Acid-base biochemistry: practice question

A Biochemistry 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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Biochemistry · Acid-base biochemistry

Sample item

What primary disturbance is present when arterial pH is low and bicarbonate is low?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Metabolic acidosis

Low pH with reduced bicarbonate indicates a primary metabolic acidosis, with respiratory compensation often lowering carbon dioxide secondarily.

Option by option

  • A. Normal acid-base status

    Both values being low is not normal acid-base status.

  • B. Metabolic acidosis (correct)

    Correct: bicarbonate loss or acid gain causes metabolic acidosis.

  • C. Metabolic alkalosis

    Metabolic alkalosis raises bicarbonate and pH.

  • D. Respiratory alkalosis

    Respiratory alkalosis begins with low carbon dioxide.

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 Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is B, Metabolic acidosis. Low pH with reduced bicarbonate indicates a primary metabolic acidosis, with respiratory compensation often lowering carbon dioxide secondarily.

Why is "Normal acid-base status" not the answer?

Both values being low is not normal acid-base status.

Why is "Metabolic alkalosis" not the answer?

Metabolic alkalosis raises bicarbonate and pH.

Why is "Respiratory alkalosis" not the answer?

Respiratory alkalosis begins with low carbon dioxide.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acid-base biochemistry in Biochemistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: bicarbonate loss or acid gain causes metabolic 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 biochemistry?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry 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.