Acid Base Balance Quiz: Questions And Answers

Reviewed by Zohra Sattar Waxali
Zohra Sattar Waxali, PhD (Chemistry) |
Chemistry
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Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.
 , PhD (Chemistry)
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  • 1/20 Questions

    What is the normal range of pH in the body?

    • 35-45
    • 22-26
    • 7.35-7.45
    • Not listed
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About This Quiz


Want to test your knowledge about acids and bases? This Acid-Base Balance Quiz offers informative questions and answers based on the topic of the balance of acid-base balance in the arterial blood. The acid-base balance is a mechanism used by our body to keep its fluids close to neutral pH so that the body can function smoothly. This acid-base balance quiz will test your ability of acid-base balance. Take it and learn a little more about acidosis and alkalosis in the human body today!

Acid Base Balance Quiz: Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is the normal range of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in arterial blood?

    • 35-45 mEq/L

    • 22-26 mEq/L

    • 7.35-7.45 mEq/L

    • Not listed

    Correct Answer
    A. 22-26 mEq/L
    Explanation
    The normal range of bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) in arterial blood is 22-26 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). Bicarbonate is a critical component of the body's buffering system, which helps maintain the pH balance in the blood by neutralizing excess acids. This measurement is a key indicator of metabolic balance and is often analyzed in arterial blood gas tests to assess a patient's acid-base status. Deviations from this range can indicate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, conditions that involve disruptions to the body’s acid-base balance and may require medical intervention.

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  • 3. 

    If CO2 causes acidosis or alkalosis, what type is it?

    • Metabolic

    • Respiratory

    • Combined

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Respiratory
    Explanation
    If carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are responsible for causing acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as respiratory. This categorization is based on the role of CO2 as a respiratory gas, which is regulated by the lungs. Acidosis occurs when there is an excess of CO2 due to hypoventilation (reduced breathing), leading to an increase in blood acidity. Conversely, hyperventilation (increased breathing) can decrease CO2 levels, causing alkalosis. Both conditions reflect the lungs' inability to maintain a balance in CO2 levels, affecting the body’s overall acid-base balance.

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  • 4. 

    If HCO3- (bicarbonate) caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, what type is it?

    • Metabolic

    • Respiratory

    • Combined

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Metabolic
    Explanation
     If the imbalance of HCO3- (bicarbonate) in the body leads to acidosis or alkalosis, the condition is classified as metabolic. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis arises from disturbances in the body's metabolic processes, which affect the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate serves as a primary buffer in the body's acid-base homeostasis, neutralizing excess acids. Changes in its levels can indicate metabolic disturbances possibly due to renal dysfunction, diarrhea, vomiting, or ingestion of certain drugs or toxins, affecting the body's ability to regulate pH through kidney function.

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  • 5. 

    What is the normal range of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood as measured by an arterial blood gas test?

    • 35-45 ppm

    • 22-26 ppm

    • 7.35-7.45 ppm

    • Not listed

    Correct Answer
    A. 35-45 ppm
    Explanation
    The normal range of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood, as measured by an arterial blood gas test, is typically 35-45 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). This measurement reflects the partial pressure of carbon dioxide within the arterial blood, indicating how well CO2 is being eliminated from the body. Proper CO2 levels are crucial because they help maintain the acid-base balance in the body, which is essential for proper functioning of the cells and organs. Abnormal levels can indicate respiratory or metabolic issues that may require medical attention.

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  • 6. 

    What is the primary buffer system that helps maintain blood pH within a normal range?

    • Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System

    • Phosphate Buffer System

    • Protein Buffer System

    • Ammonia Buffer System

    Correct Answer
    A. Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System
    Explanation
    The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system is the most important buffer in maintaining blood pH. This system works by balancing the ratio of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in the blood. When the body experiences excess acid (H⁺ ions), bicarbonate binds with them to form carbonic acid, which then breaks down into water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The CO₂ is then exhaled through the lungs. If the blood becomes too alkaline, carbonic acid dissociates to release H⁺ ions, restoring balance. 

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  • 7. 

    If both CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalance, what type is it?

    • Metabolic

    • Respiratory

    • Combined

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Combined
    Explanation
    If both carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels contribute to an acid-base imbalance, the condition is classified as combined. This indicates that both respiratory and metabolic factors are influencing the body's pH level. Respiratory issues affect CO2 levels since it is a primary respiratory gas, while metabolic processes influence bicarbonate levels. When abnormalities in both components occur simultaneously, they can indicate complex disturbances in the body's acid-base homeostasis, possibly due to multiple organ system dysfunctions or severe physiological disturbances. This requires comprehensive clinical assessment and management.

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  • 8. 

    pH 7.31, CO2 50mmHg, HCO3- 22mEq/L

    • Respiratory acidosis, Uncompensated

    • Respiratory alkalosis, Partially compensated

    • Metabolic acidosis, Fully compensated

    • Metabolic alkalosis, Uncompensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Respiratory acidosis, Uncompensated
    Explanation
    if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

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  • 9. 

    Ben has an anxiety attack. His ABGs results show he is in respiratory alkalosis. He has just had a car accident. What is your next nursing intervention?

    • Have him breathe into a paper bag

    • Give him O2

    • Check his temperature

    • Ask him if he is alright

    Correct Answer
    A. Have him breathe into a paper bag
    Explanation
    In this scenario, the correct answer is to have him breathe into a paper bag. This is because respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Breathing into a paper bag helps to rebreathe some of the exhaled carbon dioxide, which can help to normalize the pH levels in the blood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Giving him oxygen would not be appropriate as it would further decrease carbon dioxide levels. Checking his temperature and asking if he is alright are not directly related to addressing the respiratory alkalosis.

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  • 10. 

    Which condition occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of CO₂ in the bloodstream?

    • Metabolic Acidosis

    • Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Respiratory Acidosis

    • Respiratory Alkalosis

    Correct Answer
    A. Respiratory Acidosis
    Explanation
    Respiratory acidosis happens when the lungs fail to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO₂) efficiently, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This excess CO₂ combines with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which lowers blood pH, making it more acidic. The most common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and hypoventilation (slow or shallow breathing). In conditions where breathing is impaired, CO₂ builds up because it is not being expelled properly.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following is a cause of metabolic alkalosis?

    • Chronic diarrhea

    • Excessive vomiting

    • Diabetic ketoacidosis

    • Lactic acidosis

    Correct Answer
    A. Excessive vomiting
    Explanation
    Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the blood becomes too alkaline due to excess bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) or loss of acid (H⁺ ions). One of the most common causes is prolonged vomiting, which leads to loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl). When the body loses too much acid, the pH of the blood increases, causing alkalosis. Other causes include excessive use of antacids, diuretics, and hormonal imbalances like Cushing's syndrome.

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  • 12. 

    pH 7.46, CO2 32mmHg, HCO3- 23mEq/L

    • Respiratory acidosis, Partially compensated

    • Combined, Uncompensated

    • Metabolic alkalosis, Uncompensated

    • Respiratory alkalosis, Uncompensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Respiratory alkalosis, Uncompensated
    Explanation
    if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

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  • 13. 

    pH 7.31, CO2 44 mmHg, HCO3 20 mEq/L

    • Metabolic alkalosis, Fully compensated

    • Metabolic acidosis, Uncompensated

    • Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

    • Respiratory acidosis, Uncompensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Metabolic acidosis, Uncompensated
    Explanation
    if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

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  • 14. 

    When all parameters of pH, HCO3-, and CO2 are normal, what is the condition called?

    • Uncompensated

    • Partially compensated

    • Fully compensated

    • Corrected

    Correct Answer
    A. Corrected
    Explanation
    When all parameters, including pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and carbon dioxide (CO2), are within their normal ranges, the condition is described as corrected. This term implies that any previous imbalances in the acid-base status have been successfully addressed and that the body's acid-base equilibrium has been restored. Essentially, a corrected state means that the body’s buffering systems, along with respiratory and renal functions, have effectively worked together to bring all parameters back to their normal physiological levels, ensuring optimal functioning of various biochemical processes.

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  • 15. 

    pH 7.47, CO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L

    • Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated

    • Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

    • Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated

    • Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated
    Explanation
    This diagnosis is correct since the HCO3 is elevated, indicating alkalosis. However, the term "partially compensated" suggests that the body is making adjustments to bring the pH back to normal. In this case, the elevated CO2 indicates respiratory compensation, but since the pH is still above normal, the compensation is not complete.

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  • 16. 

    When the pH is normal, but both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormal, what is the condition called?

    • Uncompensated

    • Partially compensated

    • Fully compensated

    • Corrected

    Correct Answer
    A. Fully compensated
    Explanation
    When both bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are abnormal, yet the pH remains within the normal range, the condition is described as fully compensated. This indicates that the body's compensatory mechanisms—both respiratory and renal—have effectively responded to the initial disturbances in acid-base balance. By adjusting the levels of CO2 (through respiratory changes) and HCO3- (through metabolic processes), the body manages to stabilize the pH within its normal range despite ongoing issues that might otherwise cause acidosis or alkalosis. This balancing act shows a dynamic response to maintain stable physiological conditions.

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  • 17. 

    When there is an abnormal pH and a change in one blood parameter, what is the condition called?

    • Uncompensated

    • Partially compensated

    • Fully compensated

    • Corrected

    Correct Answer
    A. Partially compensated
    Explanation
    When the pH value is abnormal and there is a change in one blood parameter (either HCO3- or CO2), the condition is described as partially compensated. This indicates that the body has begun to respond to the initial acid-base imbalance but has not yet completely corrected the pH to within the normal range. In such cases, the compensatory mechanism (either respiratory or renal) is actively trying to restore balance by adjusting the level of the other parameter, but the adjustments have not been sufficient to return the pH to normal. This state reflects an ongoing physiological effort to stabilize the acid-base balance.

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  • 18. 

    pH 7.30, CO2 46 mmHg, HCO3 16 mEq/L

    • Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated

    • Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated

    • Combined, partially compensated

    • Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Combined, partially compensated
    Explanation
    if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

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  • 19. 

    When all three values—pH, HCO3-, and CO2—are abnormal, what is the condition called?

    • Uncompensated

    • Partially compensated

    • Fully compensated

    • Corrected

    Correct Answer
    A. Partially compensated
    Explanation
    When all three values—pH, HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate), and CO₂ (carbon dioxide)—are abnormal, it indicates a partially compensated acid-base imbalance. This means the body is trying to correct the imbalance, but the pH has not yet returned to normal. Compensation occurs through the respiratory or renal systems. If only one of the two (CO₂ or HCO₃⁻) is abnormal, it is uncompensated. If the pH is normal despite abnormal CO₂ and HCO₃⁻, it is fully compensated. If all values return to normal, the condition is corrected.

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  • 20. 

    pH 7.30, CO2 46 mmHg, HCO3 16 mEq/L

    • Respiratory alkalosis, Uncompensated

    • Combined, Partially compensated

    • Respiratory acidosis, Partially compensated

    • Metabolic acidosis, Partially compensated

    Correct Answer
    A. Combined, Partially compensated
    Explanation
    if HCO3- caused the acidosis or the alkalosis, it is METABOLIC if CO2 caused the acidosis or alkalosis, it is RESPIRATORY if CO2 and HCO3- caused the imbalanced, it is COMBINED To determine compensation: Uncompensated= abnormal pH and change in one blood parameter Partially compensated= all 3 values of pH, HCO3-, CO2 are abnormal Fully compensated= pH is normal, both HCO3- and CO2 are abnormally Corrected= all parameters are normal Normal ranges: pH is 7.35-7.45 HCO3- is 22-26 CO2 is 35-45

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Zohra Sattar Waxali |PhD (Chemistry) |
Chemistry
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.

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  • Dec 04, 2011
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