Author Question: Which symptom is associated with early stages of chronic kidney disease? A) exercise intolerance ... (Read 55 times)

bobbysung · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

Which symptom is associated with early stages of chronic kidney disease?
A) exercise intolerance
B) confusion and mental impairments
C) metabolic acidosis
D) osteodystrophy

Question 2

Detail how the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffers in the body maintain the optimal pH in the body, including the role the liver and kidneys play in this maintenance.

mohan · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A

Answer to Question 2

Bicarbonate and carbonic acid work together to maintain a constant blood pH. Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide, formed from metabolic processes, dissolves in the blood. The carbonic acid can then dissociate into protons and bicarbonate ions. As carbonic acid levels rise, and bicarbonate ions decrease, the pH levels drop. In order to raise the blood pH, respiration rates increase in the lungs, and carbon dioxide is exhaled. This in turn raises the blood pH levels by removing carbonic acid from the blood. Similarly, when carbonic acid levels decrease and bicarbonate ions increase, respiration rates decrease, preventing the loss of carbon dioxide, and the levels of carbonic acid are retained in the blood. Additionally, excess bicarbonate is excreted in the urine or reabsorbed by the kidney when the pH levels rise and fall, respectively.