Question

question 20
which of the following might contribute to respiratory acidosis?
a loss of gastric secretions from vomiting
b accumulation of ketone bodies in a diabetic patient
c obstruction of airways
d hyperventilation

question 21
the rhythm of breathing is controlled in the:
last saved 10:34:58 pm
questions filter (50)

Explanation:

• Option A: Loss of gastric secretions from vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis (loss of acidic gastric contents), not respiratory acidosis.
• Option B: Accumulation of ketone bodies in a diabetic patient causes metabolic acidosis (due to keto - acids), not respiratory acidosis.
• Option C: Obstruction of airways impairs ventilation. This leads to an increase in \(CO_2\) levels (\(CO_2 + H_2O

ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3
ightleftharpoons H^++HCO_3^-\)). An increase in \(H^+\) (from carbonic acid dissociation as \(CO_2\) accumulates) causes respiratory acidosis.

• Option D: Hyperventilation causes a decrease in \(CO_2\) levels. According to the equation \(CO_2 + H_2O

ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3
ightleftharpoons H^++HCO_3^-\), a decrease in \(CO_2\) leads to a decrease in \(H^+\) (less carbonic acid is formed), which causes respiratory alkalosis.

Answer:

C. Obstruction of airways