The nurse is analyzing an arterial blood gas report of a patient with COPD and respiratory acidosis. Through which mechanism should the nurse expect compensation to occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Compensation for respiratory acidosis usually occurs through the kidneys retaining bicarbonate. This occurs in order to neutralize the excess acid in the blood that is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the lungs. Retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys increases the pH of the blood, which helps to offset the effects of respiratory acidosis. The other options (B, C, and D) are not mechanisms of compensation in respiratory acidosis.

The Nurse Is Analyzing an Arterial Blood Gas Report of a Patient