Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a compensation mechanism for metabolic alkalosis? hypoventilation hyperventilation increased renal acid excretion decreased renal acid excretion

Explanation:

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where there is an increase in bicarbonate (\(HCO_3^-\)) levels. The body tries to compensate for the alkalosis. The respiratory system can compensate. Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate) causes an increase in carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) levels. Since \(CO_2\) combines with water (\(H_2O\)) to form carbonic acid (\(H_2CO_3\)) (the reaction is \(CO_2 + H_2O
ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3
ightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-\)), an increase in \(CO_2\) leads to an increase in \(H^+\) (hydrogen ion) levels, which helps to counteract the alkalosis. Hyperventilation would further decrease \(CO_2\) levels (as more \(CO_2\) is exhaled), worsening the alkalosis. For the renal (kidney) compensation, in metabolic alkalosis, the kidneys would decrease acid (\(H^+\)) excretion (not increase it). If the kidneys excrete less \(H^+\), more \(H^+\) remains in the body to counteract the high \(HCO_3^-\) levels.

Answer:

Hypoventilation, Decreased renal acid excretion.