Which acid-base mechanism would the kidney use to buffer a patient's acidosis (serum pH <7.35)? Select all that apply.
One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Eliminating excess H+.
Excreting excess water.
Eliminating excess CO2.
Reabsorbing additional HCO3-.
Reabsorbing additional sodium ions.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale:
Eliminating excess H+ ions (hydrogen ions) is a primary mechanism the kidneys use to buffer acidosis. In acidosis, there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to a decrease in pH. The kidneys help regulate the body's pH by excreting hydrogen ions to lower acidity.
Choice B rationale:
Excreting excess water is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While maintaining proper hydration is important for overall health, it does not directly influence the body's acid-base balance in the context of acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Eliminating excess CO2 is primarily a respiratory mechanism, not a kidney function. CO2 elimination is more related to the lungs' ability to regulate the body's pH by adjusting respiratory rate and depth.
Choice D rationale:
Reabsorbing additional HCO3- ions (bicarbonate ions) is a renal mechanism to buffer acidosis. Bicarbonate ions act as a base and can neutralize excess hydrogen ions, raising the pH of the body fluids.
Choice E rationale:
Reabsorbing additional sodium ions is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While sodium ions are important for various physiological processes, they do not play a direct role in buffering acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The sodium level is within the normal range, but the potassium level is slightly elevated. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.
Choice B rationale:
The sodium level is slightly elevated, and the potassium level is within the normal range. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level of 135 mEq/L, potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is the correct answer. In this option, both sodium and potassium levels are within normal ranges. Changing the IV prescription to DSNS with 20 mEq KCl/L ensures that the patient receives adequate hydration (from the dextrose and normal saline) without causing hyperkalemia.
Choice D rationale:
The sodium level is slightly elevated, and the potassium level is within the normal range. This does not support the rationale for changing the IV prescription to a lower potassium concentration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While magnesium is indeed the most abundant intracellular cation in the body, this fact alone does not explain why the nurse would assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice B rationale:
Magnesium imbalance can cause issues in the extracellular fluid compartment, but this choice does not explain why the nurse would specifically assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice D rationale:
While hypotension can be a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency, this choice does not provide a rationale for assessing the patient's magnesium level. In this case, choice C is correct because magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular excitability and contractility. Abnormal magnesium levels can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. Additionally, magnesium is involved in cardiac muscle function, and low magnesium levels can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac issues. Therefore, assessing the patient's magnesium level is essential in understanding their neuromuscular and cardiac health.
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