Author Question: An increase in the H+ ion concentration H+ of the blood due only to an increase in the arterial PCO2 ... (Read 129 times)

jc611 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

An increase in the H+ ion concentration H+ of the blood due only to an increase in the arterial PCO2 (hypercapnia) best describes which of the following?

a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Respiratory acidosis
d. Respiratory alkalosis

Question 2

A patient has a pH of 7.49. How would you describe this?

a. Acidemia
b. Alkalemia
c. Not sufficient information to determine
d. Normal acid-base status

alvinum · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
For example, if the pH was lower than 7.35 (denoting an acidosis) and the PaCO2 was higher than 45 mm Hg, according to the H-H equation, the high PaCO2 would indeed lower the pH (i.e., produce an acidosis). Therefore, the respiratory system is at least in part, if not entirely, re-sponsible for the acidosis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Alkalemia is defined as a blood pH greater than 7.45. Acidemia is defined as a blood pH less than 7.35.