IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
BLOOD
(Composition, Formation, Functions, Clotting, Grouping & Blood Products)
(GNM 1st Year – Anatomy & Physiology)
These important questions on blood are prepared specially for GNM 1st year nursing students, covering 10 mark and 5 mark questions commonly asked in anatomy and physiology examinations.
🔴 LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (10 MARKS)
Q1. Define blood and explain the composition of blood.
Answer:
Blood is a specialized connective tissue that circulates in the blood vessels and performs vital functions necessary for life.
COMPOSITION OF BLOOD
Blood is composed of two main parts:
- Plasma
- Formed elements
1. PLASMA
Plasma is the liquid part of blood and forms about 55% of total blood volume.
Components of Plasma
- Water (about 90%)
- Plasma proteins
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Fibrinogen
- Electrolytes
- Nutrients
- Hormones
- Waste products
Functions of Plasma
- Transport of nutrients and hormones
- Maintains blood volume
- Helps in blood clotting
- Maintains osmotic pressure
2. FORMED ELEMENTS
Formed elements form about 45% of blood and include:
a) Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Also called erythrocytes
- Contain hemoglobin
- Life span: 120 days
Functions:
- Transport oxygen
- Transport carbon dioxide
b) White Blood Cells (WBCs)
- Also called leukocytes
Functions:
- Defense against infection
- Immunity
- Destroy foreign bodies
c) Platelets
- Also called thrombocytes
- Life span: 7–10 days
Function:
- Help in blood clotting
CONCLUSION
Thus, blood is composed of plasma and formed elements, each performing essential functions for survival.
Q2. Explain the functions of blood.
Answer:
Blood performs three major functions:
1. TRANSPORT FUNCTIONS
- Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
- Transport of nutrients
- Transport of hormones
- Transport of waste products
2. PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS
- Protection against infection (WBCs)
- Immunity
- Blood clotting prevents blood loss
3. REGULATORY FUNCTIONS
- Regulation of body temperature
- Maintenance of acid–base balance
- Maintenance of fluid balance
CONCLUSION
Blood helps in transport, protection, and regulation, making it essential for life.
Q3. Describe blood clotting, blood grouping and cross matching.
Answer:
BLOOD CLOTTING
Blood clotting is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a solid state to stop bleeding.
Importance:
- Prevents excessive blood loss
- Helps in wound healing
BLOOD GROUPING
Blood grouping is based on the presence or absence of antigens on RBCs.
ABO Blood Group System
- Group A
- Group B
- Group AB
- Group O
Rh Factor
- Rh positive
- Rh negative
CROSS MATCHING
Cross matching is a test done before blood transfusion to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient blood.
Importance:
- Prevents transfusion reactions
- Ensures safe blood transfusion
🟠 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
Q1. Define blood.
Blood is a specialized connective tissue that circulates in blood vessels and performs vital functions.
Q2. Write the functions of blood.
Functions:
- Transport of gases
- Transport of nutrients
- Protection against infection
- Regulation of body temperature
- Prevention of blood loss
Q3. Write a short note on RBCs.
Red blood cells (RBCs) are also called erythrocytes.
They contain hemoglobin and help in transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Life span is 120 days.
Q4. Write a short note on WBCs.
White blood cells (WBCs) protect the body against infection.
They help in immunity and destroy foreign substances.
Q5. Write a short note on platelets.
Platelets help in blood clotting.
They prevent excessive blood loss during injury.
Life span is 7–10 days.
Q6. Define blood clotting.
Blood clotting is the process by which blood changes from liquid to solid to prevent bleeding.
Q7. What is cross matching?
Cross matching is a test done before blood transfusion to ensure donor and recipient blood compatibility.
Q8. Write uses of blood products.
Uses:
- PRBCs – anemia and blood loss
- Plasma – clotting disorders
- Platelets – bleeding disorders
- FFP – liver disease and massive bleeding
📝 EXAM WRITING TIPS (VERY IMPORTANT)
- For 10 marks: Definition → Headings → Points → Conclusion
- For 5 marks: Definition + 4–5 points
- Always underline or bold keywords if allowed