Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

What will likely happen if the body's fluid output exceeds input?

1. Fluid volume will increase

2. Fluid volume will decrease

3. Fluid volume will remain unchanged

4. Fluid will be stored

The correct answer is: Fluid volume will decrease

When the body's fluid output exceeds input, it leads to a net loss of fluids, resulting in a decrease in overall fluid volume. This situation can occur due to various reasons such as excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. As the body loses more water and electrolytes than it takes in, it cannot maintain the necessary balance of fluids in the circulatory system and tissues. Decreased fluid volume can significantly impact physiological systems, leading to symptoms such as dehydration, decreased blood pressure, and impaired organ function. The body's homeostatic mechanisms may attempt to compensate for this deficit by triggering thirst or altering renal function to conserve water, but a consistent state of negative fluid balance will ultimately reduce the total fluid volume present in the body. Thus, the correct interpretation of this scenario is that fluid volume will decrease.