Q: Which equation correctly represents the relationship between hydrogen ion concentration and pH?

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

Q: Which formula represents the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for the bicarbonate buffer system?

$$ \text{pH} = \text{p}K_a + \log_{10} \left( \frac{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}{[\text{CO}_2]} \right) $$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a chemical buffer in the context of acid/base physiology?

Accepted Answer

A molecule that resists changes in pH by reversibly binding hydrogen ions.

Question 2

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between hydrogen ion concentration and pH?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Rank the three lines of defense against changes in arterial blood pH from fastest to slowest response time.

Accepted Answer

Chemical buffers, respiratory system, renal system

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a major chemical buffer system found in body fluids?

Accepted Answer

Chloride buffer system

Question 5

A patient with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance, and what is the primary compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis; increased renal retention of bicarbonate

Question 6

During heavy exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the bloodstream. Which buffer system is primarily responsible for limiting pH changes in arterial blood?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system

Question 7

Which of the following best describes acidosis?

Accepted Answer

A condition where arterial blood pH is below 7.35

Question 8

If a person consumes a high-protein diet, which acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur, and what is the renal response?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis; increased renal excretion of H+ and retention of HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive vomiting

Question 10

A patient presents with severe diarrhea. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely, and what is the expected renal response?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis; increased renal retention of HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the respiratory system in acid-base compensation?

Accepted Answer

It alters the rate of CO$$_2$$ exhalation to adjust blood pH.

Question 12

Which formula represents the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for the bicarbonate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{pH} = 	ext{p}K_a + \log_{10} \left( \frac{[	ext{HCO}_3^-]}{[	ext{CO}_2]} ight) $$

Question 13

Which of the following is a normal daily input of acid to the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Production of CO$$_2$$ from cellular respiration

Question 14

A patient with excessive vomiting is losing gastric acid. What is the expected effect on blood pH and the compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Increase in blood pH (alkalosis); decreased respiratory rate to retain CO$$_2$$

Question 15

Which of the following best defines alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

A condition where arterial blood pH is above 7.45

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life example of a metabolic acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Severe diarrhea causing loss of HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 17

If a person is hyperventilating, what acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur, and what is the immediate compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis; chemical buffers release H+ to lower pH

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the renal system's role in acid-base compensation?

Accepted Answer

It adjusts the excretion and retention of H+ and HCO$$_3^- to $$regulate blood pH.

Question 19

A patient with a high fat diet is producing excess ketone bodies. Which acid-base disturbance is most likely, and what is the compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis; increased respiratory rate to exhale CO$$_2$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events when the body experiences metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Chemical buffers absorb excess H+, respiratory rate increases to exhale CO$$_2$$, kidneys excrete more H+ and retain HCO$$_3^-$$

Acid-Base Physiology: Homeostatic Regulation of Body Fluid pH

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