A client has experienced excessive losses of bicarbonate and has subsequently developed an acid-base imbalance. How will this lost bicarbonate be replaced?

Question

Chemistry

Elliot Arias

6 June, 10:26

A client has experienced excessive losses of bicarbonate and has subsequently developed an acid-base imbalance. How will this lost bicarbonate be replaced?

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Answers (1)

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Alisha Levy · Answer 1

The kidneys will excrete increased quantities of acid.

Explanation:

The kidneys will excrete excess H + ions in the blood (remember H + ions are responsible for acidity) until the acid-base balance is restored in the blood. Bicarbonates, on the other hand, will be aggressively reabsorbed by the renal tubules as the excess H + are being excreted.

The acid base balance is mainly determined by the quantities of H⁺ and HCO₃⁻ ions in teh blood. These ions come from the dissociation of carbonic acid formed when carbon dioxide from tissues is dissolved in blood plasma.