Textbook Question
The most important factor affecting the pH of body tissues is the concentration of:
(a) Lactic acid
(b) Ketone bodies,
(c) Metabolic acids
(d) Carbon dioxide
(e) Hydrochloric acid
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Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization30
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure36
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses16
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System20
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation29
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity31
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System12
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes32
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance23
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 26, Problem 9
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when:
(a) Bicarbonate ion concentrations become elevated
(b) A severe bicarbonate loss occurs
(c) The kidneys fail to excrete hydrogen ions
(d) Ketone bodies are generated in abnormally large quantities
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of metabolic alkalosis. It is a condition where the pH of body fluids is elevated above normal due to an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration or a loss of hydrogen ions (H+).
Step 2: Analyze option (a): 'Bicarbonate ion concentrations become elevated.' Since bicarbonate is a base, an increase in its concentration would raise the pH, leading to alkalosis. This aligns with the definition of metabolic alkalosis.
Step 3: Analyze option (b): 'A severe bicarbonate loss occurs.' Losing bicarbonate would reduce the base concentration, which would lower pH and cause acidosis, not alkalosis.
Step 4: Analyze option (c): 'The kidneys fail to excrete hydrogen ions.' Retaining hydrogen ions would increase acidity, causing acidosis rather than alkalosis.
Step 5: Analyze option (d): 'Ketone bodies are generated in abnormally large quantities.' Ketone bodies are acidic, so their accumulation leads to metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by an elevated blood pH due to increased bicarbonate concentration or loss of hydrogen ions. It results in the blood becoming more alkaline, often caused by factors like excessive vomiting or diuretic use.
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Introduction to Metabolism
Bicarbonate Ion Role in Acid-Base Balance
Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) act as a primary buffer in the blood, neutralizing acids to maintain pH balance. An increase in bicarbonate concentration raises blood pH, leading to alkalosis, while a decrease can cause acidosis.
Recommended video:
01:29Acids and Bases
Kidney Function in Acid-Base Regulation
The kidneys regulate acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate. Failure to excrete hydrogen ions can cause acidosis, while excessive bicarbonate retention or hydrogen ion loss can lead to alkalosis.
Recommended video:
01:29Acids and Bases
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify four hormones that mediate major physiological adjustments affecting fluid and electrolyte balance. What are the primary effects of each hormone?
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Textbook Question
Drinking a solution hypotonic to the ECF causes the ECF to:
(a) Increase in volume and become hypertonic to the ICF
(b) Decrease in volume and become hypertonic to the ICF
(c) Decrease in volume and become hypotonic to the ICF
(d) Increase in volume and become hypotonic to the ICF
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Textbook Question
Changes in the pH of body fluids are compensated for by all of the following except:
(a) An increase in urine output
(b) The carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system
(c) The phosphate buffer system
(d) Changes in the rate and depth of breathing
(e) Protein buffers
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Textbook Question
The osmotic concentration of the ECF decreases if an individual gains water without a corresponding:
(a) Gain of electrolytes
(b) Loss of water
(c) Fluid shift from the ECF to the ICF
(d) All of these
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Textbook Question
Respiratory acidosis develops when the blood pH is:
(a) Increased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level
(b) Decreased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level
(c) Increased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level
(d) Decreased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level
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