NR 341 Quiz #1 ABG Interpretation & Acid-Base Balance Nursing Exam Study
Guide | Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis Fundamentals, Normal ABG Values
(pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂, HCO₃⁻), Respiratory vs Metabolic Parameters, Hydrogen Ion
Concentration & Blood pH Regulation, Respiratory Acidosis Causes
(Hypoventilation, COPD, Sedative Overdose, Pneumonia, Atelectasis),
Respiratory Alkalosis Causes (Hyperventilation, Anxiety, Fever, Pneumothorax,
Hypoxemia), Metabolic Acidosis Causes (Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Renal Failure,
Lactic Acidosis, Shock, Diarrhea), Metabolic Alkalosis Causes (Vomiting, NG
Suctioning, Diuretic Therapy, Hyperaldosteronism), Acid-Base Compensation
Mechanisms (Renal Bicarbonate Retention, CO₂ Elimination, Respiratory Rate
Adjustments), Uncompensated vs Partially Compensated vs Fully Compensated
Acid-Base Disorders, ROME Method for ABG Interpretation (Respiratory
Opposite, Metabolic Equal), Anion Gap Calculation & High Anion Gap Metabolic
Acidosis, Kussmaul Respirations in Metabolic Acidosis, ABG Sampling from
Radial, Brachial & Femoral Arteries Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Why is an ABG analysis usually ordered?
An ABG analysis is usually one of the first tests ordered to assess respiratory status because it
helps evaluate gas exchange in the lungs.
What measures are included in an ABG analysis?
-pH
-Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide
-Partial pressure of arterial oxygen
,-Bicarbonate level
What does pH show in an ABG analysis?
pH is an indication of hydrogen ion concentration in the blood and shows the blood's alkalinity
or acidity.
What does the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide reflect in an ABG analysis?
Known as the respiratory parameter, PaCO2 reflects the adequacy of the lungs' ventilation and
CO2 elimination.
What does the partial pressure of arterial oxygen reflect in an ABG analysis?
The PaO2 reflects the body's ability to pick up O2 from the lungs
What does thee bicarbonate level reflect in an ABG analysis?
Known as the metabolic parameter, the HCO3- level reflects the kidney's ability to retain and
excrete HCO3-
What are the normal ABG values?
-pH: 7.35-7.45
-PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg
-HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L
-PaO2: 80-100 mmHg
, What lab levels characterize respiratory acidosis?
pH < 7.35; PaCO2 > 45
What causes respiratory acidosis?
Hypoventilation (CNS depression, pulmonary edema)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sedative overdose, severe pneumonia,
atelectasis, respiratory muscle weakness
What are the assessment findings that accompany respiratory acidosis?
Bradycardia, hypotension, confusion
Lethargy, dizziness, headache, coma, warm/flushed skin, seizures, dysrhythmias (related to
potassium shifts during compensation)
What are the treatments for respiratory acidosis?
Increase RR, reposition patient, maintain patent airway
What lab values characterize respiratory alkalosis?
pH > 7.45; PaCO2 < 35
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
Guide | Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis Fundamentals, Normal ABG Values
(pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂, HCO₃⁻), Respiratory vs Metabolic Parameters, Hydrogen Ion
Concentration & Blood pH Regulation, Respiratory Acidosis Causes
(Hypoventilation, COPD, Sedative Overdose, Pneumonia, Atelectasis),
Respiratory Alkalosis Causes (Hyperventilation, Anxiety, Fever, Pneumothorax,
Hypoxemia), Metabolic Acidosis Causes (Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Renal Failure,
Lactic Acidosis, Shock, Diarrhea), Metabolic Alkalosis Causes (Vomiting, NG
Suctioning, Diuretic Therapy, Hyperaldosteronism), Acid-Base Compensation
Mechanisms (Renal Bicarbonate Retention, CO₂ Elimination, Respiratory Rate
Adjustments), Uncompensated vs Partially Compensated vs Fully Compensated
Acid-Base Disorders, ROME Method for ABG Interpretation (Respiratory
Opposite, Metabolic Equal), Anion Gap Calculation & High Anion Gap Metabolic
Acidosis, Kussmaul Respirations in Metabolic Acidosis, ABG Sampling from
Radial, Brachial & Femoral Arteries Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Why is an ABG analysis usually ordered?
An ABG analysis is usually one of the first tests ordered to assess respiratory status because it
helps evaluate gas exchange in the lungs.
What measures are included in an ABG analysis?
-pH
-Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide
-Partial pressure of arterial oxygen
,-Bicarbonate level
What does pH show in an ABG analysis?
pH is an indication of hydrogen ion concentration in the blood and shows the blood's alkalinity
or acidity.
What does the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide reflect in an ABG analysis?
Known as the respiratory parameter, PaCO2 reflects the adequacy of the lungs' ventilation and
CO2 elimination.
What does the partial pressure of arterial oxygen reflect in an ABG analysis?
The PaO2 reflects the body's ability to pick up O2 from the lungs
What does thee bicarbonate level reflect in an ABG analysis?
Known as the metabolic parameter, the HCO3- level reflects the kidney's ability to retain and
excrete HCO3-
What are the normal ABG values?
-pH: 7.35-7.45
-PaCO2: 35-45 mmHg
-HCO3-: 22-26 mEq/L
-PaO2: 80-100 mmHg
, What lab levels characterize respiratory acidosis?
pH < 7.35; PaCO2 > 45
What causes respiratory acidosis?
Hypoventilation (CNS depression, pulmonary edema)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sedative overdose, severe pneumonia,
atelectasis, respiratory muscle weakness
What are the assessment findings that accompany respiratory acidosis?
Bradycardia, hypotension, confusion
Lethargy, dizziness, headache, coma, warm/flushed skin, seizures, dysrhythmias (related to
potassium shifts during compensation)
What are the treatments for respiratory acidosis?
Increase RR, reposition patient, maintain patent airway
What lab values characterize respiratory alkalosis?
pH > 7.45; PaCO2 < 35
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
