OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which fluid is described as clear, colorless, and watery?

1. Joint fluid

2. Cerebral-spinal fluid

3. Urine

4. Serum

The correct answer is: Cerebral-spinal fluid

The fluid that is described as clear, colorless, and watery is indeed cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF). CSF circulates around the brain and spinal cord, providing essential cushioning and serving several important functions, including the removal of waste and the distribution of nutrients. The clarity and colorlessness of CSF are important characteristics that help in the diagnosis of various medical conditions. For instance, the presence of turbidity or color in CSF can indicate infection, bleeding, or other pathological processes. Other fluids mentioned, such as joint fluid, urine, and serum, do not have the same typical clear and colorless appearance. Joint fluid, while it can be clear, may also appear yellowish or turbid depending on the health of the joint and inflammatory processes. Urine can vary in color and clarity generally due to hydration levels or other physiological factors. Serum, the liquid part of blood after coagulation, can appear straw-colored or amber and may exhibit cloudiness based on the concentration of proteins or other substances. Therefore, the distinctive attributes of cerebral-spinal fluid make it the correct choice in this context.