Abg Practice Quiz

QUIZ #1:
1. George Kent is a 54-year-old widower with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
and was rushed to the emergency department with increasing shortness of breath, pyrexia, and a
productive cough with yellow-green sputum. He has difficulty communicating because of his
inability to complete a sentence. One of his sons, Jacob, says he has been unwell for three days.
Upon examination, crackles and wheezes can be heard in the lower lobes; he has tachycardia and a
bounding pulse. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.3, PaCO2 68 mm Hg, HCO3 28
mmol/L, and PaO2 60 mm Hg. How would you interpret this?
a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

b) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
c) Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
d) Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
2. Carl, an elementary student, was rushed to the hospital due to vomiting and a decreased level of
consciousness. The patient displays slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and
irritable in response to stimulation. He appears to be dehydrated—his eyes are sunken and
mucous membranes are dry—and he has a two-week history of polydipsia, polyuria, and weight
loss. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 23 mm Hg, and
HCO3 12 mmol/L; other results are Na+ 126 mmol/L, K+ 5 mmol/L, and Cl- 95 mmol/L. What is your
assessment?

d) Metabolic Acidosis, Partially, Compensated
3. A cigarette vendor was brought to the emergency department of a hospital after she fell into the
ground and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried
out to lessen her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is still in pain and now
experiencing muscle cramps, tingling, and paraesthesia. Measurement of arterial blood gas reveals
pH 7.6, PaO2 120 mm Hg, PaCO2 31 mm Hg, and HCO3 25 mmol/L. What does this mean?
a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated

d) Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
4. Ricky’s grandmother has been suffering from persistent vomiting for two days now. She appears
to be lethargic and weak and has myalgia. She is noted to have dry mucus membranes and her
capillary refill takes >4 seconds. She is diagnosed as having gastroenteritis and dehydration.
Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.5, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 34
mmol/L. What acid-base disorder is shown?
a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
5. Mrs. Johansson, who had undergone surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), is difficult
to arouse two hours following surgery. Nurse Florence in the PACU has been administering
Morphine Sulfate intravenously to the client for complaints of post-surgical pain. The client’s
respiratory rate is 7 per minute and demonstrates shallow breathing. The patient does not respond
to any stimuli. The nurse assesses the ABCs (remember Airway, Breathing, Circulation!) and obtains
ABGs STAT! Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.10, PaCO2 70 mm Hg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. What does this mean?
a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

b) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
c) Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
d) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
6. Baby Angela was rushed to the Emergency Room following her mother’s complaint that the
infant has been irritable, difficult to breastfeed, and has had diarrhea for the past 3 days. The
infant’s respiratory rate is elevated and the fontanels are sunken. The Emergency Room physician
orders ABGs after assessing the ABCs. The results from the ABG results show pH 7.39, PaCO2 27
mmHg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. What does this mean?
a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated

b) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
c) Metabolic Acidosis, Fully Compensated
d) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
7. Mr. Wales, who underwent post-abdominal surgery, has a nasogastric tube. The nurse on duty
notes that the nasogastric tube (NGT) is draining a large amount (900 cc in 2 hours) of coffee
ground secretions. The client is not oriented to person, place, or time. The nurse contacts the
attending physician and STAT ABGs are ordered. The results from the ABGs show pH 7.57, PaCO2
37 mmHg and HCO3 30 mEq/L. What is your assessment?
a) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated

b) Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
c) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
8. Client Z is admitted to the hospital and is to undergo brain surgery. The client is very anxious and
scared of the upcoming surgery. He begins to hyperventilate and becomes very dizzy. The client
loses consciousness and the STAT ABGs reveal pH 7.61, PaCO2 22 mmHg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L.
What is the ABG interpretation based on the findings?
a) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
b) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
9. Three-year-old Adrian is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of asthma and respiratory
distress syndrome. The mother of the child reports to the nurse on duty that she has witnessed
slight tremors and behavioral changes in her child over the past four days. The attending physician
orders routine ABGs following an assessment of the ABCs. The ABG results are pH 7.35, PaCO2 72
mmHg, and HCO3 38 mEq/L. What acid-base disorder is shown?

b) Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
c) Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
10. Anne, who is drinking beer at a party, falls and hits her head on the ground. Her friend Liza dials
“911” because Anne is unconscious, depressed ventilation (shallow and slow respirations), rapid
heart rate, and is profusely bleeding from both ears. Which primary acid-base imbalance is Anne at
risk for if medical attention is not provided?
a) Metabolic Acidosis
b) Metabolic Alkalosis
c) Respiratory Acidosis
d) Respiratory Alkalosis
11. Dave, a 6-year-old boy, was rushed to the hospital following her mother’s complaint that her
son has been vomiting, nauseated and has overall weakness. After a series of tests, the nurse notes
the laboratory results: potassium: 2.9 mEq. Which primary acid-base imbalance is this boy at risk
for if medical intervention is not carried out?
a) Respiratory Acidosis
b) Respiratory Alkalosis
c) Metabolic Acidosis
d) Metabolic Alkalosis
12. An old beggar was admitted to the emergency department due to shortness of breath, fever,
and a productive cough. Upon examination, crackles and wheezes are noted in the lower lobes; he
appears to be tachycardic and has a bounding pulse. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH
7.2, PaCO2 66 mm Hg, HCO3 27 mmol/L, and PaO2 65 mm Hg. As a knowledgeable nurse, you
know that the normal value for pH is:
a) 7.20
b) 7.30
c) 7.40
d) 7.50
13. Liza’s mother is seen in the emergency department at a community hospital. She admits that
her mother is taking many tablets of aspirin (salicylates) over the last 24-hour period because of a
severe headache. Also, the mother complains of an inability to urinate. The nurse on duty took her
vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 97.8 °F; apical pulse = 95; respiration = 32 and deep.
Which primary acid-base imbalance is the client at risk for if medical attention is not provided?
14. A patient who is hospitalized due to vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness displays
slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable in response to stimulation.
The doctor diagnosed him of having dehydration. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.0,
PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 22 mm Hg, and HCO3 14 mmol/L; other results are Na+ 120 mmol/L, K+
2.5 mmol/L, and Cl- 95 mmol/L. As a knowledgeable nurse, you know that the normal value for
PaCO2 is:
a) 22 mm Hg
b) 36 mm Hg
c) 48 mm Hg
d) 50 mm Hg
15. A company driver is found at the scene of an automobile accident in a state of emotional
distress. He tells the paramedics that he feels dizzy, tingling in his fingertips, and does not
remember what happened to his car. Respiratory rate is rapid at 34/minute. Which primary acid-
base disturbance is the young man at risk for if medical attention is not provided?
16. An elderly client was admitted to hospital in a coma. Analysis of the arterial blood gave the
following values: PCO2 16 mm Hg, HCO3- 5 mmol/L and pH 7.1. As a well-rounded nurse, you know
that the normal value for HCO3 is:
a) 20 mmol/L
b) 24 mmol/L
c) 29 mmol/L
d) 31 mmol/L
17. In a patient undergoing surgery, it was vital to aspirate the contents of the upper
gastrointestinal tract. After the operation, the following values were acquired from an arterial
blood sample: pH 7.55, PCO2 52 mm Hg and HCO3- 40 mmol/l. What is the underlying disorder?
18. A mountaineer attempts an assault on a high mountain in the Andes and reaches an altitude of
5000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level. What will happen to his arterial PCO2 and pH?
a) Both will be lower than normal.

b) The pH will rise and PCO2 will fall.
c) Both will be higher than normal due to physical exertion.
d) The pH will fall and PCO2 will rise
19. A young woman is found comatose, having taken an unknown number of sleeping pills an
unknown time before. An arterial blood sample yields the following values: pH 6.90, HCO3- 13
meq/liter, and PaCO2 68 mmHg. This patient’s acid-base status is most accurately described as:
b) Respiratory Acidosis
c) Simultaneous Respiratory and Metabolic Acidosis
d) Respiratory Acidosis with Complete Renal Compensation
20. A mother is admitted to the emergency department following complaints of fever and chills.
The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 100 °F; apical pulse = 95;
respiration = 20 and deep. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.37, PaO2 90 mm Hg,
PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 24 mmol/L. What is your assessment?
a) Hyperthermia
b) Hyperthermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
c) Hypothermia
d) Hypothermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
QUIZ #2:
1. In acid-base balance, the normal plasma PCO2 and bicarbonate levels are disturbed. Match the
changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: Low plasma PaCO2
c) Metabolic Alkalosis
d) Respiratory Acidosis
changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: High plasma PaCO2
changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: Decreased plasma bicarbonate
(HCO3-)
changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: Increased plasma bicarbonate
(HCO3-)
5. What two organs in the body serve as a compensatory function to maintain acid-base balance?
a) Kidneys and Lungs

b) Lungs and Spleen
c) Heart and Liver
d) Gallbladder and Appendix
6. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement will give the information needed to determine if the
primary disturbance of acid-base balance is respiratory or metabolic in nature.
a) True
b) False
c) Both Carbonic Acid Excess and Deficit Only
d) Both Bicarbonate Excess and Deficit Only
7. The major effect of acidosis is overexcitement of the central nervous system.
a) True
b) False
c) Maybe
d) Both Acidosis and Alkalosis result in overexcitement of the central nervous system.
8. Alkalosis is characterized by overexcitement of the nervous system.
a) True
b) False
c) The major effect of Alkalosis is a depression of the central nervous system.
d) Both Acidosis and Alkalosis result in overexcitement of the central nervous system.
9. The human body functions optimally in a state of homeostasis.
a) True
b) False
c) Maybe
d) Homeostasis has nothing to do with metabolic balance.
10. Acids have no hydrogen ions and are able to bind in a solution.
a) True
b) False
c) Acid is a substance that is not capable of donating hydrogen ions.
d) Acids and bases have nothing to do with hydrogen ions.
11. Match the acid-base status of the following blood samples to the disorders in the given choices.
(PaCO2 values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in mmol/l).
pH 7.57, PaCO2 22, HCO3- 17
a) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated

b) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
c) Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
d) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
pH 7.39, PaCO2 44, HCO3- 26
b) Metabolic Acidosis
c) Respiratory Alkalosis
e) Normal
pH 7.55, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 22

b) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
d) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
pH 7.17, PaCO2 48, HCO3- 36

b) Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
c) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
d) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
pH 7.34, PaCO2 24, HCO3- 20

b) Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
c) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
d) D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
pH 7.64, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 19

b) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
pH 7.45, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 30
a) Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated

b) Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
d) D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
pH 7.6, PaCO2 53, HCO3- 38
a) Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

b) Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
c) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
d) Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
pH 7.5, PaCO2 19, HCO3- 22
a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

b) Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
c) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
d) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated
pH 7.39, PaCO2 59, HCO3- 35

b) Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated
c) Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
QUIZ #3:
1. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:
pH - 7.60 HCO3- - 24
PaCO2 - 25 PaO2 - 100
a) Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis

b) Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
c) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
d) Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
pH - 7.20 HCO3-- 24
PaCO2 – 78 PaO2 - 45
a) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis

b) Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
c) Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
d) Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.44 HCO3- - 16
PaCO2 – 24 PaO2 - 108
a) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis

b) Compensated respiratory acidosis
d) Compensated respiratory alkalosis
pH - 7.37 HCO3- - 40
PaCO2 – 76 PaO2 - 58
a) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis

pH - 7.33 HCO3- - 16
PaCO2 – 34 PaO2 - 88
a) Partially compensated respiratory acidosis

c) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.30 HCO3- - 30 mEq/L
PaCO2 - 60 mmHg PaO2 - 50 mmHg
a) Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

b) Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
c) Compensated metabolic acidosis
d) Mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.03 HCO3-- 14 mEq/L

a) Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
b) Mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis
c) Acute respiratory acidosis
d) Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.22 HCO3- - 10 mEq/L
a) Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

b) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
c) Mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.28 HCO3--13 mEq/L
PaCO2 - 31 torr PaO2 - 90 torr
a) Uncompensated metabolic acidosis

b) Mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis
d) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
pH - 7.53 HCO3- -36
PaCO2 – 40 PaO2 - 90
a) Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis

b) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
c) Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
d) Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
pH - 7.48 HCO3- - 31
PaCO2 – 47 PaO2 - 74
a) Compensated respiratory alkalosis

b) Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
d) Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
pH - 7.55 HCO3- - 24 mEq/L
The acid-base status for this patient would best be described as:
a) The patient has an uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

b) The patient has a partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
c) The results are probably those of venous gases
d) The acid-base values are indicative of a laboratory error
13. The results of a patient’s arterial blood gas are as follows:
pH - 7.39 HCO3-- 24 mEq/L
14. The patient’s chart includes an order for the patient to receive an FIO2 of 0.24. Which of
the following is the most likely explanation for these results?
a) An air bubble in the sample
b) The patient was receiving a higher FIO2 than ordered
c) A laboratory error
d) Increased carboxyhemoglobin levels
15. A stable 28 year old patient has the following arterial blood gas results on room air:
pH - 7.49 HCO3- - 24 mEq/L
The results could best be explained by:
a) An air bubble in the sample

b) Sample was not iced
c) Sample was aspirated too quickly
d) Too much heparin in the sample

Abg Practice Quiz

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Abg Practice Quiz

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

QUIZ #1:

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated

a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated

a) Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

a) Both will be lower than normal.

a) Kidneys and Lungs

7. The major effect of acidosis is overexcitement of the central nervous system.

8. Alkalosis is characterized by overexcitement of the nervous system.

9. The human body functions optimally in a state of homeostasis.

pH 7.57, PaCO2 22, HCO3- 17

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated

pH 7.39, PaCO2 44, HCO3- 26

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated

pH 7.17, PaCO2 48, HCO3- 36

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

pH 7.34, PaCO2 24, HCO3- 20

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated

pH 7.64, PaCO2 25, HCO3- 19

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

pH 7.45, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 30

a) Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated

pH 7.6, PaCO2 53, HCO3- 38

a) Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

pH 7.5, PaCO2 19, HCO3- 22

a) Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated

pH 7.39, PaCO2 59, HCO3- 35

a) Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated

1. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

PaCO2 - 25 PaO2 - 100

a) Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis

2. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

a) Partially compensated metabolic acidosis

3. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

PaCO2 – 24 PaO2 - 108

a) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis

4. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

a) Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis

5. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

a) Partially compensated respiratory acidosis

6. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

pH - 7.30 HCO3- - 30 mEq/L

PaCO2 - 60 mmHg PaO2 - 50 mmHg

a) Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

7. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

pH - 7.03 HCO3-- 14 mEq/L

8. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

pH - 7.22 HCO3- - 10 mEq/L

PaCO2 - 25 mmHg PaO2 - 88 mmHg

a) Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

9. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

pH - 7.28 HCO3--13 mEq/L

PaCO2 - 31 torr PaO2 - 90 torr

a) Uncompensated metabolic acidosis

10. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result:

pH - 7.53 HCO3- -36

a) Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis

a) Compensated respiratory alkalosis

12. Interpret the following arterial blood gas result: