The primary compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Increased ventilation
The lungs compensate by increasing ventilation to blow off CO₂. This reduces carbonic acid concentration.
Keep practicing
More Acid-base balance questions
- Respiratory alkalosis most commonly results from:
- Which condition is associated with metabolic alkalosis?
- The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relates blood pH to:
- Which buffer system is most important inside cells?
- Hemoglobin contributes to acid-base balance primarily by:
- Which organ is primarily responsible for long-term regulation of acid-base balance?