Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Practice Exam

When water passes from a region of greater concentration to a region of lesser concentration through a selectively permeable membrane, the process is known as what?

1. Evaporation

2. Distillation

3. Osmosis

4. Sublimation

The correct answer is: Osmosis

The process described, where water moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration through a selectively permeable membrane, is known as osmosis. Osmosis is a specific type of passive transport that involves the movement of water molecules rather than solute particles, and it is crucial for maintaining cell homeostasis. In biological systems, selectively permeable membranes allow certain molecules, particularly water, to pass while restricting others. This movement of water continues until there is an equal concentration of solute on both sides of the membrane, reflecting the principles of equilibrium. Osmosis plays a vital role in various physiological processes, such as the regulation of hydration in cells and the balance of fluids in the body. Understanding osmosis is especially important in nursing practice, where fluid management and hydration status are critical aspects of patient care.