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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Quiz - Test Your Skills

Dive into our blood gas quiz for hands-on blood gas interpretation practice!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of ABG interpretation quiz with clinical charts test questions instant feedback on teal background

Calling all clinicians, students, and critical care pros! Welcome to our arterial blood gas interpretation quiz, the ultimate blood gas interpretation quiz designed to sharpen your ABG analysis with real-life scenarios and instant feedback. Put your skills to the test in this engaging blood gas quiz and elevate your understanding through targeted blood gas interpretation practice. Whether you're a medical student prepping for exams, a nurse refining clinical skills, or a respiratory therapist seeking challenges, this free arterial blood gas quiz adapts to your level. Boost your confidence with blood gas practice questions or tackle the abg interpretation quiz . Click Start Now and ace your case!

What is the normal arterial blood pH range?
7.35 to 7.45
7.25 to 7.35
7.45 to 7.55
7.20 to 7.30
The normal arterial pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, reflecting optimal enzyme and cellular function. Values below 7.35 indicate acidemia, and above 7.45 indicate alkalemia. Tight regulation of pH is critical for metabolic processes. Reference
What is the normal arterial PaCO2 range in mmHg?
35 to 45 mmHg
25 to 35 mmHg
45 to 55 mmHg
15 to 25 mmHg
Normal arterial PaCO2 is between 35 and 45 mmHg, indicating adequate alveolar ventilation. PaCO2 below 35 suggests hyperventilation, and above 45 suggests hypoventilation. It is a key determinant of acid-base status. Reference
What is the normal arterial bicarbonate (HCO3) concentration?
22 to 26 mEq/L
18 to 22 mEq/L
26 to 30 mEq/L
14 to 18 mEq/L
Arterial bicarbonate normally ranges from 22 to 26 mEq/L, reflecting renal regulation of acid-base balance. Levels below 22 indicate metabolic acidosis, and above 26 indicate metabolic alkalosis. Bicarbonate works with PaCO2 to maintain pH. Reference
An ABG shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the primary acid-base disorder?
Acute respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Chronic respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
A low pH with elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 indicates acute respiratory acidosis, where hypoventilation raises CO2 and lowers pH. Chronic cases would show compensatory bicarbonate elevation. Metabolic disorders would alter HCO3 primarily. Reference
Which formula is used to calculate the anion gap?
Na+ (Cl + HCO3)
Cl + HCO3 Na+
Na+ + K+ (Cl + HCO3)
Na+ + Cl HCO3
The anion gap is calculated as Na+ (Cl + HCO3) to estimate unmeasured anions in plasma. A normal gap is 812 mEq/L. Elevated gap suggests high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis. Reference
An ABG shows pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the primary disturbance?
Acute respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Chronic respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
An elevated pH with decreased PaCO2 and normal HCO3 indicates acute respiratory alkalosis, typically due to hyperventilation. Metabolic disorders would change bicarbonate. Chronic respiratory alkalosis shows renal compensation with reduced HCO3. Reference
An ABG reveals pH 7.25, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L. What is the primary acid-base disorder?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
A low pH with normal PaCO2 and reduced HCO3 indicates metabolic acidosis as the primary disturbance. Respiratory disorders primarily alter PaCO2. The lungs then attempt compensation by lowering CO2 through hyperventilation. Reference
Using Winters formula (PaCO2 = 1.5 HCO3 + 8 2), what is the expected PaCO2 if HCO3 is 10 mEq/L?
23 mmHg
18 mmHg
30 mmHg
15 mmHg
Winters formula estimates compensatory PaCO2 in metabolic acidosis: 1.5 10 + 8 = 23 mmHg (2). This shows appropriate respiratory compensation. Deviations suggest mixed disorders. Reference
An ABG shows pH 7.32, PaCO2 60 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L. Is there a mixed acid-base disorder?
No, this is compensated chronic respiratory acidosis
Yes, respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis
Yes, metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis
No, this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Chronic respiratory acidosis compensates with increased HCO3 by ~3 mEq/L per 10 mmHg PaCO2 rise: 24 + (20/3) ? 30. Thus pH near normal denotes appropriate compensation without mixed disorder. Reference
Which equation represents the HendersonHasselbalch relationship for blood pH?
pH = pKa + log(HCO3 / (0.03 PaCO2))
pH = pKa + log(PaCO2 / HCO3)
pH = pKa log(HCO3 / PaCO2)
pH = pKw + log(HCO3 / (0.03 PaCO2))
The HendersonHasselbalch equation for blood is pH = pKa + log([HCO3]/(0.03 PaCO2)), linking respiratory and metabolic components of acid-base balance. It allows calculation of pH given bicarbonate and CO2 levels. Reference
In metabolic alkalosis, what is the expected respiratory compensation for every 10 mEq/L rise in HCO3?
Increase PaCO2 by ~7 mmHg
Decrease PaCO2 by ~7 mmHg
Increase PaCO2 by ~3 mmHg
Decrease PaCO2 by ~3 mmHg
In metabolic alkalosis, respiratory compensation is hypoventilation, raising PaCO2 by about 0.7 mmHg for each 1 mEq/L HCO3 increase (?7 mmHg per 10). It is limited by hypoxia driving ventilation. Reference
An ABG shows pH 7.15, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3 11 mEq/L. Which best describes this profile?
Metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation
Respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
Mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
Low pH and low HCO3 indicate metabolic acidosis; reduced PaCO2 reflects compensatory hyperventilation. Expected PaCO2 ?1.511+8=24.5 mmHg, so a value of 28 mmHg shows partial compensation. Reference
A COPD patients ABG: pH 7.36, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L. What is the acid-base status?
Compensated chronic respiratory acidosis
Acute respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis
Normal pH with elevated PaCO2 and elevated HCO3 denotes chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation. Acute cases have limited renal response and lower HCO3. Reference
What is the normal plasma anion gap range?
8 to 12 mEq/L
4 to 6 mEq/L
12 to 16 mEq/L
16 to 20 mEq/L
A normal anion gap is typically 812 mEq/L, reflecting balanced measured cations and anions. Values above this suggest accumulation of unmeasured anions in metabolic acidosis. Reference
Anion gap is 20 mEq/L with albumin of 2 g/dL. What is the albumin-corrected anion gap?
25 mEq/L
22.5 mEq/L
20 mEq/L
30 mEq/L
Corrected AG = measured AG + 2.5 (4.0 albumin). Here: 20 + 2.5(42) = 25 mEq/L. Hypoalbuminemia lowers measured gap. Reference
Calculate the delta ratio if AG is 24 mEq/L and HCO3 is 14 mEq/L (normal AG=12, HCO3=24).
1.2
0.83
2.0
1.5
?AG =2412=12; ?HCO3 =2414=10; ratio=12/10=1.2, indicating pure high-anion-gap acidosis. Ratios <1 or >2 suggest mixed disorders. Reference
An ABG: pH 7.25, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 12 mEq/L. What acid-base disturbance is present?
Mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis with compensation
Respiratory acidosis with compensation
Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Low pH with low HCO3 indicates metabolic acidosis, but low PaCO2 suggests primary respiratory alkalosis rather than compensation. This combination denotes a mixed disorder. Reference
In chronic respiratory acidosis, how much does HCO3 increase per 10 mmHg rise in PaCO2?
3 mEq/L
0.7 mEq/L
2 mEq/L
1.5 mEq/L
Chronic respiratory acidosis triggers renal retention of HCO3 by ~3 mEq/L per 10 mmHg PaCO2 increase. Acute cases show ~1 mEq/L change. Duration determines compensation. Reference
Which condition typically causes a normal anion gap (hyperchloremic) metabolic acidosis?
Diarrhea
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Lactic acidosis
Uremia
Diarrhea leads to loss of bicarbonate with reciprocal chloride retention, causing hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap. High-gap causes involve unmeasured acids. Reference
An ABG: pH 7.48, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L. What is the interpretation?
Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis
Acute respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Compensated respiratory alkalosis
Elevated pH with low PaCO2 suggests respiratory alkalosis, but low HCO3 indicates metabolic acidosis. This combination reveals a mixed disorder often seen in salicylate toxicity. Reference
For acute respiratory alkalosis, how much does HCO3 change per 10 mmHg decrease in PaCO2?
2 mEq/L decrease
3 mEq/L increase
1 mEq/L decrease
0.7 mEq/L increase
In acute respiratory alkalosis, HCO3 falls by ~2 mEq/L for each 10 mmHg PaCO2 decrease as renal compensation is minimal initially. Chronic states show greater change. Reference
An ABG: pH 7.20, PaCO2 20 mmHg, HCO3 8 mEq/L. What best describes this disturbance?
High-anion-gap metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation
Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
Primary respiratory alkalosis
HCO3 of 8 indicates metabolic acidosis; expected PaCO2 by Winters: 1.58+8=20 mmHg, matching the measured value, so compensation is appropriate. No respiratory component beyond compensation. Reference
In diabetic ketoacidosis (Na+ 140, Cl 100, HCO3 6), what is the anion gap?
34 mEq/L
40 mEq/L
30 mEq/L
24 mEq/L
Anion gap = Na+ (Cl + HCO3) = 140 (100 + 6) = 34 mEq/L. Elevated gap reflects accumulation of ketoacids. Reference
A patient has salicylate overdose with ABG: pH 7.48, PaCO2 24 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L. What is the primary disturbance?
Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis
Acute respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Compensated respiratory alkalosis
Salicylates stimulate respiratory center (respiratory alkalosis: low CO2) and cause metabolic acidosis (low HCO3), producing a classic mixed picture. Reference
A patient with prolonged vomiting has ABG: pH 7.60, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 48 mEq/L. What is the acid-base disorder?
Metabolic alkalosis with appropriate respiratory compensation
Respiratory acidosis
Mixed metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis
Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
Prolonged vomiting causes loss of HCl, raising HCO3 to 48. Respiratory compensation leads to hypoventilation, elevating PaCO2 to ~55. The pH remains elevated, indicating compensated metabolic alkalosis. Reference
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze ABG parameters -

    Use the arterial blood gas interpretation quiz to break down pH, PaCO2, and HCO3− values for accurate assessment.

  2. Identify acid”base disorders -

    Recognize common respiratory and metabolic imbalances through targeted blood gas interpretation practice questions.

  3. Differentiate compensation mechanisms -

    Distinguish between acute and chronic compensation responses using real-life arterial blood gas quiz scenarios.

  4. Apply clinical reasoning -

    Integrate patient history and ABG data to make informed decisions in high-pressure quiz cases.

  5. Evaluate severity and urgency -

    Assess the clinical significance of abnormal blood gas values to prioritize patient interventions.

  6. Reinforce ABG interpretation skills -

    Use instant feedback from the blood gas quiz to identify knowledge gaps and improve performance.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Assessing pH Balance -

    Arterial pH (normal 7.35 - 7.45) is the cornerstone of ABG interpretation, with lower values indicating acidosis and higher values suggesting alkalosis. Even a 0.01 shift can signal significant clinical changes, so precise measurement is vital (Merck Manual, 2023). Use pH first to categorize the disturbance and prioritize interventions.

  2. Evaluating PaCO₂ -

    PaCO₂ (normal 35 - 45 mmHg) reflects respiratory function, where elevated levels point to respiratory acidosis and decreased levels indicate respiratory alkalosis (ATS guidelines, 2022). Remember that acute vs. chronic changes differ: chronic CO₂ retention yields higher bicarbonate compensation. Track PaCO₂ next to pH to determine if respiratory processes are driving the acid - base disturbance.

  3. Calculating HCO₃❻ -

    Bicarbonate (normal 22 - 26 mEq/L) represents metabolic contributions to acid - base balance, with low levels in metabolic acidosis and high levels in metabolic alkalosis (American Society of Nephrology, 2021). You can estimate HCO₃❻ using the Henderson - Hasselbalch equation: pH = pKa + log([HCO₃❻]/0.03×PaCO₂). This formula links respiratory and metabolic components for deeper insight.

  4. Using the ROME Mnemonic -

    "Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal" helps you quickly classify disorders: in respiratory cases pH and PaCO₂ change in opposite directions, while in metabolic cases they move together. For example, a rising pH with rising HCO₃❻ indicates metabolic alkalosis. This mnemonic accelerates decision-making under clinical pressure (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 2020).

  5. Determining the Anion Gap -

    Calculate AG = [Na❺] - ([Cl❻] + [HCO₃❻]), with a normal range of 8 - 16 mEq/L (UpToDate, 2023). An elevated gap signals unmeasured acids (e.g., lactate, ketoacids) and helps distinguish high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis from other causes. Integrate AG with compensation formulas, like Winter's formula, to verify expected respiratory response.

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