Acetazolamide is a diuretic that blocks the activity of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase inside kidney tubule cells. This blockage prevents the formation of carbonic acid from carbon dioxide and water. Normally carbonic acid dissociates to form hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions, and the hydrogen ions are exchanged for sodium ions from the urine. Blocking the formation of hydrogen ions in the cells of the nephron tubule blocks sodium reabsorption, inhibiting water reabsorption and producing the diuretic effect.

a) With this information in mind, what effects would acetazolamide have on blood pH, urine pH, and respiratory rate?

Answer: Acetazolamide lowers blood pH, increases urine pH, and increases respiratory rate.

Explanation:

Acetazolamide is an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, which leads to the accumulation of carbonic acid. This enzyme is found in red blood cells, mainly catalyzing the following reaction H2CO3 ⇌ H2O + CO2, then the reaction H2CO3 ⇌ HCO3 - + H + occurs., which results in a decrease in blood pH; carbonic anhydrase is found at the renal level and favors the reabsorption of bicarbonate, sodium and chlorine, if the enzyme is inhibited these substances are excreted together with water causing a decrease in blood pressure, with the release of bicarbonate the acid pH is favored in blood, favoring compensatory ventilation called "Kussmaul respiration" to increase oxygen levels and lower carbon dioxide levels in the blood, in urine when bicarbonate is eliminated, its pH becomes alkaline.