solutions are used as plasma volume expanders to treat conditions like shock, burns, and hypoalbuminemia.
The concentration of solutes in plasma, particularly electrolytes like sodium and potassium, is tightly regulated. Imbalances can lead to serious cardiac and neurological complications.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the basic components of blood.
First, recall the two main parts of blood: the cellular elements (red cells, white cells, platelets) and the liquid matrix (plasma).
Focus on the composition of plasma. Remember that it's mostly water.
Evaluate the options to see which one provides the most complete and accurate description. Options that list only one component (like 'water') or miss the most abundant component are likely incorrect.
Select the option that includes water, proteins, and salts, as these are the three major categories of substances in plasma.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 619-621

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 163-165

Practise the full UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.