The nurse can record that the compensatory mechanism for the correction of metabolic acidosis is in effect when the nurse observes?
Kussmaul's respirations
Decreased blood pressure
Reduced abdominal distention
Increased urinary output
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occurs as a respiratory compensation to blow off CO₂ and raise pH during metabolic acidosis.
B. Decreased blood pressure is a clinical sign but not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Reduced abdominal distention is unrelated to acid-base compensation.
D. Increased urinary output may occur but is not the primary compensatory response for metabolic acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. In respiratory acidosis, CO₂ accumulates in the blood due to hypoventilation, lowering the pH. The kidneys compensate by retaining HCO₃ (bicarbonate), which helps buffer excess hydrogen ions and raise the pH toward normal.
B. Hypoventilation causes or worsens respiratory acidosis by increasing CO₂ levels, so it is not a compensatory response.
C. Excreting HCO₃ would lower the pH further and worsen the acidosis, so this is incorrect.
D. Hyperventilation helps reduce CO₂ levels but is a respiratory response, not a renal compensatory mechanism. Compensation for respiratory acidosis primarily occurs via the kidneys, not the lungs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decreased PaCO₂ occurs in respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
B. Increased PaCO₂ may occur as compensation, but in uncompensated metabolic alkalosis, this has not yet occurred.
C. In metabolic alkalosis, especially from vomiting (loss of gastric acid), there is a primary increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻).
D. Decreased pH is associated with acidosis, not alkalosis.
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