Question 1

Which of the following best describes the normal range of arterial blood pH in humans?

Accepted Answer

$$7.35 to$$ $$7.45$$

Question 2

A patient presents with rapid, deep breathing after a panic attack. Which acid-base imbalance is most likely to develop, and why?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis due to excessive loss of $$CO_2$$

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the reaction catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

$$H_2O + CO_2$ \rightarrow H_2CO_3$$

Question 4

Which buffer system is the most important for maintaining the pH of blood?

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate–carbonic acid buffer system

Question 5

A patient with uncontrolled diabetes develops ketoacidosis. Which of the following best explains the acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of fixed acids from fat metabolism

Question 6

If the ratio of $$NaHCO_3 to$$ $$H_2CO_3 in $$blood falls below $$20:1$$, what is the likely result?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the kidneys in acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

They secrete $$H^+$$ and reabsorb $$NaHCO_3$$

Question 8

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to develop which acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why severe vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

Loss of gastric acid ($$HCl) $$from the stomach

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about buffer pairs in the blood?

Accepted Answer

They consist of a weak acid and its conjugate base

Question 11

A patient is found to have a blood pH of $$7.28$$, a low $$HCO_3$$^-$$, and normal CO_2$ levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of hypoventilation on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Decreases blood pH (acidosis)

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating pH?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$$

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in respiratory alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

High altitude hyperventilation

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the concept of homeostasis as it relates to acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the internal environment's pH within a narrow range

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct result of the kidneys secreting more $$H^+$$ into the urine?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases

Question 17

A patient is experiencing metabolic acidosis. Which compensatory mechanism is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of adding a strong acid to a buffered solution?

Accepted Answer

The buffer minimizes the change in pH

Question 19

Which of the following is a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

Severe vomiting

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the lungs can rapidly adjust blood pH?

Accepted Answer

They can alter the amount of $$CO_2$$ exhaled

Acid-Base Balance and pH Regulation in Human Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions