Acid-base physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Acid-base physiology

Sample item

Which primary disturbance is present in acute hypoventilation from opioid overdose?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Respiratory acidosis

Hypoventilation retains carbon dioxide, increasing carbonic acid and lowering pH, which produces respiratory acidosis; renal bicarbonate retention provides only limited compensation in the acute phase.

Option by option

  • A. Respiratory alkalosis

    Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive carbon dioxide elimination.

  • B. Metabolic alkalosis

    Metabolic alkalosis is a primary rise in bicarbonate or acid loss.

  • C. Respiratory acidosis (correct)

    Correct: carbon dioxide retention from hypoventilation causes respiratory acidosis.

  • D. Metabolic acidosis

    Metabolic acidosis is caused by primary bicarbonate loss or acid gain.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Respiratory acidosis. Hypoventilation retains carbon dioxide, increasing carbonic acid and lowering pH, which produces respiratory acidosis; renal bicarbonate retention provides only limited compensation in the acute phase.

Why is "Respiratory alkalosis" not the answer?

Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive carbon dioxide elimination.

Why is "Metabolic alkalosis" not the answer?

Metabolic alkalosis is a primary rise in bicarbonate or acid loss.

Why is "Metabolic acidosis" not the answer?

Metabolic acidosis is caused by primary bicarbonate loss or acid gain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acid-base physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: carbon dioxide retention from hypoventilation causes respiratory acidosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Acid-base physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.