NS 2881 EXAM READY - VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - COMPREHENSIVE LATEST VERSION 2026/2027

Respiratory Function & Arterial Blood Gas Analysis



NS 2881 EXAM READY - VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
COMPREHENSIVE LATEST VERSION 2026/2027




1. What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?
A. 7.35–7.45
B. 7.45–7.55
C. 7.30–7.50
D. 7.25–7.35
Correct Answer: A
2. What is the normal range for PaCO2 in arterial blood?
A. 45–60 mmHg
B. 35–45 mmHg
C. 30–35 mmHg
D. 20–30 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
3. What is the normal range for HCO3- in arterial blood?
A. 30–35 mEq/L
B. 18–20 mEq/L
C. 22–26 mEq/L
D. 10–15 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
4. What is the normal range for PaO2 in arterial blood at sea level?
A. 60–70 mmHg
B. 40–60 mmHg
C. 80–100 mmHg
D. 100–120 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
5. What is the normal range for SaO2?
A. 95–100%
B. 90–95%
C. 70–80%

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, Respiratory Function & Arterial Blood Gas Analysis



D. 85–90%
Correct Answer: A
6. Which component of the ABG reflects the respiratory system's contribution
to acid-base balance?
A. pH
B. HCO3-
C. PaCO2
D. Base excess
Correct Answer: C
7. Which component of the ABG reflects the metabolic/renal contribution to
acid-base balance?
A. PaCO2
B. HCO3-
C. pH
D. PaO2
Correct Answer: B
8. A pH below 7.35 indicates which condition?
A. Normal balance
B. Hypoxemia
C. Acidosis
D. Alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
9. A pH above 7.45 indicates which condition?
A. Normal balance
B. Alkalosis
C. Acidosis
D. Hypercapnia
Correct Answer: B
10. What does 'base excess' describe on an ABG report?
A. The partial pressure of nitrogen
B. The hemoglobin saturation
C. The total oxygen content of the blood
D. The amount of buffer base above or below normal
Correct Answer: D


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, Respiratory Function & Arterial Blood Gas Analysis



11. Which gas exchange measurement is obtained directly from an arterial
blood sample rather than calculated?
A. A-a gradient
B. PaO2
C. Oxygen content
D. SaO2 (calculated)
Correct Answer: B
12. What artery is most commonly used to obtain an ABG sample?
A. Brachial vein
B. Jugular vein
C. Radial artery
D. Femoral vein
Correct Answer: C
13. Which test should be performed before a radial artery puncture to assess
collateral circulation?
A. Homan's sign
B. Tinel's sign
C. Trendelenburg test
D. Allen's test
Correct Answer: D
14. What type of syringe anticoagulant is used to prevent clotting in an ABG
sample?
A. Citrate
B. EDTA
C. Heparin
D. Warfarin
Correct Answer: C
15. Within what time frame should an ABG sample ideally be analyzed after
collection?
A. Within 24 hours
B. Within 15 minutes
C. Within 2 hours
D. Within 30 minutes at room temperature without ice
Correct Answer: B



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, Respiratory Function & Arterial Blood Gas Analysis



16. Why is an ABG sample often transported on ice?
A. To slow cellular metabolism and preserve gas values
B. To increase clotting time
C. To prevent hemolysis
D. To raise the sample's pH
Correct Answer: A
17. What effect does introducing air bubbles into an ABG syringe have on
results?
A. Falsely elevates PaCO2 only
B. Has no effect on values
C. Falsely elevates PaO2 and lowers PaCO2
D. Falsely lowers PaO2 only
Correct Answer: C
18. What is the term for the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in plasma?
A. PaO2
B. SaO2
C. FiO2
D. CaO2
Correct Answer: A
19. What does FiO2 represent?
A. The fraction of inspired oxygen
B. The flow rate of intravenous fluids
C. The fraction of oxygen bound to hemoglobin
D. The functional inspiratory capacity
Correct Answer: A
20. On room air, what is the approximate FiO2?
A. 40%
B. 21%
C. 100%
D. 28%
Correct Answer: B
21. Which value estimates the difference between alveolar and arterial oxygen
tension?
A. V/Q ratio


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