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ABG ANALYSIS NCLEX EXAM 1
1. George Kent is a 54 year old widower with a history
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was
rushed to the emergency department with increasing
shortness of breath, pyrexia, and a productive cough
with yellow-green sputum. He has difficulty in
communicating because of his inability to complete a
sentence. One of his sons, Jacob, says he has been
unwell for three days. Upon examination, crackles
and wheezes can be heard in the lower lobes; he has
a tachycardia and a bounding pulse. Measurement of
arterial blood gas shows pH 7.3, PaCO2 68 mm Hg,
HCO3 28 mmol/L, and PaO2 60 mm Hg. How would
you interpret this?
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
2. Carl, an elementary student, was rushed to the
hospital due to vomiting and a decreased level of
consciousness. The patient displays slow and deep
(Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable
in response to stimulation. He appears to be
dehydrated—his eyes are sunken and mucous
membranes are dry—and he has a two week history of
polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. Measurement of
arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0, PaO2 90 mm Hg,
PaCO2 23 mm Hg, and HCO3 12 mmol/L; other results
are Na+ 126 mmol/L, K+ 5 mmol/L, and Cl- 95
mmol/L. What is your assessment?
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially, Compensated
3. A cigarette vendor was brought to the emergency
department of a hospital after she fell into the ground
and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic
and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried out to lessen
her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is
still in pain and now experiencing muscle cramps,
tingling, and paraesthesia. Measurement of arterial
blood gas reveals pH 7.6, PaO2 120 mm Hg, PaCO2 31
mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mmol/L. What does this mean?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
4. Ricky’s grandmother is suffering from persistent
vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic
and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry
mucus membranes and her capillary refill takes 4
seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis
and dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas
shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg,
and HCO3 34 mmol/L. What acid-base disorder is
shown?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
5. Mrs. Johansson, who had undergone surgery in the
post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), is difficult to arouse
two hours following surgery. Nurse Florence in the
PACU has been administering Morphine Sulfate
intravenously to the client for complaints of post-
surgical pain. The client’s respiratory rate is 7 per
minute and demonstrates shallow breathing. The
patient does not respond to any stimuli! The nurse
assesses the ABCs (remember Airway, Breathing,
Circulation!) and obtains ABGs STAT! Measurement of
arterial blood gas shows pH 7.10, PaCO2 70 mm Hg
and HCO3 24 mEq/L. What does this mean?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
6. Baby Angela was rushed to the Emergency Room
following her mother’s complaint that the infant has
been irritable, difficult to breastfeed and has had
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rate is elevated and the fontanels are sunken. The
Emergency Room physician orders ABGs after
assessing the ABCs. The results from the ABG results
show pH 7.39, PaCO2 27 mmHg and HCO3 19 mEq/L.
What does this mean?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
B. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
C. Metabolic Acidosis, Fully Compensated
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
7. Mr. Wales, who underwent post-abdominal surgery,
has a nasogastric tube. The nurse on duty notes that
the nasogastric tube (NGT) is draining a large amount
(900 cc in 2 hours) of coffee ground secretions. The
client is not oriented to person, place, or time. The
nurse contacts the attending physician and STAT ABGs
are ordered. The results from the ABGs show pH 7.57,
PaCO2 37 mmHg and HCO3 30 mEq/L. What is your
assessment?
A. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
8. Client Z is admitted to the hospital and is to undergo
brain surgery. The client is very anxious and scared of
the upcoming surgery. He begins to hyperventilate and
becomes very dizzy. The client loses consciousness and
the STAT ABGs reveal pH 7.61, PaCO2 22 mmHg and
HCO3 25 mEq/L. What is the ABG interpretation based
on the findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
9. Three-year-old Adrian is admitted to the hospital
with a diagnosis of asthma and respiratory distress
syndrome. The mother of the child reports to the
nurse on duty that she has witnessed slight tremors
and behavioral changes in her child over the past four
are pH 7.35, PaCO2 72 mmHg and HCO3 38
mEq/L. What acid-base disorder is shown?
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
10. Anne, who is drinking beer at a party, falls and hits
her head on the ground. Her friend Liza dials “911”
because Anne is unconscious, depressed ventilation
(shallow and slow respirations), rapid heart rate, and
is profusely bleeding from both ears. Which primary
acid-base imbalance is Anne at risk for if medical
attention is not provided?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answers and Rationale:
1. Answer: B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially
Compensated
The patient has respiratory acidosis (raised carbon dioxide)
resulting from an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, with partial compensation.
2. Answer: D. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially,
Compensated
The student was diagnosed having diabetes mellitus. The
results show that he has metabolic acidosis (low HCO3 -) with
respiratory compensation (low CO2).
3. Answer: A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The primary disorder is acute respiratory alkalosis (low CO2)
due to the pain and anxiety causing her to hyperventilate.
There has not been time for metabolic compensation.
4. Answer: C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
days. The attending physician orders routine ABGs
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The primary disorder is uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
(high HCO3 -). As CO2 is the strongest driver of respiration, it
generally will not allow hypoventilation as compensation for
metabolic alkalosis.
5. Answer: B. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
The results show that Mrs. Johansson has respiratory acidosis
because of decreased pH and increased PaCO2 which mean
acidic in nature. Meanwhile, it is uncompensated because
HCO3 is within the normal range.
6. Answer: C. Metabolic Acidosis, Fully Compensated
Baby Angela has metabolic acidosis due to decreased HCO3
and slightly acidic pH. Her pH value is within the normal range
which made the result fully compensated.
7. Answer: B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The postoperative client’s ABG results show that he has
metabolic alkalosis because of an increased pH and HCO3.
It
is uncompensated due to the normal PaCO2 which is within
35 to 45 mmHg.
8. Answer: C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
The results show that client Z has respiratory alkalosis
since there is an increase in the pH value and a decrease
in PaCO2 which are both basic. It is uncompensated due to
the normal HCO3 which is within 22-26 mEq/L.
9. Answer: B. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
The patient has respiratory acidosis (raised carbon dioxide)
resulting from asthma and respiratory distress syndrome, with
compensation having normal pH value within 7.35to 7.45,
increased PaCO2 which is acidic and increased HCO3 which
is basic.
10. Answer: C. Respiratory Acidosis
One of the risk factors of having respiratory acidosis is
hypoventilation which may be due to brain trauma, coma, and
hypothyroidism or myxedema. Other risk factors include
pneumonia and status asthmaticus. Drugs such as Morphine
and MgSO4 toxicity are also risk factors of respiratory
acidosis.
ABG ANALYSIS NCLEX EXAM 2
In acid-base balance the normal plasma PCO2 and
bicarbonate levels are disturbed. Match the changes in
these parameters given below with the disorders in the
drop down list.
1. Low plasma PaCO2
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
2. High plasma PaCO2
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
3. Decreased plasma bicarbonate (HCO3-)
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
4. Increased plasma bicarbonate (HCO3-)
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
5. What two organs in the body serve as a
compensatory function to maintain acid base balance?
A. Kidneys and Lungs
B. Lungs and Spleen
C. Heart and Liver
D. Gallbladder and Appendix
6. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement will give the
information needed to determine if the primary
disturbance of acid-base balance is respiratory or
metabolic in nature.
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A. True
B. False
C. Both Carbonic Acid Excess and Deficit Only
D. Both Bicarbonate Excess and Deficit Only
7. The major effect of acidosis is overexcitement of
the central nervous system.
A. True
B. False
C. Maybe
D. Both Acidosis and Alkalosis result in overexcitement of the
central nervous system.
8. Alkalosis is characterized by overexcitement of the
nervous system.
A. True
B. False
C. The major effect of Alkalosis is a depression of the central
nervous system.
D. Both Acidosis and Alkalosis result in overexcitement of the
central nervous system.
9. The human body functions optimally in a state of
homeostasis.
A. True
B. False
C. Maybe
D. Homeostasis has nothing to do with metabolic balance.
10. Acids have no hydrogen ions and are able to bind in
a solution.
A. True
B. False
C. Acid is a substance that is not capable of donating
hydrogen ions.
D. Acids and bases have nothing to do with hydrogen ions.
Match the acid-base status of the following blood
samples to the disorders in the drop down list. (PaCO2
values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in
mmol/l).
11. pH 7.57, PaCO2 22, HCO3- 17
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
C. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
12. pH 7.39, PaCO2 44, HCO3- 26
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Normal
13. pH 7.55, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 22
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
14. pH 7.17, PaCO2 48, HCO3- 36
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
15. pH 7.34, PaCO2 24, HCO3- 20
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
16. pH 7.64, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 19
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
17. pH 7.45, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 30
A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
18. pH 7.6, PaCO2 53, HCO3- 38
A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
C. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
19. pH 7.5, PaCO2 19, HCO3- 22
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
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C. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
D. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
20. pH 7.4, PaCO2 59, HCO3- 35
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
C. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Answers and Rationale:
1. Answer: B. Respiratory Alkalosis
Excessive pulmonary ventilation decreases hydrogen ion
concentration and thus causes respiratory alkalosis. It can
become dangerous when it leads to cardiac dysrhythmias
caused partly by a decrease in serum potassium levels.
2. Answer: D. Respiratory Acidosis
An excess of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) can cause carbon
dioxide narcosis. In this condition, carbon dioxide levels are so
high that they no longer stimulate respirations but depress
them.
3. Answer: A. Metabolic Acidosis
The body compensates by using body fat for energy,
producing abnormal amounts of ketone bodies. In an effort to
neutralize the ketones and maintain the acid-base balance of
the body, plasma bicarbonate is exhausted. This condition can
develop in anyone who does not eat an adequate diet and
whose body fat must be burned for energy. Symptoms include
headache and mental dullness.
4. Answer: C. Metabolic Alkalosis
In metabolic alkalosis, breathing becomes depressed in an
effort to conserve carbon dioxide for combination with water
in the blood to raise the blood level of carbonic acid.
Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, numbness or tingling
of fingers or toes.
5. Answer: A. Kidneys and Lungs
The carbonic acid concentration is controlled by the amount of
carbon dioxide excreted by the lungs. The bicarbonate
concentration is controlled by the kidneys, which selectively
retain or excrete bicarbonate in response to the body’s needs.
6. Answer: A. True
ABG’s are blood tests that are useful in identifying the cause
and extent of the acid-base disturbance and in guiding and
monitoring treatment.
7. Answer: B. False
The major effect is a depression of the central nervous
system, as evidenced by disorientation followed by coma.
8. Answer: A. True
The muscles may go into a state of tetany and convulsions.
9. Answer: A. True
The maintenance of acid-base balance, which in one part of
homeostasis, is evidenced by an arterial plasma pH value of
7.35-7.45. Many mechanisms in the body work together to
achieve and maintain this delicate narrow range of pH that is
essential for normal cell function.
10. Answer: B. False
Acids are substances having one or more hydrogen ions that
can be liberated into a solution.
Bases are substances that can bind hydrogen ions in a
solution.
11. Answer: D. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially
Compensated
12. Answer: D. Normal
13. Answer: B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
14. Answer: D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially
Compensated
15. Answer: B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially
Compensated
16. Answer: B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially
Compensated
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18. Answer: A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially
Compensated
19. Answer: D. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
20. Answer: C. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully
Compensated
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AB G AN ALYSIS N C L E X E XA M 1
still in pain and now experiencing muscle cramps,
1. George Kent is a 54 year old widower with a history
tingling, and paraesthesia. Measurement of arterial
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was
blood gas reveals pH 7.6, PaO2 120 mm Hg, PaCO2 31
rushed to the emergency department with increasing
mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mmol/L. What does this mean?
shortness of breath, pyrexia, and a productive cough
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
with yellow-green sputum. He has difficulty in
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
communicating because of his inability to complete a
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
sentence. One of his sons, Jacob, says he has been
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
unwell for three days. Upon examination, crackles
4. R i ck y ’ s g r a n d m o t h e r is s u f f e r i n g f r o m p er s i s t e n t
and wheezes can be heard in the lower lobes; he has
vomiting for two days now. She appears to be lethargic
a tachycardia and a bounding pulse. Measurement of
a n d w e a k a n d h a s m y a l g i a . S h e is n o t e d t o h a v e d r y
arterial blood gas shows pH 7.3, PaCO2 68 mm Hg,
m u c u s m e m b r a n e s a n d h e r ca p i l la ry ref ill t a k e s > 4
HCO3 28 mmol/L, and PaO2 60 mm Hg. How would
s e c o n d s . S h e is d i a g n o s e d a s h a v i n g g a s t r o e n t e r i t i s
you interpret this?
a n d d e h y d r a t i o n . M e a s u r e m e n t of a rte r ial b l o o d g a s
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
s h o w s p H 7. 5, P a O 2 8 5 m m H g , P a C O 2 4 0 m m H g ,
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
a n d HCO3 34 mmol/L. What acid-base disorder is
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
shown?
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
2. C ar l , a n e l e m e n t a r y s t u d e n t , w a s r u s h e d t o t h e
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
h o s p i t a l d u e t o v o m i t i n g a n d a d e c r e a s e d le vel o f
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
co n s c io u s n e s s . T h e p a t i e n t d i s p la ys s l o w a n d d e e p
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
(Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable
5. Mrs. Johansson, who had undergone surgery in the
in resp onse to stimulation. H e a ppear s to be
post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), is difficult to arouse
dehydrated—his eyes are sunken and mu cous
two hours following surgery. Nurse Florence in the
membranes are dry—and he has a two week history of
P A C U h as b ee n admin istering M o r ph i n e Sulfate
polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. Measurement of
i n t r a v e n o u s l y t o t h e cl ient fo r c o m p l a i n t s o f p o s t -
a rt e r ia l b l o o d g a s s h o w s p H 7 . 0 , P a O 2 9 0 m m H g ,
su rg ic a l p a i n . T h e cl ient ’ s r e s p i r a t o r y r a t e is 7 p e r
PaCO2 23 mm Hg, and HCO3 12 mmol/L; other results
min ut e a n d dem o ns tr ates shallow breathing. Th e
are Na+ 126 mmol/L, K+ 5 mmol/L, and Cl- 95
p a t i e n t d o e s n o t r e s p o n d t o a n y st im ul i ! T h e n u r s e
mmol/L. W h a t is y o u r a s s e s s m e n t ?
assesses t he AB Cs ( r e m em be r Airwa y, Breathing,
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
Circulation!) and obtains ABGs STAT! Measurement of
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
ar t er ia l b l o o d g a s s h o w s p H 7 . 1 0 , P a C O 2 7 0 m m H g
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
a n d H C O 3 2 4 m E q / L . W h a t d o e s th is m e a n ?
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially, Compensated
A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
3. A cigarette vendor was brought to the emergency
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
department of a hospital after she fell into the ground
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic
D. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried out to lessen
6. Baby Angela was rushed to the Emergency Room
her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is
following her mother’s complaint that the infant has
been irritable, difficult to breastfeed and has had
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