Question 1

A patient presents with a blood pH of 7.28, low bicarbonate ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}$$), and normal carbon dioxide ($$\mathrm{CO_2$}) $$levels. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

They secrete hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H^+}) $$and reabsorb bicarbonate ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}) to $$regulate blood pH.

Question 3

A person with severe, prolonged vomiting is at risk for which acid-base imbalance, and why?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric acid

Question 4

Which enzyme catalyzes the reaction $$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3} in $$red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Carbonic anhydrase

Question 5

If a patient is experiencing rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation), what is the expected effect on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases due to excessive loss of $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 6

Which of the following buffer systems is the most important in the extracellular fluid for maintaining pH?

Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate–carbonic acid buffer system

Question 7

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis is likely to have which of the following laboratory findings?

Accepted Answer

Low blood pH, low bicarbonate

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the normal ratio of sodium bicarbonate to carbonic acid in blood is 20:1?

Accepted Answer

To buffer the greater amount of acid produced by metabolism

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the dissociation of carbonic acid in blood?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 11

A patient with a blood pH of 7.50, low $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$, and normal bicarbonate is most likely experiencing which condition?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of holding your breath on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Decreases blood pH by retaining $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct result of the kidneys secreting more hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H^+}) $$into the urine?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why buffer systems are essential in the blood?

Accepted Answer

They prevent large swings in pH when acids or bases are added

Question 15

A patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for which acid-base disturbance and why?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis due to decreased bicarbonate reabsorption

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased respiratory rate on the bicarbonate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

Decreases $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$, shifting equilibrium to reduce $$\mathrm{H_2CO_3}$$ and $$\mathrm{H^+}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely compensatory response to metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation)

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of a buffer pair in the presence of a strong acid?

Accepted Answer

The buffer pair minimizes the pH change by converting strong acid to a weak acid

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why arterial blood pH is slightly higher than venous blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Venous blood contains more $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$, forming more carbonic acid

Acid-Base Balance in Human Physiology: Mechanisms, Disorders, and Clinical Applications

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