3 Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Online Quiz Questions

True or false: Typical arterial blood gas reference intervals may vary between laboratories.

An adult has pH 7.40, PaCO₂ 40 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L. Which interpretation is best supported?

True or false: A near-normal pH always means that PaCO₂ and HCO₃⁻ are also normal.

An adult has pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 25 mEq/L. What is the primary acid–base disorder?

An adult has pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 48 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 36 mEq/L. What is the primary acid–base disorder?

An adult has pH 7.34, PaCO₂ 60 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 31 mEq/L. Which interpretation best describes the primary disorder and bicarbonate response?

Select all statements that correctly describe the approximate bicarbonate response to respiratory disorders.

For metabolic acidosis with HCO₃⁻ 12 mEq/L, use Winter’s formula, $1.5 \times \mathrm{HCO_3^-} + 8$, to find the expected central estimate for PaCO₂ before applying the $\pm 2$ mm Hg range. Enter the value in mm Hg.

An adult has pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 27 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 12 mEq/L. Using Winter’s formula, $1.5 \times \mathrm{HCO_3^-} + 8 \pm 2$ mm Hg, how should the respiratory compensation be interpreted?

Select all findings that are reasons to consider a mixed acid–base disorder.

An adult has pH 7.34, PaCO₂ 60 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 31 mEq/L. Identify the primary disorder and explain how the bicarbonate value supports or fails to support a chronic compensation pattern.

True or false: A pH within the typical adult reference range guarantees that the acid–base status is normal.

An adult has pH $7.40$, PaCO₂ $40$ mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ $24$ mEq/L. Which conclusion is best supported by these values?

An adult has pH $7.28$, PaCO₂ $55$ mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ $25$ mEq/L. What is the primary acid–base disorder?

An adult has pH $7.52$, PaCO₂ $28$ mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ $22$ mEq/L. Which interpretation best fits the primary disorder and bicarbonate pattern?

An adult has pH $7.50$, PaCO₂ $48$ mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ $36$ mEq/L. Which interpretation best describes the primary disorder and the direction of the PaCO₂ change?

During respiratory compensation for a primary metabolic acidosis, which direction should PaCO₂ move?

In chronic respiratory alkalosis, PaCO₂ is $20$ mm Hg below $40$ mm Hg. About how much should HCO₃⁻ decrease from its usual value, according to the compensation estimate?