Question 1

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration $$[H^+] in $$body fluids?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

A patient presents with a blood pH of 7.25. Which condition does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system

Question 4

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for the bicarbonate buffer system is:

Accepted Answer

$$pH = pK_a + \log_{10} \left( \frac{[$$HCO_3$$^-]}{[H_2CO_3]} \right)$$

Question 5

If a person hypoventilates, what is the expected effect on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH decreases due to increased $$CO_2$$

Question 6

Which organ system is primarily responsible for the long-term regulation of acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

Renal system

Question 7

A patient with chronic kidney disease is unable to excrete $$H^+$$ efficiently. What acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the phosphate buffer system in the body?

Accepted Answer

It buffers urine and intracellular fluids

Question 9

During metabolic alkalosis, which compensatory mechanism is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Decreased respiratory rate to retain $$CO_2$$

Question 10

Which equation represents the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid in the body?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ \rightarrow H_2CO_3$$

Question 11

A patient is experiencing respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following is a likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation due to anxiety

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct physiological response to acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Kidneys increase reabsorption of bicarbonate

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of buffer systems in the body?

Accepted Answer

Completely neutralize all acids and bases

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the protein buffer system is effective in intracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

Proteins are abundant and can accept or donate $$H^+$$ ions

Question 15

A patient with emphysema is likely to develop which acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in renal compensation for acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Increase $$H^+$$ secretion, increase $$HCO_3$$^-$$ reabsorption

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased $$CO_2 in $$the blood?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$H^+$$ concentration

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Regulate $$CO_2$$ levels through ventilation

Question 19

A patient with prolonged vomiting is at risk for which acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Ratio} = \frac{[$$HCO_3$$^-]}{[H_2CO_3]}$$

Acid-Base Balance in Human Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions