When the pH falls from 7.40 to 7.10,with no change in the PCO_{2 ,}the concentration of H⁺ has: A) Decreased by half B) Increased twofold C) Changed by 0.3 mEq/L D) Decreased to 45 mEq/L

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A change in pH from 7.40 to 7.10 indicates an increase in H+ concentration, which can combine with bicarbonate ions to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in the concentration of bicarbonate ions. However, the PCO2 remains constant, indicating that the respiratory component of acid-base balance remains unchanged. As a result, the compensation occurs through the renal regulation of acid-base balance by reabsorbing more bicarbonate ions and excreting more hydrogen ions. Therefore, the concentration of H⁺ increases twofold to compensate for the decrease in bicarbonate concentration, as it is the major buffer system in the body.

When the PH Falls from 7