Acid Base Balance Quiz: Questions And Answers

1. What is the normal range of pH in the body?

35-45

22-26

7.35-7.45

Not listed

The normal pH range in the human body is 7.35 to 7.45. This slightly alkaline range is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, which is the body's ability to keep a stable internal environment despite changes outside of it. The pH level indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the body's fluids and tissues. It is tightly regulated by the lungs and kidneys. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis, both of which can be symptoms of underlying health issues and can disrupt normal bodily functions.

Explanation

The normal pH range in the human body is 7.35 to 7.45. This slightly alkaline range is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, which is the body's ability to keep a stable internal environment despite changes outside of it. The pH level indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the body's fluids and tissues. It is tightly regulated by the lungs and kidneys. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis, both of which can be symptoms of underlying health issues and can disrupt normal bodily functions.

2. What is the normal range of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in arterial blood?

35-45 mEq/L

22-26 mEq/L

7.35-7.45 mEq/L

Not listed

The normal range of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in arterial blood is 22-26 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). Bicarbonate is a critical component of the body's buffering system, which helps maintain the pH balance in the blood by neutralizing excess acids. This measurement is a key indicator of metabolic balance and is often analyzed in arterial blood gas tests to assess a patient's acid-base status. Deviations from this range can indicate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, conditions that involve disruptions to the body’s acid-base balance and may require medical intervention.

Explanation

The normal range of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in arterial blood is 22-26 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). Bicarbonate is a critical component of the body's buffering system, which helps maintain the pH balance in the blood by neutralizing excess acids. This measurement is a key indicator of metabolic balance and is often analyzed in arterial blood gas tests to assess a patient's acid-base status. Deviations from this range can indicate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, conditions that involve disruptions to the body’s acid-base balance and may require medical intervention.

3. If CO2 causes acidosis or alkalosis, what type is it?

Metabolic

Respiratory

Combined

None

If carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are responsible for causing acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as respiratory. This categorization is based on the role of CO2 as a respiratory gas, which is regulated by the lungs. Acidosis occurs when there is an excess of CO2 due to hypoventilation (reduced breathing), leading to an increase in blood acidity. Conversely, hyperventilation (increased breathing) can decrease CO2 levels, causing alkalosis. Both conditions reflect the lungs' inability to maintain a balance in CO2 levels, affecting the body’s overall acid-base balance.

Explanation

If carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are responsible for causing acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as respiratory. This categorization is based on the role of CO2 as a respiratory gas, which is regulated by the lungs. Acidosis occurs when there is an excess of CO2 due to hypoventilation (reduced breathing), leading to an increase in blood acidity. Conversely, hyperventilation (increased breathing) can decrease CO2 levels, causing alkalosis. Both conditions reflect the lungs' inability to maintain a balance in CO2 levels, affecting the body’s overall acid-base balance.

4. If HCO3- (bicarbonate) caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, what type is it?

Metabolic

Respiratory

Combined

None

If the imbalance of HCO3- (bicarbonate) in the body leads to acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as metabolic. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis arises from disturbances in the body's metabolic processes, which affect the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate serves as a primary buffer in the body's acid-base homeostasis, neutralizing excess acids. Changes in its levels can indicate metabolic disturbances possibly due to renal dysfunction, diarrhea, vomiting, or ingestion of certain drugs or toxins, affecting the body's ability to regulate pH through kidney function.

Explanation

If the imbalance of HCO3- (bicarbonate) in the body leads to acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as metabolic. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis arises from disturbances in the body's metabolic processes, which affect the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate serves as a primary buffer in the body's acid-base homeostasis, neutralizing excess acids. Changes in its levels can indicate metabolic disturbances possibly due to renal dysfunction, diarrhea, vomiting, or ingestion of certain drugs or toxins, affecting the body's ability to regulate pH through kidney function.

5. What is the normal range of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood as measured by an arterial blood gas test?

35-45 ppm

22-26 ppm

7.35-7.45 ppm

Not listed

The normal range of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood, as measured by an arterial blood gas test, is typically 35-45 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). This measurement reflects the partial pressure of carbon dioxide within the arterial blood, indicating how well CO2 is being eliminated from the body. Proper CO2 levels are crucial because they help maintain the acid-base balance in the body, which is essential for proper functioning of the cells and organs. Abnormal levels can indicate respiratory or metabolic issues that may require medical attention.

Explanation

The normal range of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood, as measured by an arterial blood gas test, is typically 35-45 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). This measurement reflects the partial pressure of carbon dioxide within the arterial blood, indicating how well CO2 is being eliminated from the body. Proper CO2 levels are crucial because they help maintain the acid-base balance in the body, which is essential for proper functioning of the cells and organs. Abnormal levels can indicate respiratory or metabolic issues that may require medical attention.

6. What is the primary buffer system that helps maintain blood pH within a normal range?

Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System

Phosphate Buffer System

Protein Buffer System

Ammonia Buffer System

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system is the most important buffer in maintaining blood pH. This system works by balancing the ratio of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in the blood. When the body experiences excess acid (H⁺ ions), bicarbonate binds with them to form carbonic acid, which then breaks down into water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The CO₂ is then exhaled through the lungs. If the blood becomes too alkaline, carbonic acid dissociates to release H⁺ ions, restoring balance.

Explanation

The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system is the most important buffer in maintaining blood pH. This system works by balancing the ratio of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in the blood. When the body experiences excess acid (H⁺ ions), bicarbonate binds with them to form carbonic acid, which then breaks down into water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The CO₂ is then exhaled through the lungs. If the blood becomes too alkaline, carbonic acid dissociates to release H⁺ ions, restoring balance.

7. If both CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalance, what type is it?

Metabolic

Respiratory

Combined

None

If both carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels contribute to an acid-base imbalance, the condition is classified as combined. This indicates that both respiratory and metabolic factors are influencing the body's pH level. Respiratory issues affect CO2 levels since it is a primary respiratory gas, while metabolic processes influence bicarbonate levels. When abnormalities in both components occur simultaneously, they can indicate complex disturbances in the body's acid-base homeostasis, possibly due to multiple organ system dysfunctions or severe physiological disturbances. This requires comprehensive clinical assessment and management.

Explanation

If both carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels contribute to an acid-base imbalance, the condition is classified as combined. This indicates that both respiratory and metabolic factors are influencing the body's pH level. Respiratory issues affect CO2 levels since it is a primary respiratory gas, while metabolic processes influence bicarbonate levels. When abnormalities in both components occur simultaneously, they can indicate complex disturbances in the body's acid-base homeostasis, possibly due to multiple organ system dysfunctions or severe physiological disturbances. This requires comprehensive clinical assessment and management.

8. PH 7.31, CO2 50mmHg, HCO3- 22mEq/L

Respiratory acidosis, Uncompensated

Respiratory alkalosis, Partially compensated

Metabolic acidosis, Fully compensated

Metabolic alkalosis, Uncompensated

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

Explanation

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

9. Ben has an anxiety attack. His ABGs results show he is in respiratory alkalosis. He has just had a car accident. What is your next nursing intervention?

Have him breathe into a paper bag

Give him O2

Check his temperature

Ask him if he is alright

In this scenario, the correct answer is to have him breathe into a paper bag. This is because respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Breathing into a paper bag helps to rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help to normalize the pH levels in the blood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Giving him oxygen would not be appropriate as it would further decrease carbon dioxide levels. Checking his temperature and asking if he is alright are not directly related to addressing the respiratory alkalosis.

Explanation

In this scenario, the correct answer is to have him breathe into a paper bag. This is because respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Breathing into a paper bag helps to rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help to normalize the pH levels in the blood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Giving him oxygen would not be appropriate as it would further decrease carbon dioxide levels. Checking his temperature and asking if he is alright are not directly related to addressing the respiratory alkalosis.

10. PH 7.46, CO2 32mmHg, HCO3- 23mEq/L

Respiratory acidosis, Partially compensated

Combined, Uncompensated

Metabolic alkalosis, Uncompensated

Respiratory alkalosis, Uncompensated

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

Explanation

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

11. Which of the following is a cause of metabolic alkalosis?

Chronic diarrhea

Excessive vomiting

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Lactic acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the blood becomes too alkaline due to excess bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) or loss of acid (H⁺ ions). One of the most common causes is prolonged vomiting, which leads to loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl). When the body loses too much acid, the pH of the blood increases, causing alkalosis. Other causes include excessive use of antacids, diuretics, and hormonal imbalances like Cushing's syndrome.

Explanation

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the blood becomes too alkaline due to excess bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) or loss of acid (H⁺ ions). One of the most common causes is prolonged vomiting, which leads to loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl). When the body loses too much acid, the pH of the blood increases, causing alkalosis. Other causes include excessive use of antacids, diuretics, and hormonal imbalances like Cushing's syndrome.

12. PH 7.31, CO2 44 mmHg, HCO3 20 mEq/L

Metabolic alkalosis, Fully compensated

Metabolic acidosis, Uncompensated

Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

Respiratory acidosis, Uncompensated

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

Explanation

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

13. Which condition occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of CO₂ in the bloodstream?

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic Alkalosis

Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory Alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis happens when the lungs fail to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO₂) efficiently, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This excess CO₂ combines with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which lowers blood pH, making it more acidic. The most common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and hypoventilation (slow or shallow breathing). In conditions where breathing is impaired, CO₂ builds up because it is not being expelled properly.

Explanation

Respiratory acidosis happens when the lungs fail to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO₂) efficiently, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This excess CO₂ combines with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which lowers blood pH, making it more acidic. The most common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and hypoventilation (slow or shallow breathing). In conditions where breathing is impaired, CO₂ builds up because it is not being expelled properly.

14. PH 7.47, CO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L

Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated

Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated

Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

This diagnosis is correct since the HCO3 is elevated, indicating alkalosis. However, the term "partially compensated" suggests that the body is making adjustments to bring the pH back to normal. In this case, the elevated CO2 indicates respiratory compensation, but since the pH is still above normal, the compensation is not complete.

Explanation

This diagnosis is correct since the HCO3 is elevated, indicating alkalosis. However, the term "partially compensated" suggests that the body is making adjustments to bring the pH back to normal. In this case, the elevated CO2 indicates respiratory compensation, but since the pH is still above normal, the compensation is not complete.

15. When all parameters of pH, HCO3-, and CO2 are normal, what is the condition called?

Uncompensated

Partially compensated

Fully compensated

Corrected

When all parameters, including pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and carbon dioxide (CO2), are within their normal ranges, the condition is described as corrected. This term implies that any previous imbalances in the acid-base status have been successfully addressed and that the body's acid-base equilibrium has been restored. Essentially, a corrected state means that the body’s buffering systems, along with respiratory and renal functions, have effectively worked together to bring all parameters back to their normal physiological levels, ensuring optimal functioning of various biochemical processes.

Explanation

When all parameters, including pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and carbon dioxide (CO2), are within their normal ranges, the condition is described as corrected. This term implies that any previous imbalances in the acid-base status have been successfully addressed and that the body's acid-base equilibrium has been restored. Essentially, a corrected state means that the body’s buffering systems, along with respiratory and renal functions, have effectively worked together to bring all parameters back to their normal physiological levels, ensuring optimal functioning of various biochemical processes.

16. When the pH is normal, but both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormal, what is the condition called?

Uncompensated

Partially compensated

Fully compensated

Corrected

When both bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are abnormal, yet the pH remains within the normal range, the condition is described as fully compensated. This indicates that the body's compensatory mechanisms—both respiratory and renal—have effectively responded to the initial disturbances in acid-base balance. By adjusting the levels of CO2 (through respiratory changes) and HCO3- (through metabolic processes), the body manages to stabilize the pH within its normal range despite ongoing issues that might otherwise cause acidosis or alkalosis. This balancing act shows a dynamic response to maintain stable physiological conditions.

Explanation

When both bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are abnormal, yet the pH remains within the normal range, the condition is described as fully compensated. This indicates that the body's compensatory mechanisms—both respiratory and renal—have effectively responded to the initial disturbances in acid-base balance. By adjusting the levels of CO2 (through respiratory changes) and HCO3- (through metabolic processes), the body manages to stabilize the pH within its normal range despite ongoing issues that might otherwise cause acidosis or alkalosis. This balancing act shows a dynamic response to maintain stable physiological conditions.

17. When there is an abnormal pH and a change in one blood parameter, what is the condition called?

Uncompensated

Partially compensated

Fully compensated

Corrected

When the pH value is abnormal and there is a change in one blood parameter (either HCO3- or CO2), the condition is described as partially compensated. This indicates that the body has begun to respond to the initial acid-base imbalance but has not yet completely corrected the pH to within the normal range. In such cases, the compensatory mechanism (either respiratory or renal) is actively trying to restore balance by adjusting the level of the other parameter, but the adjustments have not been sufficient to return the pH to normal. This state reflects an ongoing physiological effort to stabilize the acid-base balance.

Explanation

When the pH value is abnormal and there is a change in one blood parameter (either HCO3- or CO2), the condition is described as partially compensated. This indicates that the body has begun to respond to the initial acid-base imbalance but has not yet completely corrected the pH to within the normal range. In such cases, the compensatory mechanism (either respiratory or renal) is actively trying to restore balance by adjusting the level of the other parameter, but the adjustments have not been sufficient to return the pH to normal. This state reflects an ongoing physiological effort to stabilize the acid-base balance.

18. PH 7.30, CO2 46 mmHg, HCO3 16 mEq/L

Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated

Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

Combined, partially compensated

Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

Explanation

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

19. When all three values—pH, HCO3-, and CO2—are abnormal, what is the condition called?

Uncompensated

Partially compensated

Fully compensated

Corrected

When all three values—pH, HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate), and CO₂ (carbon dioxide)—are abnormal, it indicates a partially compensated acid-base imbalance. This means the body is trying to correct the imbalance, but the pH has not yet returned to normal. Compensation occurs through the respiratory or renal systems. If only one of the two (CO₂ or HCO₃⁻) is abnormal, it is uncompensated. If the pH is normal despite abnormal CO₂ and HCO₃⁻, it is fully compensated. If all values return to normal, the condition is corrected.

Explanation

When all three values—pH, HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate), and CO₂ (carbon dioxide)—are abnormal, it indicates a partially compensated acid-base imbalance. This means the body is trying to correct the imbalance, but the pH has not yet returned to normal. Compensation occurs through the respiratory or renal systems. If only one of the two (CO₂ or HCO₃⁻) is abnormal, it is uncompensated. If the pH is normal despite abnormal CO₂ and HCO₃⁻, it is fully compensated. If all values return to normal, the condition is corrected.

20. PH 7.30, CO2 46 mmHg, HCO3 16 mEq/L

Respiratory alkalosis, Uncompensated

Combined, Partially compensated

Respiratory acidosis, Partially compensated

Metabolic acidosis, Partially compensated

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

Explanation

if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

ACID-base Balance Quiz: Test Your Physiology IQ

What do you like, dislike, and how can we improve?