1. Referring to the graph above, taken from the “pH Balance – Function of Buffers” lab, why
does the pH of both the buffer and the cytosol remain unchanged after HCl has been added?
2. A patient with asthma has elevated pCO2 and HCO3- levels, and a decreased pH. This
person has:
a. Respiratory alkalosis
b. Respiratory acidosis
c. Metabolic acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis
3. A patient having an anxiety attack has an elevated pH, a normal HCO3- , and a decreased
pCO2. This person has:
a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Respiratory alkalosis
d. Respiratory acidosis
4. A patient who has been experiencing chronic diarrhea has decreased HCO3-, pH and pCO2
levels. This person has:
a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Respiratory alkalosis
d. Respiratory acidosis
5. A patient who has been experiencing chronic vomiting has elevated HCO3-, pH and pCO2
levels. This person has:
a. Respiratory alkalosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Metabolic acidosis
d. Respiratory acidosis
6. During respiratory acidosis, compensation occurs:
a. when the respiratory rate returns to normal.
b. when the kidneys (renal system) secrete (remove) more HCO3-.
c. when the kidneys (renal system) reabsorb (add) more HCO3-.
d. within seconds.
7. During respiratory alkalosis, explain how the renal compensatory mechanism works to return
the body to homeostasis. Be sure to indicate which substances are excreted AND reabsorbed
from the body. For example, does H+ concentration increase or decrease? Does HCO3
reabsorption increase or decrease? Does the pH increase or decrease?
8. During metabolic acidosis, explain how the respiratory compensatory mechanism works to
return the body to homeostasis. Be sure to indicate which substance is removed from the body.
For example, does H+ concentration increase or decrease? Does CO2 loss increase or
decrease? Does the pH increase or decrease?
9. Explain how respiratory acidosis occurs. For example, how is the respiratory system affected
by a patient with COPD? What happens to the breathing rate? Does pCO2 increase or
decrease? Does H+ concentration increase or decrease? Does the pH increase or decrease?
10. 3-year-old Sally decided to throw a temper tantrum, holding her breath, and stomping her
feet. However, it is known that she can only hold her breath for a limited time before she will
involuntarily begin to breathe again. Describe the feedback mechanism and anatomical
structure that initiates involuntary breathing. Include how an increased level of CO2 affects this
mechanism. For example, does pCO2 increase or decrease? Does pO2 increase or decrease?
Does H+ concentration increase or decrease? What triggers Sally’s respiration?
