Which phrase describes the function of a buffer?
                            
                                                                                                    To excrete weak acids.
To secrete hydrogen ions.
To convert strong acids to weak acids.
To convert ammonia to ammonium ions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Buffers do not excrete weak acids; instead, they help regulate the pH of bodily fluids by preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B rationale:
Buffers do not secrete hydrogen ions. In fact, buffers can either absorb or release hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH.
Choice C rationale:
To convert strong acids to weak acids is the correct answer. Buffers are substances that can neutralize both acids and bases, helping to maintain a stable pH in a solution. They achieve this by accepting hydrogen ions from strong acids or donating hydrogen ions to strong bases, converting them into weaker acids or bases, respectively.
Choice D rationale:
Buffers do not convert ammonia to ammonium ions. This conversion is a part of the body's acid-base regulation system, but it is not the primary function of buffers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's pH is low (7.32), and the bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high PaCO2 levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.32) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
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