Answers 2025
A major role of the respiratory system is to maintain - correct answers homeostasis
through acid-base balance
Normal plasma pH - correct answers 7.35-7.45
reflects hydrogen ion concentration
Buffer system keeps plasma pH in the normal range by - correct answers changing H+
concentration
Kidneys regulate - correct answers bicarbonate in ECF
Lungs, controlled by the medulla, - correct answers regulate CO2, and therefore carbonic
acid
Arterial Blood Gas studies - correct answers Reflect ventilation
How are ABG's obtained? - correct answers arterial puncture
-radial
-brachial
-femoral
-indewlling catheter
Potential complications of Arterial Blood Gas Studies - correct answers -pain
-infection
,NUR 121 Gas Transport Questions and
Answers 2025
-hematoma
-hemorrhage
pH range - correct answers 7.35-7.45
PaCO2 range - correct answers 35-45
HCO3 range (bicarbonate) - correct answers 21-28
PaO2 range - correct answers 80-110
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) - correct answers 95-100%
Metabolic Acidosis - correct answers low pH <7.35
low bicarbonate <22
Metabolic Acidosis caused by - correct answers ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal
tubular acidosis, and hyperchlormic acidosis
Treatment of metabolic acidosis - correct answers -correct underlying problem
-correct imbalance
-may need to administer bicarbonate
,NUR 121 Gas Transport Questions and
Answers 2025
Clinical manifestation of metabolic acidosis - correct answers -headache
-confusion
-drowsiness
-tachypnea
-increased respiratory depth
-decreased blood pressure
-decreased cardiac output
-dysrhythmias
-shock
-may be symptomatic until bicarbonate is 15 or less
Metabolic Alkalosis - correct answers high pH >7.45
High bicarbonate >26
Metabolic alkalosis is most commonly - correct answers due to vomiting or gastric suction
may also be due to medications, especially long-term diuretic use
Hypokalemia will produce - correct answers metabolic alkalosis
Treatment for metabolic alkalosis - correct answers -correct underlying disorder
-supply chloride to allow excretion of excess bicarbonate
-restore fluid volume with sodium chloride solutions
, NUR 121 Gas Transport Questions and
Answers 2025
Clinical manifestations of metabolic alkalosis - correct answers -symptoms related to
decreased calcium
-respiratory depression
-tachycardia
-symptoms of hypokalemia
Respiratory Acidosis - correct answers Low pH <7.35
PaCO2 >42
Respiratory acidosis is always due to - correct answers respiratory problem with
inadequate excretion of CO2
hypoventilation
In chronic respiratory acidosis the - correct answers the body may compensate and may
be asymptomatic; symptoms may include a suddenly increased pulse, respiratory rate, and
BP, mental changes; feeling of fullness in the head
Respiratory acidosis potenial increase - correct answers in intracranial pressure
Treatment for respiratory acidosis - correct answers aimed at improving ventilation
Respiratory Alkalosis - correct answers High pH >7.45
PaCO2 <35