The client has severe respiratory impairment. Which alterations in acid-base balance could be expected as a compensatory response?

A. Decreased arterial blood pH
B. Increased arterial blood bicarbonate
C. Increased arterial blood oxygen
D. Decreased arterial blood carbon dioxide


B
Because kidneys regulate pH by controlling bicarbonate concentration and the lungs regulate pH by controlling carbon dioxide loss, a loss of one function can be at least partially compensated by the other function. When pulmonary function is decreased, so that adequate amounts of carbon dioxide are not excreted, the pH rises, stimulating the kidneys to reabsorb more bicarbonate to balance the increased acid production.

Nursing

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