Rasmussen College MDC 2 Exam 2 2026 Final Review with
Explanatory Answers – Acid-Base Balance, ABGs, Respiratory
and Metabolic Disorders Nursing Study Guide
Introduction:
This document contains a comprehensive review for Rasmussen
College MDC 2 Exam 2 focused on acid-base balance, arterial blood
gases (ABGs), respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, metabolic acidosis
and alkalosis, compensation mechanisms, laboratory values, and
nursing interventions. It also includes explanatory answers, clinical
manifestations, pathophysiology, collaborative care, and NCLEX-
style practice questions related to acid-base imbalances.
The material covers ABG interpretation, causes and symptoms of
acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory and renal compensation,
electrolyte imbalances, and nursing priorities for patients with
pulmonary and metabolic disorders. The review is useful for
nursing students preparing for exams, remediation, or acid-base
balance clinical practice.
Exam Questions and Answers
31. acid-base balance--- correct precise answer ---equilibrium
between acid and base concentrations in the body flui fluid contains
equal number of positive changes, ions with negative charges
balance occurs by matching rate hydrogen ion production with less
,32. changes that can effect normal blood PH--- correct precise
answer ---shape hormones and enzymes distribution of other
electrolytes(fluid and electrolyte imbalance)
excitable membranes
ettectiveness of hormones and drugs
33. three parts to an ABG--- correct precise answer ---ph = 7.35-
7.45
Co2 = 35-45(this is acid, the higher the number more acidic
Hco3=22-26 (bicarb)
34. bases--- correct precise answer ---bind with hydrogen ions
and solutions
35. buffers--- correct precise answer ---critical in maintaining
normal body fluid PH
36. body fluid chemistry--- correct precise answer ---Bicarbonate
ions (HCO3) Relationship between CO2 and hydrogen ions
Calculation of free hydrogen ion level
37. ABG respiratory issues--- correct precise answer ---renal
system competency's
38. acids--- correct precise answer ---release hydrogen ions when
dissolved in water
incomplete breakdown of glucose , breakdown of proteins and fats,
destruction of cells
39. respiratory alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---to much co2
excreted
,40. metabolic alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---high pH, high
HCO3 too much base
41. metabolic acidosis--- correct precise answer ---decreased pH
in blood and body tissues as a result of an upset in metabolism(to
much acid)
42. respiratory acidosis--- correct precise answer ---to much co2
retained
43. acidosis vs alkalosis (picture)--- correct precise answer ---
44. ABG metabolic issues--- correct precise answer ---lungs
compensating
45. metabolic Alkalosis neuromuscular changes--- correct precise
answer ---hyperflxia, muscle cramping, twitching, skeletal muscle
weakness
46. Cardiovascular Changes--- correct precise answer ---
Increased HR, normal or low Blood pressure, increased digitalis
toxicity
47. Metabolic Acidosis CNS changes--- correct precise answer ---
increased activity , anxiety , positive choices sign and trousseaus
sign, parasthesia
48. nursing Interventions for metabolic alkalosis--- correct
precise answer ---Treat the cause watch for respiratory distress
and vomiting administer antiemetic such as Zofran or Finnegan
stop Angie suctioning stop or altered dose of diuretic may
administer diamond knots and watch for hypokalemia
49. respiratory alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---
, 50. inter professional or collaborative care for alkalosis--- correct
precise answer ---
51. interventions responding to alkalosis--- correct precise
answer ---
1. Causes of respiratory acidosis (low ph/ high CO2)--- correct
precise answer ----Hypoventilation
-Drug overdose
-Pulmonary edema
-Chest trauma/neuromuscular disease
-COPD
-Airway obstruction
2. Causes of Metabolic Acidosis (low pH/low HCO3)--- correct
precise answer ----Diabetic ketoacidosis
-Salicylate OD
-Renal failure
-Severe diarrhea
-Sepsis
-Shock
3. How to evaluate that treatment is working for respiratory
acidosis?--- correct precise answer ----Maintains adequate gas
exchange
-Arterial pH above 7.2 and closer to 7.35
Explanatory Answers – Acid-Base Balance, ABGs, Respiratory
and Metabolic Disorders Nursing Study Guide
Introduction:
This document contains a comprehensive review for Rasmussen
College MDC 2 Exam 2 focused on acid-base balance, arterial blood
gases (ABGs), respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, metabolic acidosis
and alkalosis, compensation mechanisms, laboratory values, and
nursing interventions. It also includes explanatory answers, clinical
manifestations, pathophysiology, collaborative care, and NCLEX-
style practice questions related to acid-base imbalances.
The material covers ABG interpretation, causes and symptoms of
acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory and renal compensation,
electrolyte imbalances, and nursing priorities for patients with
pulmonary and metabolic disorders. The review is useful for
nursing students preparing for exams, remediation, or acid-base
balance clinical practice.
Exam Questions and Answers
31. acid-base balance--- correct precise answer ---equilibrium
between acid and base concentrations in the body flui fluid contains
equal number of positive changes, ions with negative charges
balance occurs by matching rate hydrogen ion production with less
,32. changes that can effect normal blood PH--- correct precise
answer ---shape hormones and enzymes distribution of other
electrolytes(fluid and electrolyte imbalance)
excitable membranes
ettectiveness of hormones and drugs
33. three parts to an ABG--- correct precise answer ---ph = 7.35-
7.45
Co2 = 35-45(this is acid, the higher the number more acidic
Hco3=22-26 (bicarb)
34. bases--- correct precise answer ---bind with hydrogen ions
and solutions
35. buffers--- correct precise answer ---critical in maintaining
normal body fluid PH
36. body fluid chemistry--- correct precise answer ---Bicarbonate
ions (HCO3) Relationship between CO2 and hydrogen ions
Calculation of free hydrogen ion level
37. ABG respiratory issues--- correct precise answer ---renal
system competency's
38. acids--- correct precise answer ---release hydrogen ions when
dissolved in water
incomplete breakdown of glucose , breakdown of proteins and fats,
destruction of cells
39. respiratory alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---to much co2
excreted
,40. metabolic alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---high pH, high
HCO3 too much base
41. metabolic acidosis--- correct precise answer ---decreased pH
in blood and body tissues as a result of an upset in metabolism(to
much acid)
42. respiratory acidosis--- correct precise answer ---to much co2
retained
43. acidosis vs alkalosis (picture)--- correct precise answer ---
44. ABG metabolic issues--- correct precise answer ---lungs
compensating
45. metabolic Alkalosis neuromuscular changes--- correct precise
answer ---hyperflxia, muscle cramping, twitching, skeletal muscle
weakness
46. Cardiovascular Changes--- correct precise answer ---
Increased HR, normal or low Blood pressure, increased digitalis
toxicity
47. Metabolic Acidosis CNS changes--- correct precise answer ---
increased activity , anxiety , positive choices sign and trousseaus
sign, parasthesia
48. nursing Interventions for metabolic alkalosis--- correct
precise answer ---Treat the cause watch for respiratory distress
and vomiting administer antiemetic such as Zofran or Finnegan
stop Angie suctioning stop or altered dose of diuretic may
administer diamond knots and watch for hypokalemia
49. respiratory alkalosis--- correct precise answer ---
, 50. inter professional or collaborative care for alkalosis--- correct
precise answer ---
51. interventions responding to alkalosis--- correct precise
answer ---
1. Causes of respiratory acidosis (low ph/ high CO2)--- correct
precise answer ----Hypoventilation
-Drug overdose
-Pulmonary edema
-Chest trauma/neuromuscular disease
-COPD
-Airway obstruction
2. Causes of Metabolic Acidosis (low pH/low HCO3)--- correct
precise answer ----Diabetic ketoacidosis
-Salicylate OD
-Renal failure
-Severe diarrhea
-Sepsis
-Shock
3. How to evaluate that treatment is working for respiratory
acidosis?--- correct precise answer ----Maintains adequate gas
exchange
-Arterial pH above 7.2 and closer to 7.35
