A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Covering Chapter 08 on Acid Base Balance. Latest Updated 2026/2027.

Chapter 08 - Acid Base Balance

1. Changes in respiration result in rapid changes in CO2 levels in infants due to their:
a. under-developed kidneys
b. immature immune systems
c. small livers
d. small lung capacities
e. tiny mouths
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Introduction

2. What do acidic substances “donate” in chemical reactions?
a. oxygen atoms
b. hydrogen ions
c. protons
d. carbon atoms
e. chloride ions
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Basic Concepts: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

3. In human physiology, which two groups of acids are most important?
a. acidic and alkaline
b. gastric and intestinal
c. volatile and nonvolatile
d. reactive and nonreactive
e. digestive and enzymatic
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Basic Concepts: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

4. The lungs are unable to eliminate which types of acids?
a. nonvolatile acids
b. volatile acids
c. reactive acids
d. nonreactive acids
e. enzymatic acids
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Basic Concepts: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

5. What is the most biochemically important volatile acid in the body?
a. hydrochloric acid
b. acetic acid
c. phosphoric acid

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, Chapter 08 - Acid Base Balance

d. nitric acid
e. carbonic acid
ANSWER: e
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Basic Concepts: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

6. Fixed acids are categorized as:
a. stable or unstable
b. organic or inorganic
c. reactive or unreactive
d. endocrine or exocrine
e. donating or accepting
ANSWER: b
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Basic Concepts: Acids, Bases, and Buffers

7. The term hypercapnia indicates that there is ____.
a. too much calcium in the blood
b. a lack of the blood gas carbon dioxide
c. a lack of the blood gas oxygen
d. an excess of the blood gas carbon dioxide
e. an excess of the blood gas oxygen
ANSWER: d
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Glossary

8. What is the best definition of metabolic alkalosis?
a. condition resulting from either retention of cations or loss of nonvolatile acid
b. condition resulting from either retention of bicarbonate or calcium
c. condition resulting from either retention of bicarbonate or loss of nonvolatile acids
d. a kidney disease resulting in hyperventilation
e. a liver disease resulting in reduced respiration
ANSWER: c
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember
REFERENCES: Glossary

9. What is the most predominant base involved in human acid-base balance?
a. bicarbonate
b. alkaline water
c. calcium carbonate
d. magnesium citrate
e. ammonia
ANSWER: a
DIFFICULTY: Bloom’s: Remember

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