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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Primary prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and vaccinations. Mammograms, however, are not used to prevent breast cancer from occurring but to detect it early.
Choice B Reason:
Secondary prevention aims to detect and address a disease early in its course to prevent progression. Mammograms are a classic example of secondary prevention because they are used to screen for breast cancer in women who do not yet show symptoms2. Early detection through mammograms can lead to earlier treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
Choice C Reason:
Disease treatment refers to the direct management of a diagnosed condition. For breast cancer, this could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medical interventions. Mammograms are not a treatment but a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of cancer.
Choice D Reason:
Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the complications of an existing disease to prevent further deterioration. For breast cancer, this might involve rehabilitation, ongoing treatment to prevent recurrence, and palliative care. Mammograms are used for early detection, not for managing complications of already diagnosed cancer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when a person breathes rapidly (hyperventilates), causing a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. This reduction in CO2 leads to an increase in blood pH, resulting in alkalosis. Hyperventilation can be triggered by anxiety, fever, or other conditions that increase respiratory rate.
Choice B Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is caused by an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) or a loss of hydrogen ions (H+), often due to vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake. It is not directly related to hyperventilation, which primarily affects CO2 levels rather than bicarbonate levels.
Choice C Reason:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, often due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or severe diarrhea. Hyperventilation does not cause metabolic acidosis; instead, it can be a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis to help lower CO2 levels and increase pH.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, where there is inadequate removal of CO2 from the body, leading to an increase in CO2 levels and a decrease in blood pH. This condition is the opposite of what occurs during hyperventilation, making this choice incorrect.
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