1|Page
NR 283 Pathophysiology Exam 2 Test Bank | Actual
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales |
(2026–2027) Nursing Exam Prep | Grade A
1. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
blood pH?
A. 7.00-7.35
B. 7.35-7.45
C. 7.45-7.55
D. 7.55-7.65
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, representing a slightly
alkaline state necessary for optimal cellular function.
2. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
bicarbonate (HCO₃)?
A. 10-18 mEq/L
B. 22-26 mEq/L
,2|Page
C. 30-38 mEq/L
D. 40-48 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal bicarbonate (HCO₃) range is 22-26 mEq/L. Bicarbonate is the
metabolic component of acid-base balance, regulated by the kidneys.
3. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂)?
A. 20-30 mmHg
B. 35-45 mmHg
C. 50-60 mmHg
D. 65-75 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal arterial pCO₂ range is 35-45 mmHg. Carbon dioxide is the respiratory
component of acid-base balance, regulated by the lungs.
4. A nurse is analyzing arterial blood gases. Which ABG values indicate respiratory
acidosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. pH below 7.35
B. pCO₂ above 45 mmHg
C. HCO₃ normal
,3|Page
D. pH above 7.45
E. pCO₂ below 35 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by pH < 7.35, pCO₂ > 45 mmHg (from
hypoventilation), and normal HCO₃ (uncompensated) or elevated HCO₃ (compensated).
5. A nurse is identifying causes of respiratory acidosis. Which conditions can cause
respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. COPD
B. Pneumonia
C. Asthma
D. Hypoventilation
E. Overdose of sedatives
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation, which increases pCO₂.
Causes include COPD, pneumonia, asthma, aspiration, sleep apnea, and sedative
overdose.
6. A nurse is analyzing arterial blood gases. Which ABG values indicate respiratory
alkalosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. pH above 7.45
, 4|Page
B. pCO₂ below 35 mmHg
C. HCO₃ normal
D. pH below 7.35
E. pCO₂ above 45 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by pH > 7.45, pCO₂ < 35 mmHg (from
hyperventilation), and normal HCO₃ (uncompensated) or decreased HCO₃
(compensated).
7. A nurse is identifying causes of respiratory alkalosis. Which conditions can cause
respiratory alkalosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hyperventilation
B. Panic attack
C. Fever
D. Hypoxia
E. Pneumonia
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, which decreases pCO₂.
Causes include anxiety/panic attacks, fever, hypoxia, pain, and mechanical
overventilation.
NR 283 Pathophysiology Exam 2 Test Bank | Actual
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales |
(2026–2027) Nursing Exam Prep | Grade A
1. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
blood pH?
A. 7.00-7.35
B. 7.35-7.45
C. 7.45-7.55
D. 7.55-7.65
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, representing a slightly
alkaline state necessary for optimal cellular function.
2. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
bicarbonate (HCO₃)?
A. 10-18 mEq/L
B. 22-26 mEq/L
,2|Page
C. 30-38 mEq/L
D. 40-48 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal bicarbonate (HCO₃) range is 22-26 mEq/L. Bicarbonate is the
metabolic component of acid-base balance, regulated by the kidneys.
3. A nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) values. What is the normal range for
partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂)?
A. 20-30 mmHg
B. 35-45 mmHg
C. 50-60 mmHg
D. 65-75 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Normal arterial pCO₂ range is 35-45 mmHg. Carbon dioxide is the respiratory
component of acid-base balance, regulated by the lungs.
4. A nurse is analyzing arterial blood gases. Which ABG values indicate respiratory
acidosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. pH below 7.35
B. pCO₂ above 45 mmHg
C. HCO₃ normal
,3|Page
D. pH above 7.45
E. pCO₂ below 35 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by pH < 7.35, pCO₂ > 45 mmHg (from
hypoventilation), and normal HCO₃ (uncompensated) or elevated HCO₃ (compensated).
5. A nurse is identifying causes of respiratory acidosis. Which conditions can cause
respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. COPD
B. Pneumonia
C. Asthma
D. Hypoventilation
E. Overdose of sedatives
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation, which increases pCO₂.
Causes include COPD, pneumonia, asthma, aspiration, sleep apnea, and sedative
overdose.
6. A nurse is analyzing arterial blood gases. Which ABG values indicate respiratory
alkalosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. pH above 7.45
, 4|Page
B. pCO₂ below 35 mmHg
C. HCO₃ normal
D. pH below 7.35
E. pCO₂ above 45 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by pH > 7.45, pCO₂ < 35 mmHg (from
hyperventilation), and normal HCO₃ (uncompensated) or decreased HCO₃
(compensated).
7. A nurse is identifying causes of respiratory alkalosis. Which conditions can cause
respiratory alkalosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hyperventilation
B. Panic attack
C. Fever
D. Hypoxia
E. Pneumonia
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, which decreases pCO₂.
Causes include anxiety/panic attacks, fever, hypoxia, pain, and mechanical
overventilation.
