Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A system that minimizes changes in pH by reversibly binding or releasing hydrogen ions ($$\mathrm{H^+}).$$

Question 2

Which equation correctly defines pH in terms of hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

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

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 compensation, renal compensation

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Chloride buffer system

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis; kidneys retain more $$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 6

During heavy exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the blood. Which physiological response helps compensate for this acid load?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate to expel $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

A condition where blood pH increases due to loss of acids or gain of bases other than $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 8

If a person consumes a high-protein diet, which acid-base disturbance are they most at risk for, and what is the expected compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis; increased renal excretion of $$\mathrm{H^+}$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive vomiting

Question 10

Which equation represents the bicarbonate buffer system in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$} + \mathrm{H_2O} \leftrightarrow \mathrm{H_2CO_3} \leftrightarrow \mathrm{H^+} + \mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 11

A patient with severe diarrhea is losing large amounts of bicarbonate ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}). $$What acid-base disturbance is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Question 12

Which of the following best describes how the respiratory system compensates for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

By increasing respiratory rate to expel $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Production of lactic acid during metabolism

Question 14

Which buffer system is most important in the intracellular fluid compartment?

Accepted Answer

Protein buffer system

Question 15

A person with metabolic acidosis will have which of the following arterial blood findings?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ concentration and decreased pH

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the kidneys are considered the 'third line of defense' in acid-base balance?

Accepted Answer

They can excrete or reabsorb acids and bases, but their response is slower than chemical and respiratory mechanisms.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely consequence of hypoventilation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis due to increased $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It is most important in buffering renal tubular fluid and intracellular fluid.

Question 19

A patient with excessive vomiting is losing gastric acid. What is the expected respiratory compensation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased respiratory rate to retain $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes acidosis?

Accepted Answer

A condition where arterial blood pH is below 7.35

Acid/Base Physiology: Homeostatic Regulation of Body Fluid pH

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