Which acid-base mechanism would the kidney use to buffer a patient's acidosis (serum pH <7.35)? Select all that apply.
One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Eliminating excess H+.
Excreting excess water.
Eliminating excess CO2.
Reabsorbing additional HCO3-.
Reabsorbing additional sodium ions.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale:
Eliminating excess H+ ions (hydrogen ions) is a primary mechanism the kidneys use to buffer acidosis. In acidosis, there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to a decrease in pH. The kidneys help regulate the body's pH by excreting hydrogen ions to lower acidity.
Choice B rationale:
Excreting excess water is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While maintaining proper hydration is important for overall health, it does not directly influence the body's acid-base balance in the context of acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Eliminating excess CO2 is primarily a respiratory mechanism, not a kidney function. CO2 elimination is more related to the lungs' ability to regulate the body's pH by adjusting respiratory rate and depth.
Choice D rationale:
Reabsorbing additional HCO3- ions (bicarbonate ions) is a renal mechanism to buffer acidosis. Bicarbonate ions act as a base and can neutralize excess hydrogen ions, raising the pH of the body fluids.
Choice E rationale:
Reabsorbing additional sodium ions is not a specific acid-base mechanism related to acidosis. While sodium ions are important for various physiological processes, they do not play a direct role in buffering acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Uses an alcohol-based mouthwash twice a day.
Choice A rationale:
Drinking 14 glasses of water daily is generally beneficial as it helps maintain hydration and supports overall health. However, it is important to balance fluid intake to avoid overhydration.
Choice B rationale:
Shaving with an electric razor is recommended for patients with thrombocytopenia because it reduces the risk of cuts and bleeding compared to using a traditional razor.
Choice C rationale:
Using an alcohol-based mouthwash can cause dryness and irritation of the oral mucosa, which can lead to bleeding, especially in patients with thrombocytopenia. It is better to use a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
Choice D rationale:
Brushing teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush is advised to minimize the risk of gum bleeding and maintain oral hygiene.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fullness from ascites is a symptom associated with conditions like liver cirrhosis, not directly related to chronic heart failure. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing a feeling of fullness and abdominal discomfort.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoproteinemia, a condition characterized by low levels of proteins in the blood, can lead to fluid retention and edema. However, it is not a direct cause of frequent urination. Frequent urination in this context is more likely related to increased fluid volume in the body, which can be caused by increased renal perfusion in the supine position due to fluid redistribution from the lower extremities to the kidneys.
Choice C rationale:
Hypoperfusion to the brain can lead to neurological symptoms, but it does not directly cause frequent urination. Frequent urination is often related to the kidneys' ability to filter excess fluid and excrete it as urine.
Choice D rationale:
Increased renal perfusion in the supine position can cause frequent urination, especially at night. When a person with chronic heart failure lies down, fluid that has accumulated in the lower extremities (edema) during the day is redistributed to the kidneys due to the change in body position. This increased renal perfusion results in an increased production of urine, leading to nocturia (frequent urination at night) and disrupting the patient's ability to sleep well. This symptom is characteristic of heart failure-related fluid overload and is an important clinical sign indicating worsening heart failure.
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