Which phrase describes the function of a buffer?
To excrete weak acids.
To secrete hydrogen ions.
To convert strong acids to weak acids.
To convert ammonia to ammonium ions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Buffers do not excrete weak acids; instead, they help regulate the pH of bodily fluids by preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B rationale:
Buffers do not secrete hydrogen ions. In fact, buffers can either absorb or release hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH.
Choice C rationale:
To convert strong acids to weak acids is the correct answer. Buffers are substances that can neutralize both acids and bases, helping to maintain a stable pH in a solution. They achieve this by accepting hydrogen ions from strong acids or donating hydrogen ions to strong bases, converting them into weaker acids or bases, respectively.
Choice D rationale:
Buffers do not convert ammonia to ammonium ions. This conversion is a part of the body's acid-base regulation system, but it is not the primary function of buffers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D. Then start with Choice A rationale:
Choice A is incorrect because it representsmetabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is a primary increase in the bicarbonate (HCO3) level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range (7.35-7.45). The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of metabolic alkalosis include vomiting, diuretic use, excessive antacid intake, and mineralocorticoid excess1.
Choice B is incorrect because it representsrespiratory acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of respiratory acidosis include hypoventilation, airway obstruction, chest trauma, neuromuscular disorders, and chronic lung diseases2.
Choice C is incorrect because it representsmetabolic acidosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the HCO3 level, which causes the pH to fall below the normal range. The PaCO2 is normal in this case, indicating that the respiratory system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance.Some causes of metabolic acidosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, diarrhea, and poisoning3.
Choice D is correct because it representsrespiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a primary decrease in the PaCO2 level, which causes the pH to rise above the normal range. The HCO3 is normal in this case, indicating that the metabolic system is not involved in the acid-base imbalance. Some causes of respiratory alkalosis include hyperventilation, anxiety, panic, fever, pain, tumor, trauma, severe anemia, liver disease, overdose of certain medicines, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy, and any lung disease that leads to shortness of breath . Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, chest discomfort, confusion, and fainting.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The patient's symptoms of leg pain that worsens at night and occurs when the legs are elevated but improves when they are dangled are indicative of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) PAD is a condition caused by the narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis. This narrowing restricts blood flow to the muscles, causing pain, especially during activities or positions that demand increased blood flow like walking or elevating the legs.
Choice B rationale:
Lymphatic obstruction typically does not cause pain in the same manner described by the patient. Lymphatic obstruction may cause swelling and discomfort, but it usually does not lead to pain that worsens with elevation and improves with dangling.
Choice C rationale:
Chronic venous insufficiency can cause leg pain and swelling, especially when standing for extended periods. However, the characteristic of pain worsening at night and with leg elevation points more towards arterial issues like PAD rather than venous insufficiency.
Choice D rationale:
Musculoskeletal abnormalities could cause localized pain, but the pattern described by the patient (worsening at night, relief with dangling) is not typical of musculoskeletal issues. PAD, on the other hand, often presents with these specific symptoms due to compromised blood flow to the muscles in the legs.
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