What is the main compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis?
a. Excretion of HCO3–
b. Hyperventilation
c. Hypoventilation
d. Retention of CO2
ANS: B
Hyperventilation is the main compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. The increased plasma [H+] of metabolic acidosis is buffered by plasma HCO3–, reducing the plasma [HCO3–], and thus the pH. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis suggests that a ventilatory defect must ex-ist.
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