Questions Neurological System Related

Review Questions Neurological System related questions and content

Deuterium oxide and inulin are injected into a normal 30-year-old man. The volume of distribution of deuterium oxide is found to be 42 L and that of inulin 14 L.

  • A. The man's intracellular fluid volume is about 14 L.
  • B. The man's intracellular fluid volume is about 28 L.
  • C. The man's plasma volume is about 7 L.
  • D. The man's interstitial fluid volume is about 9 L.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Deuterium oxide distributes throughout total body water (TBW), while inulin distributes only in extracellular fluid (ECF). The intracellular fluid (ICF) volume is calculated as TBW - ECF. Here, TBW = 42 L and ECF = 14 L, so ICF = 42 - 14 = 28 L. This calculation is based on the principle that deuterium oxide measures all body water, while inulin is restricted to the extracellular compartment.