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Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base HomeostasisProblem 16c
Chapter 25, Problem 16c

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
c. Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis consists of hypoventilation.

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the concept of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body due to factors such as increased production of hydrogen ions or loss of bicarbonate ions. This leads to a decrease in blood pH.
Step 2: Learn about respiratory compensation. The respiratory system compensates for metabolic acidosis by adjusting the rate and depth of breathing to regulate carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which directly affect blood pH.
Step 3: Recall the relationship between CO₂ and pH. CO₂ combines with water in the blood to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). Increased CO₂ levels lower pH, while decreased CO₂ levels raise pH.
Step 4: Analyze the statement. Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate) leads to an accumulation of CO₂, which would further decrease pH. This is the opposite of what is needed to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Therefore, hypoventilation is not the correct respiratory response.
Step 5: Correct the statement. The true respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis is hyperventilation (increased breathing rate), which helps to expel more CO₂ from the body, thereby raising blood pH and counteracting the acidosis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body due to increased production of acid or decreased ability to excrete acid by the kidneys. It can result from various factors, including diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or severe diarrhea. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing the body's compensatory mechanisms.
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Respiratory Compensation

Respiratory compensation refers to the body's physiological response to changes in blood pH levels. In the case of metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by increasing the rate and depth of breathing (hyperventilation) to expel more carbon dioxide, which helps raise blood pH back to normal. This process is essential for maintaining acid-base balance.
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Hypoventilation vs. Hyperventilation

Hypoventilation is a condition where breathing is too shallow or slow, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels and a decrease in blood pH. In contrast, hyperventilation involves rapid or deep breathing, which decreases carbon dioxide levels and can help correct acidosis. Understanding the difference between these two terms is vital for accurately assessing respiratory compensation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following statements correctly describe(s) the role of aldosterone?

a. Aldosterone triggers sodium ion and so water reabsorption.

b. Aldosterone triggers potassium ion secretion.

c. Aldosterone triggers hydrogen ion secretion.

d. Both a and b are correct.

e. All of the above are correct.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d. Renal compensation for metabolic alkalosis consists of reabsorption of hydrogen ions and secretion of bicarbonate ions.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. Renal compensation for acid-base disturbances begins within minutes, whereas respiratory compensation begins within several hours.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

e. You would expect to find an elevated Pco₂ in arterial blood gas analysis of a patient with respiratory acidosis.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following mechanisms is/are used by the kidneys to regulate the pH of the blood? Circle all that apply.

a. Hydrogen ions are secreted from the proximal and distal tubules and the collecting system.

b. Hydrogen ions are reabsorbed from the nephron loop.

c. New bicarbonate ions are formed from glutamine and carbon dioxide in the interstitial fluid that enters proximal tubule cells.

d. Bicarbonate ions can be secreted.

e. Bicarbonate ions are reabsorbed directly from the filtrate.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

a. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation.

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