Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the regulation of blood pH?

Accepted Answer

It maintains blood pH by converting strong acids and bases into weaker ones, minimizing pH changes.

Question 2

A patient presents with the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH = 7.21, pCO2 = 74.4 mmHg, HCO3- = 28 mmol/L. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation

Question 3

Which equation represents the relationship between carbon dioxide, water, carbonic acid, bicarbonate, and hydrogen ions in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons $$HCO_3^- + H$$^+$$

Question 4

A patient is hyperventilating due to a panic attack. What is the expected effect on their blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH will increase due to excessive loss of CO2.

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct sequence for analyzing an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample?

Accepted Answer

Check pH, check pCO2, check HCO3-, match abnormal result with pH, check compensation, check oxygenation

Question 6

If a patient has metabolic acidosis, what compensatory response would you expect from the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Increase in respiratory rate to blow off CO2

Question 7

Which clinical scenario is most likely to result in metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

A patient with chronic vomiting

Question 8

A blood gas report shows: pH = 7.618, pCO2 = 54.4 mmHg, HCO3- = 164 mmol/L. What is the primary disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the kidneys are slower to compensate for acid-base disturbances compared to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Renal compensation involves complex processes of reabsorption and excretion that take hours to days.

Question 10

A patient with poor lung perfusion is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance and why?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention

Question 11

Which value is used to determine the amount of H+ ions needed to return blood pH to 7.35 if pCO2 is normal?

Accepted Answer

Base excess

Question 12

In the context of acid-base balance, what does a negative base excess indicate?

Accepted Answer

A deficit of base, suggesting metabolic acidosis

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the compensation seen in metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

The lungs decrease the rate and depth of respiration to retain CO2

Question 14

A patient with renal failure is most likely to develop which acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the following ABG: pH = 7.55, pCO2 = 16.72 mmHg, pO2 = 114.76 mmHg?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata in acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

They detect changes in CO2 levels and adjust the rate and depth of respiration.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of a condition that can cause metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Question 18

If a patient’s pH is low, pCO2 is high, and HCO3- is also high, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is important in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

It provides a quick assessment of acid-base status and oxygenation in critically ill patients.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about compensation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory compensation occurs immediately, while metabolic compensation may take up to 2 days.

Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

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