IBSC Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) Practice Test

What is the normal arterial blood pH range?

7.40 - 7.60 7.35 - 7.45 7.30 - 7.50 7.25 - 7.35

Correct Answer:

7.35 - 7.45

Explanation:

Maintaining arterial pH in a very tight window is essential because enzyme activity, metabolism, and overall cellular function are highly pH-dependent. The body keeps arterial pH around 7.35 to 7.45 through buffers in the blood and regulatory systems in the lungs (ventilation) and kidneys (bicarbonate and hydrogen ion handling). If the pH falls below 7.35, acidosis occurs; if it rises above 7.45, alkalosis occurs. In clinical practice, this pH range is interpreted alongside PaCO2 and HCO3− on an arterial blood gas to determine the underlying disturbance and compensation. Therefore, the normal arterial pH is 7.35 to 7.45. The other ranges either reflect alkalemia or acidemia outside the normal physiologic window.

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