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Question #46345
The Question
A 2-year-old child diagnosed with Kwashiorkor exhibits severe systemic edema and ascites. Based on the physiological roles of major plasma proteins, which of the following mechanisms directly explains this extensive fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces?
Options
- A.
Increased blood capillary hydrostatic pressure at the arterial end due to compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms.
- B.
Decreased hepatic synthesis of albumins, leading to a drop in blood colloidal osmotic pressure and reduced fluid reabsorption at the venous end.
- C.
Depletion of plasma globulins, which normally maintain the osmotic balance and prevent fluid leakage across the capillary endothelium.
- D.
Increased permeability of lymphatic capillaries due to tissue degeneration, resulting in the accumulation of lymph in the extracellular space.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Albumin|BCOP|Interstitial_Fluid_Accumulation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Linking a nutritional deficiency (Kwashiorkor) to a specific plasma protein's function (Albumin) and its physical consequence (Edema via Starling's forces).
The common misconception is confusing the roles of the three major plasma proteins (Fibrinogen for clotting, Globulins for defense, Albumins for osmotic balance) or misunderstanding that this specific edema is caused by a failure to pull fluid back into the blood, rather than an active pushing of fluid out.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | Plasma Proteins and Osmotic Pressure |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |