Question 1

Which buffer system is the primary mechanism for maintaining blood pH, and what is the main chemical reaction involved?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate buffer system; $$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \rightarrow $$HCO_3$$^- + H^+}$$

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Increase in respiratory rate to expel CO$$_2$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The kidneys regulate blood pH by reabsorbing bicarbonate ions and excreting hydrogen ions.

Question 4

In the distal tubule, which process is responsible for the formation of bicarbonate ions that are transported into the blood?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen ions bind to bicarbonate in the filtrate, forming carbonic acid, which is converted to CO$$_2$$ and H$$_2O by $$carbonic anhydrase.

Question 5

Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) findings is LEAST likely in a patient with respiratory acidosis due to airway obstruction?

Accepted Answer

High pH, low PCO$$_2$$, and low HCO$$_3^-$$

Question 6

What is the effect of hyperventilation on the pH of extracellular fluid (ECF)?

Accepted Answer

Increase

Question 7

Which equation represents the conversion of carbon dioxide to an acid in the body?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3}$$

Question 8

A patient with prolonged vomiting is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance, and what is the primary compensatory mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis; lungs decrease respiratory rate to retain CO$$_2$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a fixed (nonvolatile) acid eliminated by the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Lactic acid

Question 10

During respiratory alkalosis, what is the kidney’s compensatory response?

Accepted Answer

Excrete increased amounts of bicarbonate ions

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between CO$$_2$$ and blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO$$_2$$ leads to decreased blood pH

Question 12

Which buffer system is most effective in the renal tubules for neutralizing acids?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate buffer system

Question 13

A patient with anxiety is hyperventilating. What acid-base disturbance is most likely, and what is the expected renal compensation?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis; kidneys excrete bicarbonate

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life scenario that could lead to metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged vomiting

Question 15

If the kidneys fail to reabsorb bicarbonate ions, what is the likely effect on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH will decrease

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a major source of acids in the body?

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate from vegetables

Question 18

A patient with metabolic acidosis is hyperventilating. What is the physiological purpose of this response?

Accepted Answer

To decrease blood CO$$_2$$ and raise pH

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible effect of an alkaline diet on blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Minimal effect on blood pH

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the renal regulation of pH in the distal tubule?

Accepted Answer

CO$$_2$$ diffuses into the tubule cell, reacts with H$$_2O to $$form H$$_2CO$_3$$, which dissociates into HCO$$_3^-$$ and H$$^+$$; HCO$$_3^-$$ enters the blood, H$$^+ is $$secreted into the filtrate.

Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance: Regulation and Compensation

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