HESI Acid-Base Balance Exam Newest 2026 Questions and Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales Already Graded A+

HESI Acid-Base Balance Exam Newest 2026 Questions
and Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales Already
Graded A+



NORMAL ABG VALUES (MEMORIZE)
 pH: 7.35 – 7.45
 PaCO₂: 35 – 45 mmHg
 HCO₃⁻: 22 – 26 mEq/L

👉 Think:

 pH ↓ = Acidosis
 pH ↑ = Alkalosis
 CO₂ = Acid (lungs)
 HCO₃⁻ = Base (kidneys)




SECTION A: ABG INTERPRETATION


1.

ABG: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 50, HCO₃⁻ 24

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

Answer: A (Respiratory acidosis)

Rationale:

 pH low → acidosis
 CO₂ high → respiratory cause

, 2.

ABG: pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 30, HCO₃⁻ 24

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

Answer: A

Rationale:

 pH high → alkalosis
 CO₂ low → respiratory



3.

ABG: pH 7.25, HCO₃⁻ 18, PaCO₂ 40

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

Answer: B

Rationale:

 pH low
 HCO₃⁻ low → metabolic cause



4.

ABG: pH 7.50, HCO₃⁻ 30, PaCO₂ 40

A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis