The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Acute Respiratory

The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory acidosis and notes the client's rate and depth of breathing are increased. What is the nurse's understanding of the cause of this finding?

A) Respiratory muscles increase the force of contraction with excess hydrogen levels in the blood.
B) The diaphragm weakens with excess hydrogen levels in the blood.
C) As the pH increases, the respiratory rate increases.
D) As the carbon dioxide level decreases, the respiratory rate increases.