A nurse is planning care for a nephrology patient with a new nursing graduate. The nurse states, A patient in renal failure partially loses the ability to regulate changes in $\mathrm{pH}$. What is the cause of this partial inability?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kidneys regulate the bicarbonate level in the ECF; they can regenerate bicarbonate ions as well as reabsorb them from the renal tubular cells. In respiratory acidosis and most cases of metabolic acidosis, the kidneys excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate ions to help restore balance. The lungs regulate and reabsorb carbonic acid to change and maintain $\mathrm{pH}$. The kidneys do not buffer acids through electrolyte changes; buffering occurs in reaction to changes in $\mathrm{pH}$. Carbonic acid works as the chemical medium to exchange $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ in the lungs to maintain a stable $\mathrm{pH}$ whereas the kidneys use bicarbonate as the chemical medium to maintain a stable $\mathrm{pH}$ by moving and eliminating $\mathrm{H}+$.

A Nurse Is Planning Care for a Nephrology Patient with a New