The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism, that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

Retention of HCO3 by the kidneys to increase the pH level

Hypoventilation to increase the CO2 levels

Excretion of HCO3 by the kidneys to decrease the pH level

Hyperventiliation to decrease the CO2 levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, which is unlikely with opioid overdose.
B. Metabolic acidosis can occur from other causes but is not the primary imbalance here.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is not associated with opioid overdose.
D. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation caused by opioid-induced respiratory depression, leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH.

A. kidneys B. blood C. pancreas D. lungs

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Kidneys regulate bicarbonate and acid-base balance but do not directly regulate CO₂ levels.
B. Blood carries CO₂ but does not regulate its amount.
C. Pancreas is involved in digestion and insulin secretion, not CO₂ regulation.
D. Lungs regulate CO₂ by controlling its exhalation during respiration, directly affecting CO₂ levels in the blood.

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The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism, that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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