Question

The pH 

A. Of arterial blood normally ranges from 7.2 to 7.6. 

B. Units express [H⁺] in moles/litre. 

C. Of blood is directly proportional to the PCO₂. 

D. Of blood is directly proportional to [HCO₃^- ]. 

E. Of urine is usually less than 7.

Answer 1

A. False The range is normally between 7.35 and 7.45. 

B. False They express it as the negative logarithm of the [H⁺] in moles/litre. 

C. False PCO₂ raises [H⁺] and hence lowers pH. 

D. True [HCO₃^- ] lowers [H⁺] by buffering and hence raises pH. 

E. True The normal diet leaves acidic, rather than alkaline, residues.