Acid-Base Balance Disorders · NCLEX Exam

In metabolic alkalosis the typical compensatory respiratory response is:

  1. Increased respiratory rate and depth
  2. Decreased respiratory rate and depth (hypoventilation)
  3. No change in the patient's ventilation
  4. Immediate renal compensation without respiratory change
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Decreased respiratory rate and depth (hypoventilation)

In metabolic alkalosis the body compensates by hypoventilating (to retain CO₂) which lowers pH back toward normal.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 25

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