1.
The normal value for the pH is:
Correct Answer
C. 7.40
Explanation
The normal value for the pH is 7.40. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a value of 7 considered neutral. A pH value higher than 7 indicates alkalinity, while a value lower than 7 indicates acidity. Therefore, a pH of 7.40 falls within the normal range, indicating a slightly alkaline solution.
2.
The respiratory parameter of the arterial blood gas set is the:
Correct Answer
C. PCO2
Explanation
The respiratory parameter of the arterial blood gas set is pCO2 because pCO2 represents the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood. This parameter is important in assessing the respiratory function and acid-base balance of an individual. Changes in pCO2 levels can indicate respiratory disorders such as hypoventilation or hyperventilation.
3.
Acidemia would be indicated by:
Correct Answer
A. pH less than 7.35
Explanation
Acidemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low blood pH level. A pH level less than 7.35 indicates acidemia, as it indicates an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, resulting in increased acidity. The other options, such as a pCO2 greater than 45 or HCO3- more than 26, are not indicators of acidemia but may suggest other acid-base imbalances. A pH level more than 7.45 would indicate alkalemia, which is the opposite of acidemia.
4.
In a long-standing metabolic acidosis, the respiratory rate may increase. This is an example of:
Correct Answer
D. Compensation
Explanation
In a long-standing metabolic acidosis, an increase in respiratory rate is indeed an example of compensation. It is the body's way of attempting to correct the acid-base imbalance by blowing off carbon dioxide (a respiratory acid) to raise the pH.
5.
Respiratory failure is often associated with a(n):
Correct Answer
D. PC02 above 45
Explanation
Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs are unable to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. One of the key indicators of respiratory failure is an elevated pCO2 level, which refers to an increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. This is because the lungs are not able to remove carbon dioxide efficiently, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream. Therefore, a pCO2 level above 45 is often associated with respiratory failure.
6.
For items 13 - 19 select the correct interpretation for the given arterial blood gas set.
pH 7.51, pCO2 40, HCO3- 31:
Correct Answer
B. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
Explanation
The given arterial blood gas set shows a pH level of 7.51, which is higher than the normal range of 7.35-7.45, indicating alkalosis. The pCO2 level is within the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, suggesting that the respiratory system is not compensating for the alkalosis. The HCO3- level is elevated at 31 mEq/L, confirming a metabolic component. Therefore, the interpretation of "Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis" is correct.
7.
PH 7.33, pCO2 29, HCO3- 16:
Correct Answer
B. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
Explanation
The given values indicate a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance, as reflected by the pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. Let's break down the values:
pH: 7.33 - This pH value is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, indicating acidemia (acidosis).
pCO2: 29 mmHg - This partial pressure of carbon dioxide is below the normal range of 35-45 mmHg. A decreased pCO2 suggests respiratory alkalosis, as the low level of carbon dioxide indicates hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in blood carbon dioxide levels and subsequently a rise in pH (alkalosis).
HCO3-: 16 mEq/L - The bicarbonate level is below the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L. A decreased bicarbonate level indicates metabolic acidosis, as there is insufficient bicarbonate to buffer the excess acids in the blood.
Putting these together:
The pH is low, indicating acidosis.
The pCO2 is low, indicating respiratory alkalosis.
The HCO3- is low, indicating metabolic acidosis.
Based on these findings, the condition is best described as uncompensated metabolic acidosis. This means that the primary disturbance is metabolic acidosis (low HCO3-), and there is no compensation by the respiratory system (as indicated by the low pCO2).
8.
PH 7.40, pCO2 40, HCO3- 24:
Correct Answer
A. Normal
Explanation
The given values of pH, pCO2, and HCO3- fall within the normal range. A pH of 7.40 indicates a neutral blood pH, which is considered normal. A pCO2 of 40 mmHg and HCO3- level of 24 mEq/L are also within the normal ranges, indicating a balance between respiratory and metabolic processes. Therefore, the overall interpretation is that the values are normal.
9.
PH 7.12, pCO2 60, HCO3- 29:
Correct Answer
C. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Explanation
This answer is correct because the pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The pCO2 is elevated (normal range 35-45 mmHg), suggesting respiratory acidosis. Additionally, the HCO3- level is also elevated (normal range 22-28 mEq/L), indicating metabolic compensation. Therefore, it is partially compensated respiratory acidosis.
10.
PH 7.48, pCO2 30, HCO3- 23:
Correct Answer
B. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Explanation
The given values indicate a pH of 7.48, which is higher than the normal range (7.35-7.45). This suggests alkalosis. Additionally, the pCO2 value of 30 is lower than the normal range (35-45), indicating respiratory alkalosis. However, the HCO3- value of 23 is within the normal range (22-28), suggesting that the kidneys have not fully compensated for the respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, the correct answer is "Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis."
11.
PH 7.62, pCO2 47, HCO3- 30:
Correct Answer
D. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
Explanation
The given values of pH, pCO2, and HCO3- indicate a metabolic alkalosis. The pH is higher than the normal range (7.35-7.45) and the HCO3- level is elevated (normal range: 22-26 mEq/L). The pCO2 value is also increased, indicating compensation by the respiratory system. However, since the pH is still outside the normal range, it suggests that the compensation is not fully effective, resulting in a partially compensated metabolic alkalosis.
12.
PH 7.30, pCO2 59. HCO3- 28:
Correct Answer
C. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Explanation
pCO2: 59 (high) HCO3-: 28 (normal)
This indicates a scenario of partially compensated respiratory acidosis.
Explanation:
The low pH (7.30) indicates acidosis.
The high pCO2 (59) indicates respiratory acidosis as it's elevated above the normal range (35-45 mmHg).
The normal HCO3- (28) suggests the body is trying to compensate for the acidosis by increasing bicarbonate levels, but it hasn't fully normalized yet. Therefore, it's considered partially compensated.