Which option below causes metabolic acidosis?
Hypoventilation
Massive blood transfusion
Kidney failure
Hyperventilation
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Hypoventilation
Hypoventilation refers to inadequate ventilation that leads to an increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, resulting in respiratory acidosis. This condition is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to the accumulation of CO2, which forms carbonic acid. Hypoventilation does not cause metabolic acidosis, as it primarily affects the respiratory component of acid-base balance.
Choice B: Massive Blood Transfusion
Massive blood transfusion can lead to metabolic alkalosis rather than metabolic acidosis. This is because stored blood products often contain citrate, which is metabolized to bicarbonate in the liver, increasing the blood’s alkalinity. Additionally, the transfusion of large volumes of blood can dilute the plasma bicarbonate concentration, but this typically does not result in metabolic acidosis.
Choice C: Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a common cause of metabolic acidosis. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions (H+) and reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-). When the kidneys fail, they are unable to remove sufficient acids from the blood, leading to an accumulation of metabolic acids and a decrease in blood pH. This condition is known as metabolic acidosis and can result from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI).
Choice D: Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis. This condition occurs when there is excessive ventilation, causing a decrease in CO2 levels in the blood and an increase in blood pH. Hyperventilation reduces the concentration of carbonic acid, leading to an alkaline state. It does not contribute to metabolic acidosis, which involves an imbalance in the metabolic components of acid-base regulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decreased ATP production is the primary cause of sodium and water accumulation in an injured cell. ATP is essential for the function of the sodium-potassium (Na±K+) pump, which maintains the ionic balance within the cell. When ATP levels drop, the Na±K+ pump fails, leading to an influx of sodium and water into the cell, causing cellular swelling.
Choice B Reason:
Calcification of the cell refers to the abnormal deposition of calcium salts within the cell. While calcification can occur in injured cells, it is not directly responsible for sodium and water accumulation. Calcification is more related to chronic injury and cell death rather than acute cellular swelling.
Choice C Reason:
Ribosome detachment from the endoplasmic reticulum can occur due to cellular stress and injury, leading to reduced protein synthesis. However, this detachment is not the direct cause of sodium and water accumulation. The primary issue is the failure of the Na±K+ pump due to decreased ATP production.
Choice D Reason:
Dehydration refers to the loss of water from the body or cells. While dehydration can affect cellular function, it is not the cause of sodium and water accumulation in injured cells. The accumulation is primarily due to the failure of the Na±K+ pump, which is dependent on ATP.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Atrophy
Atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue due to a decrease in cell size or number. This can occur due to various reasons such as disuse, lack of nutrition, or loss of nerve supply. While atrophy involves the shrinkage of cells, it does not directly result in cellular death. Instead, it is a form of cellular adaptation to adverse conditions.
Choice B: Proliferation
Proliferation is the process by which cells grow and divide to produce more cells. This process is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair. Proliferation leads to an increase in the number of cells and is the opposite of cellular death. It is a tightly regulated process that ensures the maintenance and regeneration of tissues.
Choice C: Mutation
Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence of a cell. These changes can occur due to errors during DNA replication, exposure to radiation, or chemical mutagens. While mutations can lead to various outcomes, including cancer, they do not directly cause cellular death. Instead, mutations can alter the function of genes and proteins, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth or other cellular dysfunctions.
Choice D: Death
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms. It is a highly regulated process that allows the body to remove damaged or unnecessary cells without causing harm to surrounding tissues. Apoptosis involves a series of biochemical events leading to characteristic cell changes and eventual death. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing the development of diseases such as cancer.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
