In patients with impaired expiration associated with emphysema, effective compensation for the acid-base imbalance would be:
A) increased rate and depth of respiration.
B) decreased rate and depth of respiration.
C) increased urine pH and decreased serum bicarbonate.
D) decreased urine pH and increased serum bicarbonate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In emphysema, CO2 retention leads to respiratory acidosis. The kidneys compensate by excreting more hydrogen ions (lowering urine pH) and reabsorbing bicarbonate (increasing serum bicarbonate) to balance the pH.

In Patients with Impaired Expiration Associated with Emphysema, Effective Compensation