Question

once alkalosis has occurred, which of the following would you expect to happen?
multiple choice
a plasma ph less than 7.40
increased respiratory rate
increased renal reabsorption of bicarbonate ions
secretion of h+ by the kidney
retention of h+ by the kidney

Explanation:

Alkalosis is a condition where the body's pH is higher than normal (above 7.40). The body tries to compensate.

• Plasma pH in alkalosis is above 7.40, so "A plasma pH less than 7.40" is wrong.
• Increased respiratory rate would expel more \(CO_2\), making blood more alkaline (since \(CO_2 + H_2O

ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3
ightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-\), less \(CO_2\) means less \(H^+\)), so it won't happen as a compensation for alkalosis.

• Increased renal reabsorption of bicarbonate ions (\(HCO_3^-\)) would make blood more alkaline (as \(HCO_3^-\) is basic), so this is incorrect.
• Secretion of \(H^+\) by the kidney would lower blood pH (more \(H^+\) loss makes blood less acidic, but in alkalosis, the kidney would rather retain \(H^+\)).
• Retention of \(H^+\) by the kidney: When there is alkalosis (\(pH>7.40\)), the kidneys can retain \(H^+\) (decrease \(H^+\) excretion) and excrete more \(HCO_3^-\) (bicarbonate ions) to bring the pH back to normal.

Answer:

Retention of \(H^+\) by the kidney