When dehydration reduces the compensation possible for acidosis resulting from prolonged diarrhea, what significant change in arterial blood gases indicates this? A) Serum pH would rise above 7.45. B) Serum bicarbonate levels would increase, and serum pH would remain in normal range. C) Serum bicarbonate levels would decrease, and serum pH would drop below 7.35. D) Serum PCO₂ would rise, and serum pH would be around 7.4.

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Prolonged diarrhea leads to loss of bicarbonate, causing metabolic acidosis. Dehydration limits renal compensation, resulting in decreased serum bicarbonate and a drop in serum pH below 7.35.

When Dehydration Reduces the Compensation Possible for Acidosis Resulting from Prolonged