Acid-Base Balance MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: July 27, 2024

  1. What is the normal range for arterial blood pH in a healthy individual?
    a) 7.35-7.45
    b) 7.25-7.35
    c) 7.45-7.55
    d) 7.55-7.65Answer: a) 7.35-7.45
  2. Which condition is characterized by an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood leading to a decrease in pH?
    a) Metabolic alkalosis
    b) Respiratory acidosis
    c) Metabolic acidosis
    d) Respiratory alkalosisAnswer: b) Respiratory acidosis
  3. What is the primary compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis?
    a) Decreased respiratory rate
    b) Increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions
    c) Increased respiratory rate
    d) Decreased renal reabsorption of bicarbonateAnswer: c) Increased respiratory rate
  4. Which of the following is a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?
    a) Chronic diarrhea
    b) Renal failure
    c) Vomiting
    d) Lactic acidosisAnswer: c) Vomiting
  5. What is the primary role of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood?
    a) To act as a buffer and maintain pH balance
    b) To facilitate oxygen transport
    c) To regulate blood glucose levels
    d) To aid in the digestion of fatsAnswer: a) To act as a buffer and maintain pH balance
  6. Which condition is characterized by a decreased arterial blood pH and a decreased bicarbonate level?
    a) Respiratory alkalosis
    b) Metabolic alkalosis
    c) Respiratory acidosis
    d) Metabolic acidosisAnswer: d) Metabolic acidosis
  7. In which condition would you expect to find a high arterial pH and low levels of carbon dioxide?
    a) Respiratory acidosis
    b) Metabolic alkalosis
    c) Respiratory alkalosis
    d) Metabolic acidosisAnswer: c) Respiratory alkalosis
  8. Which parameter is most useful for differentiating between respiratory and metabolic acid-base disorders?
    a) Serum potassium level
    b) Serum sodium level
    c) Arterial blood pH
    d) Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)Answer: d) Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)
  9. What is the primary buffering system in the extracellular fluid?
    a) Protein buffer system
    b) Bicarbonate buffer system
    c) Hemoglobin buffer system
    d) Phosphate buffer systemAnswer: b) Bicarbonate buffer system
  10. In which condition is the compensation mechanism typically an increased production of ketones?
    a) Metabolic alkalosis
    b) Respiratory alkalosis
    c) Metabolic acidosis
    d) Respiratory acidosisAnswer: c) Metabolic acidosis
  11. Which condition is indicated by elevated blood pH and elevated bicarbonate levels?
    a) Respiratory acidosis
    b) Metabolic acidosis
    c) Respiratory alkalosis
    d) Metabolic alkalosisAnswer: d) Metabolic alkalosis
  12. What is the primary function of the kidneys in acid-base balance?
    a) Regulate the rate of breathing
    b) Excrete or reabsorb hydrogen ions and bicarbonate
    c) Produce digestive enzymes
    d) Control heart rateAnswer: b) Excrete or reabsorb hydrogen ions and bicarbonate
  13. Which blood gas finding is consistent with acute respiratory alkalosis?
    a) Decreased pH and decreased pCO2
    b) Increased pH and increased pCO2
    c) Increased pH and decreased pCO2
    d) Decreased pH and increased pCO2Answer: c) Increased pH and decreased pCO2
  14. What compensatory mechanism occurs in response to chronic respiratory acidosis?
    a) Increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions
    b) Decreased respiratory rate
    c) Decreased renal production of bicarbonate
    d) Increased blood pHAnswer: a) Increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions
  15. In mixed acid-base disorders, which test can help determine if multiple disturbances are present?
    a) Serum glucose test
    b) Urinalysis
    c) Arterial blood gas analysis
    d) Complete blood countAnswer: c) Arterial blood gas analysis

Related Posts: