What compensatory mechanism does the respiratory system provide in response to a primary metabolic acidosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Increase alveolar ventilation to blow off CO₂
In metabolic acidosis (low HCO₃⁻ / high H⁺), the respiratory system increases ventilation to lower PaCO₂, reducing carbonic acid and helping partially normalize pH.
Keep practicing
More Acid-base homeostasis questions
- Which of the following is the fastest acting mechanism to buffer acute changes in blood pH?
- In metabolic alkalosis, which renal adaptation helps restore normal pH over time?
- What is the major non-volatile acid elimination pathway in kidneys during chronic acid loads (e.g., metabolic acidosis)?
- Which condition describes a primary respiratory alkalosis on arterial blood gas analysis?
- Which acid–base disturbance is most likely in a patient with prolonged vomiting (gastric acid loss)?
- Why is the bicarbonate buffer system considered “open” in human physiology?