The nurse is caring for a patient who has kidney disease and an acid-base imbalance. In what way do the kidneys help maintain acid-base balance in the body?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining acid-base balance by conserving or excreting bicarbonate ions. They also help regulate the pH of the blood by excreting hydrogen ions when pH is too low and conserving them when pH is too high. The other options, conserving or excreting potassium ions, promoting excretion of carbon dioxide, and promoting retention of proteins, are not directly related to maintaining acid-base balance in the body.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Kidney