Free Practice Quiz Question List

5 Acid-Base Balance Online Quiz Questions

Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 5 Acid-Base Balance, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.

20 questions

True or false

1 point

True or false: Renal compensation for an acid-base disturbance develops more slowly than respiratory compensation.

A
True
B
False

Fill in the blank

1 point

When ventilation increases, PaCO₂ falls and blood pH tends to .

Choose one

1 point

An arterial pH is 7.32. Which term describes this measured blood state?

A
Alkalemia
B
Acidemia
C
Metabolic acidosis
D
Respiratory alkalosis

Choose all

1 point

Select all listed causes or clues associated with metabolic alkalosis.

A
Vomiting
B
Gastric suction
C
Diarrhea
D
Diuretic use
E
Reduced respiratory drive

True or false

1 point

True or false: Bicarbonate reported on an ABG is generally calculated, so it may be compared with serum chemistry bicarbonate.

A
True
B
False

Choose one

1 point

An ABG has a pH within 7.35–7.45, but PaCO₂ and HCO₃⁻ are abnormal. Which statement is most accurate?

A
A normal-range pH rules out a clinically important acid-base disorder.
B
A normal-range pH proves that compensation is complete and there is no mixed disorder.
C
A normal-range pH can occur with a compensated or mixed acid-base disorder.
D
A normal-range pH means PaCO₂ and HCO₃⁻ must both be within their reference ranges.

Written response

1 point

Using serum values Na⁺ = 140 mEq/L, Cl⁻ = 104 mEq/L, and HCO₃⁻ = 12 mEq/L, calculate the anion gap. Enter the result in mEq/L.

Choose one

1 point

A patient has pH 7.29, HCO₃⁻ 16 mEq/L, and PaCO₂ 30 mm Hg. Which interpretation best identifies the primary disturbance?

A
Primary metabolic acidosis with a possible respiratory compensatory response
B
Primary respiratory acidosis with a possible renal compensatory response
C
Primary metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
D
Primary respiratory alkalosis with renal compensation

Choose all

1 point

Select all listed conditions that can be associated with increased ventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis.

A
Pain
B
Anxiety
C
Fever
D
Reduced respiratory drive
E
Hypoxemia
F
Kidney dysfunction

Open ended

1 point

A patient has worsening consciousness, deep rapid breathing, pH 7.28, HCO₃⁻ 16 mEq/L, and an elevated anion gap. Outline a focused assessment and immediate response priorities. Explain why this pattern alone does not establish the cause.

Choose one

1 point

How can low albumin affect anion-gap interpretation in a patient with metabolic acidosis?

A
It raises the measured anion gap and rules out unmeasured acids.
B
It can lower the measured anion gap and mask an elevated-gap acidosis.
C
It has no effect on the measured anion gap.
D
It proves that a low bicarbonate is caused by bicarbonate loss.

Choose one

1 point

When interpreting a patient’s PaO₂, which additional factor is important to consider?

A
Interpret it without considering the patient’s oxygen support.
B
Use it alone to determine the cause of the acid-base disturbance.
C
Consider the inspired oxygen concentration or delivery device when assessing oxygenation.
D
Assume the same PaO₂ has the same meaning regardless of age or oxygen support.

True or false

1 point

A blood pH within the usual reference range can still occur with a compensated or mixed acid-base disorder.

A
True
B
False

Choose one

1 point

A patient increases their ventilation. Which immediate acid-base effect is expected from the lungs?

A
It raises PaCO₂ and tends to lower pH.
B
It lowers PaCO₂ and tends to raise pH.
C
It raises HCO₃⁻ immediately and tends to lower pH.
D
It has no effect on the acid-base balance.

Choose one

1 point

An arterial blood gas shows pH $7.29$ , PaCO₂ $40$ mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ $18$ mEq/L. Which primary disturbance best explains the acidemia?

A
Primary respiratory acidosis
B
Primary metabolic alkalosis
C
Primary metabolic acidosis
D
Primary respiratory alkalosis

Choose one

1 point

A patient receiving supplemental oxygen has a PaO₂ of $82$ mm Hg. What is the most appropriate way to interpret this result?

A
Interpret it in the context of the oxygen concentration or delivery device.
B
Conclude that oxygenation is adequate based on PaO₂ alone.
C
Use it to determine the primary acid-base disorder.
D
Assume the patient is breathing room air unless stated otherwise.

Written response

1 point

Using $\mathrm{AG}=\mathrm{Na}^{+}-(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}+\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-})$ , calculate the anion gap for serum values Na⁺ $139$ mEq/L, Cl⁻ $105$ mEq/L, and HCO₃⁻ $18$ mEq/L. Enter the numerical value.

Written response

1 point

For metabolic acidosis with HCO₃⁻ $22$ mEq/L, use Winter’s formula, $\mathrm{PaCO}_{2}\approx(1.5\times\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-})+8$ , to calculate the predicted midpoint PaCO₂. Enter the value in mm Hg.

Written response

1 point

Which mechanism can rapidly bind or release hydrogen ions ( $\mathrm{H^+}$ ) in the blood before slower organ responses take effect?

Fill in the blank

1 point

A patient develops rising PaCO₂ and reduced alertness after receiving a medication that may depress respiratory drive. When assessing for possible respiratory acidosis, the clinician should review recent use of .