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ACID–BASE BALANCE NURSING EXAM – ABG
INTERPRETATION 2026-27 LATEST VERSION
Exam Structure
• Title: Acid–Base Balance Nursing Exam – ABG Interpretation
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Time Allowed: 2 hours
• Passing Score: 75%
Sections & Distribution:
1. ABG Basics & Normal Values – 20 questions
2. Respiratory Acidosis & Alkalosis – 25 questions
3. Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis – 25 questions
4. Mixed Disorders & Clinical Scenarios – 30 questions
Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
Difficulty: Mixed – knowledge-based, application, and patient scenario-based to reflect real clinical decision-
making.
Exam Introduction
Purpose:
This exam evaluates a nurse’s ability to interpret arterial blood gas (ABG) results, identify acid–base imbalances,
and implement appropriate nursing interventions. Emphasis is on critical thinking, rapid assessment, and
prioritization in patient care.
Content Areas Covered:
• Understanding normal ABG values (pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, PaO₂, SaO₂)
• Identification and causes of respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, and metabolic
alkalosis
• Recognition of compensatory mechanisms
• Management of mixed acid–base disorders in clinical scenarios
• Nursing interventions and patient education
,2
Instructions:
1. Read each question carefully and select the best answer (A, B, C, or D).
2. Each question carries 1 point; total 100 points.
3. Complete the exam within 2 hours.
4. Answers and rationales are provided for self-assessment and learning reinforcement.
Learning Outcome:
Nurses will demonstrate proficiency in ABG interpretation, recognition of acid–base disturbances, and application
of evidence-based nursing interventions, ensuring patient safety and effective clinical decision-making.
Section 1: ABG Basics & Normal Values (Questions 1–20)
Q1. Normal arterial blood pH range is:
A. 7.35–7.45
B. 7.25–7.35
C. 7.45–7.55
D. 7.30–7.50
Answer: A
Rationale:
Normal arterial pH is 7.35–7.45. Values outside this range
indicate acidemia (<7.35) or alkalemia (>7.45).
Q2. Normal PaCO₂ range is:
A. 35–45 mmHg
B. 25–35 mmHg
C. 45–55 mmHg
D. 50–60 mmHg
,3
Answer: A
Rationale:
PaCO₂ reflects respiratory component of acid–base balance.
Normal is 35–45 mmHg.
Q3. Normal HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate) range is:
A. 22–26 mEq/L
B. 18–22 mEq/L
C. 26–30 mEq/L
D. 20–24 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
HCO₃⁻ represents metabolic component. Normal arterial value
is 22–26 mEq/L.
Q4. Normal PaO₂ range is:
A. 80–100 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 100–120 mmHg
D. 50–70 mmHg
Answer: A
, 4
Rationale:
PaO₂ measures arterial oxygenation. Normal adult range is 80–
100 mmHg.
Q5. Normal SaO₂ (oxygen saturation) is:
A. 95–100%
B. 85–90%
C. 90–95%
D. 80–85%
Answer: A
Rationale:
SaO₂ reflects percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.
Normal is 95–100%.
Q6. The pH indicates:
A. Acid-base status (acidemia or alkalemia)
B. Oxygenation
C. Ventilation rate
D. Sodium level
Answer: A
Rationale:
pH measures hydrogen ion concentration, indicating whether
blood is acidic or alkaline.
ACID–BASE BALANCE NURSING EXAM – ABG
INTERPRETATION 2026-27 LATEST VERSION
Exam Structure
• Title: Acid–Base Balance Nursing Exam – ABG Interpretation
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Time Allowed: 2 hours
• Passing Score: 75%
Sections & Distribution:
1. ABG Basics & Normal Values – 20 questions
2. Respiratory Acidosis & Alkalosis – 25 questions
3. Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis – 25 questions
4. Mixed Disorders & Clinical Scenarios – 30 questions
Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
Difficulty: Mixed – knowledge-based, application, and patient scenario-based to reflect real clinical decision-
making.
Exam Introduction
Purpose:
This exam evaluates a nurse’s ability to interpret arterial blood gas (ABG) results, identify acid–base imbalances,
and implement appropriate nursing interventions. Emphasis is on critical thinking, rapid assessment, and
prioritization in patient care.
Content Areas Covered:
• Understanding normal ABG values (pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, PaO₂, SaO₂)
• Identification and causes of respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, and metabolic
alkalosis
• Recognition of compensatory mechanisms
• Management of mixed acid–base disorders in clinical scenarios
• Nursing interventions and patient education
,2
Instructions:
1. Read each question carefully and select the best answer (A, B, C, or D).
2. Each question carries 1 point; total 100 points.
3. Complete the exam within 2 hours.
4. Answers and rationales are provided for self-assessment and learning reinforcement.
Learning Outcome:
Nurses will demonstrate proficiency in ABG interpretation, recognition of acid–base disturbances, and application
of evidence-based nursing interventions, ensuring patient safety and effective clinical decision-making.
Section 1: ABG Basics & Normal Values (Questions 1–20)
Q1. Normal arterial blood pH range is:
A. 7.35–7.45
B. 7.25–7.35
C. 7.45–7.55
D. 7.30–7.50
Answer: A
Rationale:
Normal arterial pH is 7.35–7.45. Values outside this range
indicate acidemia (<7.35) or alkalemia (>7.45).
Q2. Normal PaCO₂ range is:
A. 35–45 mmHg
B. 25–35 mmHg
C. 45–55 mmHg
D. 50–60 mmHg
,3
Answer: A
Rationale:
PaCO₂ reflects respiratory component of acid–base balance.
Normal is 35–45 mmHg.
Q3. Normal HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate) range is:
A. 22–26 mEq/L
B. 18–22 mEq/L
C. 26–30 mEq/L
D. 20–24 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale:
HCO₃⁻ represents metabolic component. Normal arterial value
is 22–26 mEq/L.
Q4. Normal PaO₂ range is:
A. 80–100 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 100–120 mmHg
D. 50–70 mmHg
Answer: A
, 4
Rationale:
PaO₂ measures arterial oxygenation. Normal adult range is 80–
100 mmHg.
Q5. Normal SaO₂ (oxygen saturation) is:
A. 95–100%
B. 85–90%
C. 90–95%
D. 80–85%
Answer: A
Rationale:
SaO₂ reflects percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.
Normal is 95–100%.
Q6. The pH indicates:
A. Acid-base status (acidemia or alkalemia)
B. Oxygenation
C. Ventilation rate
D. Sodium level
Answer: A
Rationale:
pH measures hydrogen ion concentration, indicating whether
blood is acidic or alkaline.
