Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Exam 2 Theory > ACID BASE Balance > Flashcards

ACID BASE Balance Flashcards

1
Q

Which of the following is the normal blood pH range in a healthy individual?

A. 7.25 – 7.35
B. 7.35 – 7.45
C. 7.45 – 7.55
D. 7.55 – 7.65

A

Answer: B. 7.35 – 7.45
Rationale: The normal blood pH range is 7.35 to 7.45, which reflects a balance between acid and base in the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

A. CO2 retention
B. Excessive loss of bicarbonate
C. HCO3 excess
D. H+ retention

A

Answer: A. CO2 retention
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is primarily caused by CO2 retention, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which system is primarily responsible for excreting carbonic acid from the body?

A. Renal
B. Digestive
C. Respiratory
D. Endocrine

A

Answer: C. Respiratory
Rationale: The respiratory system helps excrete carbonic acid by removing CO2 through exhalation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which acid-base imbalance results from HCO3 loss or H+ retention?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis

A

Answer: B. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis occurs due to a loss of bicarbonate (HCO3) or retention of hydrogen ions (H+).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a common consequence of acidosis on the central nervous system?

A. Increased level of consciousness
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Increased oxygen saturation
D. Tachycardia

A

Answer: B. Decreased level of consciousness
Rationale: Acidosis can decrease the level of consciousness, especially when CO2 crosses the blood-brain barrier, altering brain function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which of the following are potential causes of metabolic acidosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Diarrhea
C. Vomiting
D. COPD
E. Aspirin overdose

A

Answers: A, B, E
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis can result from diabetic ketoacidosis, diarrhea, and aspirin overdose due to the accumulation of metabolic acids or bicarbonate loss.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

True or False: All individuals are at risk for acid-base imbalances, but very young and very old individuals are at the greatest risk.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: Age-related factors such as immature organ function in the very young and decreased renal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Which interventions may help prevent acid-base imbalances? (Select all that apply)

A. Healthy eating habits
B. Smoking cessation
C. Overuse of antacids
D. Safe food handling
E. Using diuretics without a prescription

A

Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: Preventing acid-base imbalances involves healthy eating, avoiding smoking, and safe food handling. Overuse of antacids or diuretics can contribute to imbalances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

True or False: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by the retention of CO2.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by the loss of CO2, leading to an increase in blood pH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

True or False: The kidneys are responsible for excreting metabolic acids.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: The kidneys regulate metabolic acids by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate to maintain acid-base balance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Which of the following clinical signs is most commonly associated with metabolic alkalosis?

A. Kussmaul respirations
B. Hyperventilation
C. Confusion and dizziness
D. Decreased respiratory rate

A

Answer: C. Confusion and dizziness
Rationale: Metabolic alkalosis often presents with neurological symptoms such as confusion and dizziness due to an increase in blood pH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which condition is most likely to cause respiratory alkalosis?

A. Asthma
B. Hyperventilation due to anxiety
C. COPD
D. Chronic kidney disease

A

Answer: B. Hyperventilation due to anxiety
Rationale: Respiratory alkalosis is commonly caused by hyperventilation, which reduces CO2 levels in the blood, raising the pH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which of the following is an expected finding in respiratory acidosis?

A. Blood pH greater than 7.45
B. PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg
C. Bicarbonate less than 22 mEq/L
D. Hyperventilation

A

Answer: B. PaCO2 greater than 45 mmHg
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 is elevated because of CO2 retention, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which of the following is a primary buffer system in the body?

A. Hemoglobin
B. Renal filtration
C. Carbonic acid-bicarbonate system
D. Digestive enzymes

A

Answer: C. Carbonic acid-bicarbonate system
Rationale: The carbonic acid-bicarbonate system is one of the main buffering systems in the body, helping to neutralize pH changes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which condition would most likely result in metabolic alkalosis?

A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Prolonged vomiting
C. Aspirin overdose
D. COPD

A

Answer: B. Prolonged vomiting
Rationale: Prolonged vomiting leads to a loss of gastric acid (HCl), which can result in metabolic alkalosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which of the following are clinical manifestations of acidosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Decreased level of consciousness (LOC)
B. Hypoventilation
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Tetany
E. Hypertension

A

Answers: A, B, C
Rationale: Acidosis can cause a decreased LOC, hypoventilation (in respiratory acidosis), and hyperkalemia due to the movement of H+ into cells, displacing K+.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which risk factors increase the likelihood of developing an acid-base imbalance? (Select all that apply)

A. Type 1 diabetes
B. Chronic kidney disease
C. Anxiety and hyperventilation
D. Acute pain managed with opioids
E. Excessive alcohol consumption

A

Answers: A, B, C, D, E
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes (due to ketoacidosis), chronic kidney disease (impaired acid excretion), anxiety (leading to hyperventilation), opioid use (decreased respiratory rate), and excessive alcohol consumption (alters metabolism) all increase the risk for acid-base imbalances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

True or False: A blood pH of 7.48 indicates acidosis.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: A blood pH of 7.48 indicates alkalosis, as it is above the normal pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

True or False: Renal compensation for respiratory acidosis involves the retention of bicarbonate.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys attempt to compensate by retaining bicarbonate (HCO3) to neutralize the acid in the blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

True or False: Alkalosis can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion and seizures.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: Alkalosis can lead to neurological symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and tetany due to changes in ionized calcium and the nervous system’s response.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Which of the following compensatory mechanisms occurs in metabolic acidosis?

A. Hyperventilation
B. Hypoventilation
C. Increased renal bicarbonate excretion
D. Decreased CO2 excretion

A

Answer: A. Hyperventilation
Rationale: In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing respiratory rate (hyperventilation) to blow off CO2 and reduce acid load.

18
Q

Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with acidosis?

A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypocalcemia

A

Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Acidosis often leads to hyperkalemia as H+ enters the cells and K+ is shifted out into the bloodstream.

19
Q

What happens when compensatory mechanisms for acid-base imbalances fail?

A. The blood pH remains unchanged
B. Cellular function is impaired
C. Blood pressure increases
D. The kidneys stop excreting bicarbonate

A

Answer: B. Cellular function is impaired
Rationale: When compensatory mechanisms fail, cellular function becomes impaired, particularly in the brain and other vital organs.

20
Q

What is the body’s response to metabolic alkalosis?

A. Increased CO2 excretion
B. Decreased respiratory rate
C. Increased bicarbonate excretion by the kidneys
D. Hyperventilation

A

Answer: B. Decreased respiratory rate
Rationale: The body compensates for metabolic alkalosis by decreasing the respiratory rate, allowing CO2 to accumulate and balance the pH.

20
Q

Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with respiratory alkalosis?

A. Encourage slow, deep breaths
B. Administer a bronchodilator
C. Provide supplemental oxygen
D. Initiate fluid restriction

A

Answer: A. Encourage slow, deep breaths
Rationale: Slowing the respiratory rate helps retain CO2, which can reverse respiratory alkalosis.

21
Q

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to develop which of the following acid-base imbalances?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis

A

Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: COPD often results in the retention of CO2, leading to respiratory acidosis due to ineffective gas exchange in the lungs.

22
Q

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?

A. As hydrogen ion concentration increases, pH increases
B. As hydrogen ion concentration decreases, pH decreases
C. As hydrogen ion concentration increases, pH decreases
D. There is no relationship between hydrogen ions and pH

A

Answer: C. As hydrogen ion concentration increases, pH decreases
Rationale: pH is inversely related to hydrogen ion concentration; as H+ concentration rises, pH falls, making the solution more acidic.

23
Q

A patient has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. What is the interpretation of these values?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis

A

Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), and PaCO2 is high, indicating CO2 retention, which points to respiratory acidosis.

24
Q

Which of the following would indicate that the body is compensating for metabolic acidosis?

A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Increased respiratory rate
C. Decreased bicarbonate reabsorption
D. Increased bicarbonate excretion

A

Answer: B. Increased respiratory rate
Rationale: In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing respiratory rate to blow off CO2, reducing the acid load.

25
Q

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Confusion
B. Rapid, shallow breathing
C. Decreased PaCO2 levels
D. Warm, flushed skin
E. Decreased blood pressure

A

Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis causes confusion due to elevated CO2 levels, rapid and shallow breathing to attempt compensation, warm flushed skin from vasodilation, and decreased blood pressure in severe cases.

26
Q

In a patient with severe diarrhea, which acid-base imbalance is most likely to occur?

A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis

A

Answer: D. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Diarrhea causes a loss of bicarbonate, leading to metabolic acidosis as the body loses its primary base buffer.

27
Q

Which conditions place a patient at risk for metabolic alkalosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Prolonged vomiting
B. Overuse of antacids
C. Diabetic ketoacidosis
D. Nasogastric suctioning
E. Kidney failure

A

Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: Conditions that result in loss of gastric acid, such as vomiting, antacid overuse, or nasogastric suctioning, can cause metabolic alkalosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure are associated with acidosis.

27
Q

Which of the following compensatory mechanisms may occur during respiratory alkalosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Kidneys excreting bicarbonate
B. Decreased respiratory rate
C. Hyperventilation
D. Hypoventilation
E. Kidneys retaining hydrogen ions

A

Answers: A, E
Rationale: During respiratory alkalosis, the kidneys compensate by excreting bicarbonate and retaining hydrogen ions to restore acid-base balance.

28
Q

Which laboratory values indicate metabolic acidosis? (Select all that apply)

A. pH 7.28
B. PaCO2 50 mmHg
C. HCO3 18 mEq/L
D. pH 7.50
E. HCO3 30 mEq/

A

Answers: A, C
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH (below 7.35) and low bicarbonate (HCO3 < 22 mEq/L).

28
Q

Which nursing interventions are appropriate for a patient with respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply)

A. Administer bronchodilators
B. Encourage slow, deep breathing
C. Provide supplemental oxygen
D. Administer bicarbonate
E. Encourage hyperventilation

A

Answers: A, C
Rationale: Administering bronchodilators and providing supplemental oxygen help to improve ventilation and reduce CO2 retention in respiratory acidosis

29
Q

True or False: The kidneys can compensate for respiratory acidosis by retaining bicarbonate.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys help compensate by retaining bicarbonate to neutralize excess acid.

30
Q

True or False: PaCO2 levels are the primary indicator of metabolic acidosis.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: PaCO2 levels reflect respiratory function, not metabolic acidosis. Bicarbonate (HCO3) levels and pH indicate metabolic acidosis.

31
Q

True or False: A patient with a pH of 7.32 and HCO3 of 20 mEq/L has respiratory acidosis.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: These values indicate metabolic acidosis due to low pH and low bicarbonate.

31
Q

True or False: Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the body.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a deficiency of bicarbonate or an excess of hydrogen ions (acids).

32
Q

True or False: Mixed acid-base disorders occur when both respiratory and metabolic systems are affected.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: Mixed acid-base disorders involve both respiratory and metabolic components, which can complicate compensation and treatment.

33
Q

A patient presents with the following ABG results: pH 7.50, PaCO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L. What is the acid-base disorder?

A. Compensated metabolic alkalosis
B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
C. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

A

Answer: A. Compensated metabolic alkalosis
Rationale: The elevated pH and bicarbonate indicate metabolic alkalosis, while the increased PaCO2 suggests partial compensation by the respiratory system.

34
Q

Which compensatory response would you expect in a patient with metabolic acidosis?

A. Hypoventilation to increase CO2
B. Increased renal reabsorption of hydrogen ions
C. Hyperventilation to decrease CO2
D. Increased secretion of bicarbonate

A

Answer: C. Hyperventilation to decrease CO2
Rationale: The body compensates for metabolic acidosis by hyperventilating to blow off CO2, reducing acid levels

35
Q

A patient’s ABG results show a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. What is the primary acid-base disorder?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis

A

Answer: A. Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating CO2 retention and respiratory acidosis.

36
Q

Which condition would most likely lead to metabolic acidosis?
A. Nasogastric suctioning
B. Prolonged diarrhea
C. Overuse of antacids
D. Panic attack with hyperventilation

A

Answer: B. Prolonged diarrhea
Rationale: Prolonged diarrhea causes a loss of bicarbonate, leading to metabolic acidosis.

36
Q

What is the most appropriate initial treatment for a patient with respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation?
A. Administering oxygen
B. Encouraging slow breathing into a paper bag
C. Administering bicarbonate
D. Increasing fluid intake

A

Answer: B. Encouraging slow breathing into a paper bag
Rationale: Slowing the respiratory rate helps retain CO2, which can reverse respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.

37
Q

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) presents with Kussmaul respirations. This type of breathing pattern is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base imbalance?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis

A

Answer: A. Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations (deep and rapid breathing) are a compensatory mechanism to reduce CO2 levels in response to metabolic acidosis, such as in DKA

38
Q

Which of the following conditions can result in respiratory alkalosis? (Select all that apply)
A. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
B. Aspirin overdose
C. Acute pain
D. Asthma exacerbation
E. High-altitude exposure

A

Answers: A, C, E
Rationale: Anxiety, acute pain, and high-altitude exposure can all cause hyperventilation, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Aspirin overdose often leads to metabolic acidosis.

39
Q

Which conditions place a patient at risk for developing respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply)
A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
B. Opioid overdose
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Acute anxiety
E. Severe asthma attack

A

Answers: A, B, E
Rationale: COPD, opioid overdose (which depresses the respiratory system), and severe asthma attacks can cause CO2 retention and lead to respiratory acidosis.

40
Q

True or False: In metabolic alkalosis, the body compensates by hypoventilating to retain CO2.

A

Answer: True
Rationale: To compensate for metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory system reduces the breathing rate (hypoventilation) to retain CO2 and lower pH toward normal.

41
Q

True or False: A patient experiencing prolonged vomiting is at risk for metabolic acidosis.

A

Answer: False
Rationale: Prolonged vomiting leads to a loss of stomach acid, increasing the risk for metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis.

Exam 2 Theory (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions