ADVANTAGE FOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2026
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
◉ Respiratory acidosis
- Cyanosis, hypercapnia, and tachycardia with acidosis indicate a
respiratory condition. Answer: A patient presents with cyanosis, pH
of 7.30, hypercapnia, and tachycardia. Which acid-base disorder is
most likely?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
◉ HCO3−
- HCO3− is the symbol for bicarbonate. This is typically reported for
arterial blood gases.. Answer: A nurse is reviewing laboratory
,values. Which of the following is typically present on arterial blood
gas values?
H2CO3
Hct
HCO3−
Hb
◉ Phosphate
protein
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate
- The three buffer systems in the body are phosphate, protein, and
carbonic acid-bicarbonate.. Answer: Which of the following are
buffering systems in the body? Select all that apply.
Phosphate
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
,Calcium
Protein
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate
◉ metabolic acidosis
sodium bicarbonate. Answer: initial arterial blood gas results reveal
_______ _______ likely due to metabolic changes brought on by
decreased perfusion of tissue. Following administration of sodium
bicarbonate and subsequent arterial blood gas values, _______ _______
may be considered a treatment option.
◉ Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen and bicarbonate.
Carbonic acid is formed by carbonic anhydrase.
- Carbonic acid dissociates into a hydrogen ion and a bicarbonate
ion.
- Carbonic anhydrase converts water and carbon dioxide into
carbonic acid. Answer: In the bicarbonate buffering system, which of
the following is true about carbonic acid? Select all that apply.
Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen and bicarbonate.
, Carbonic acid is represented by HC03−.
Carbonic acid levels decrease as carbon dioxide levels increase.
Carbonic acid is formed by carbonic anhydrase.
Carbonic acid is not associated with buffering pH changes.
◉ Increased H+ retention by the kidneys
- Increased hydrogen retention will reduce plasma pH.. Answer: A
patient has severe metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following
compensations will the nurse expect to observe?
Increased H+ retention by the kidneys
Increased H+ excretion by the kidneys
Increased H+ secretion by the kidneys
Increased respirations
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
◉ Respiratory acidosis
- Cyanosis, hypercapnia, and tachycardia with acidosis indicate a
respiratory condition. Answer: A patient presents with cyanosis, pH
of 7.30, hypercapnia, and tachycardia. Which acid-base disorder is
most likely?
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
◉ HCO3−
- HCO3− is the symbol for bicarbonate. This is typically reported for
arterial blood gases.. Answer: A nurse is reviewing laboratory
,values. Which of the following is typically present on arterial blood
gas values?
H2CO3
Hct
HCO3−
Hb
◉ Phosphate
protein
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate
- The three buffer systems in the body are phosphate, protein, and
carbonic acid-bicarbonate.. Answer: Which of the following are
buffering systems in the body? Select all that apply.
Phosphate
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
,Calcium
Protein
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate
◉ metabolic acidosis
sodium bicarbonate. Answer: initial arterial blood gas results reveal
_______ _______ likely due to metabolic changes brought on by
decreased perfusion of tissue. Following administration of sodium
bicarbonate and subsequent arterial blood gas values, _______ _______
may be considered a treatment option.
◉ Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen and bicarbonate.
Carbonic acid is formed by carbonic anhydrase.
- Carbonic acid dissociates into a hydrogen ion and a bicarbonate
ion.
- Carbonic anhydrase converts water and carbon dioxide into
carbonic acid. Answer: In the bicarbonate buffering system, which of
the following is true about carbonic acid? Select all that apply.
Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen and bicarbonate.
, Carbonic acid is represented by HC03−.
Carbonic acid levels decrease as carbon dioxide levels increase.
Carbonic acid is formed by carbonic anhydrase.
Carbonic acid is not associated with buffering pH changes.
◉ Increased H+ retention by the kidneys
- Increased hydrogen retention will reduce plasma pH.. Answer: A
patient has severe metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following
compensations will the nurse expect to observe?
Increased H+ retention by the kidneys
Increased H+ excretion by the kidneys
Increased H+ secretion by the kidneys
Increased respirations
