Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone that primarily acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water into the bloodstream. As a result, sodium levels are increased. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Aldosterone does not significantly affect calcium, potassium, or magnesium levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant ion in extracellular fluid. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Calcium (Choice A) is mainly found in bones and teeth, Chloride (Choice B) is the major anion in extracellular fluid but not the most abundant ion, and Potassium (Choice D) is found predominantly inside cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Calcium plays an essential role in the clotting of blood by being involved in several steps of the coagulation process. It is necessary for the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which is a crucial step in forming blood clots. Sodium, magnesium, and potassium do not directly participate in the clotting cascade and are not associated with the coagulation process. Therefore, the correct answer is calcium.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood by secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps increase calcium levels in the blood when they are too low. The other glands listed, such as the Hypothalamus, Thyroid, and Pituitary glands, do not directly control calcium concentration in the blood.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hematocrit.' Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is used to diagnose conditions such as anemia and dehydration. Choice B, 'Hemoglobin,' measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, not the percentage of red blood cells. Choice C, 'Mean corpuscular volume,' measures the average volume of a red blood cell, not the percentage of red blood cells. Choice D, 'Reticulocyte count,' measures the percentage of young red blood cells in the blood, not the percentage of red blood cells.