For a client admitted with metabolic acidosis, which two body systems would the nurse assess for compensatory changes?

For a client admitted with metabolic acidosis, which two body systems would the nurse assess for compensatory changes?

• A. Respiratory and Urinary
• B. Nervous and Digestive
• C. Circulatory and Endocrine
• D. Musculoskeletal and Immune

Answer: (A)

Metabolic acidosis triggers two main compensatory pathways to restore pH: the respiratory system and the kidneys. The respiratory system responds quickly by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide, shifting the buffering equation toward fewer hydrogen ions and a higher pH. The kidneys compensate more slowly by increasing hydrogen ion excretion and reclaiming or producing bicarbonate, rebuilding the buffering capacity over hours to days. So the nurse would assess the respiratory and urinary systems for signs of compensation. Other body systems don’t directly drive acid-base adjustment in this acute compensatory process.

Metabolic acidosis triggers two main compensatory pathways to restore pH: the respiratory system and the kidneys. The respiratory system responds quickly by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide, shifting the buffering equation toward fewer hydrogen ions and a higher pH. The kidneys compensate more slowly by increasing hydrogen ion excretion and reclaiming or producing bicarbonate, rebuilding the buffering capacity over hours to days. So the nurse would assess the respiratory and urinary systems for signs of compensation. Other body systems don’t directly drive acid-base adjustment in this acute compensatory process.