Acid-Base balance Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
Respiratory acidosis - Correct answer-pH low, PaCO2 high, K+ high.
compensated by HCO3 high to bring pH to normal
Metabolic acidosis - Correct answer-pH low, HCO3 low, K+ high
compensated by PaCO2 low
Respiratory alkalosis - Correct answer-pH high, PaCO2 low, K+ low.
compensated by HCO3 low to bring pH to normal
Metabolic alkalosis - Correct answer-pH high, HCO3 high, K+ low
compensated by PaCO2 high
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,Buffer system - Correct answer-CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 = H(+) + HCO3
What causes
Metabolic alkalosis? - Correct answer-loss of hydrogen ions or acids or
an excess of base bicarbonate
For example:
-hypovolemia,
-the loss of gastric fluid via NG suction or vomitting,
-excessive bicarbonate intake,
-massive transfusion of whole blood,
-hyperaldosteronism.
The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following:
pH 7.45, Paco2 of 30 mm Hg (30 mm Hg), and HCO3- of 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L).
The nurse analyzes these results as indicating which condition? - Correct answer-
Respiratory alkalosis, compensated
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, The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low
suction. The nurse monitors the client for manifestations of which disorder that the
client is at risk for? - Correct answer-Metabolic alkalosis
A client with a 3-day history of nausea and vomiting presents to the emergency
department. The client is hypoventilating and has a respiratory rate of 10
breaths/minute. The electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor displays tachycardia, with a
heart rate of 120 beats/minute. Arterial blood gases are drawn and the nurse
reviews the results, expecting to note which finding? - Correct answer-An
increased pH and an increased HCO3-
because Nausea & vomiting will cause H+ loss = increased pH.
It's Metabolic alkalosis = increased HCO3-
The nurse is caring for a client having respiratory distress related to an anxiety
attack. Recent arterial blood gas values are pH = 7.53, Pao2 = 72 mm Hg (72 mm
Hg), Paco2 = 32 mmHg (32 mm Hg), and HCO3- = 28 mEq/L (28 mmol/L).
Which conclusion about the client should the nurse make? - Correct answer-The
client is probably hyperventilating.
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and Answers
Respiratory acidosis - Correct answer-pH low, PaCO2 high, K+ high.
compensated by HCO3 high to bring pH to normal
Metabolic acidosis - Correct answer-pH low, HCO3 low, K+ high
compensated by PaCO2 low
Respiratory alkalosis - Correct answer-pH high, PaCO2 low, K+ low.
compensated by HCO3 low to bring pH to normal
Metabolic alkalosis - Correct answer-pH high, HCO3 high, K+ low
compensated by PaCO2 high
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,Buffer system - Correct answer-CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 = H(+) + HCO3
What causes
Metabolic alkalosis? - Correct answer-loss of hydrogen ions or acids or
an excess of base bicarbonate
For example:
-hypovolemia,
-the loss of gastric fluid via NG suction or vomitting,
-excessive bicarbonate intake,
-massive transfusion of whole blood,
-hyperaldosteronism.
The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following:
pH 7.45, Paco2 of 30 mm Hg (30 mm Hg), and HCO3- of 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L).
The nurse analyzes these results as indicating which condition? - Correct answer-
Respiratory alkalosis, compensated
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, The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low
suction. The nurse monitors the client for manifestations of which disorder that the
client is at risk for? - Correct answer-Metabolic alkalosis
A client with a 3-day history of nausea and vomiting presents to the emergency
department. The client is hypoventilating and has a respiratory rate of 10
breaths/minute. The electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor displays tachycardia, with a
heart rate of 120 beats/minute. Arterial blood gases are drawn and the nurse
reviews the results, expecting to note which finding? - Correct answer-An
increased pH and an increased HCO3-
because Nausea & vomiting will cause H+ loss = increased pH.
It's Metabolic alkalosis = increased HCO3-
The nurse is caring for a client having respiratory distress related to an anxiety
attack. Recent arterial blood gas values are pH = 7.53, Pao2 = 72 mm Hg (72 mm
Hg), Paco2 = 32 mmHg (32 mm Hg), and HCO3- = 28 mEq/L (28 mmol/L).
Which conclusion about the client should the nurse make? - Correct answer-The
client is probably hyperventilating.
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