Kidney failure can cause which acid-base disturbance?

Kidney failure can cause which acid-base disturbance?

• A. Metabolic Alkalosis
• B. Respiratory Acidosis
• C. Metabolic Acidosis
• D. Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer: (C)

Kidneys regulate acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing and regenerating bicarbonate. When kidney function fails, acids build up and bicarbonate isn’t regenerated efficiently, causing a drop in pH — metabolic acidosis. The body may try to compensate by increasing ventilation to blow off CO2, but the renal impairment keeps the acidosis present. This is why kidney failure is associated with metabolic acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis or respiratory disturbances.

Kidneys regulate acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing and regenerating bicarbonate. When kidney function fails, acids build up and bicarbonate isn’t regenerated efficiently, causing a drop in pH — metabolic acidosis. The body may try to compensate by increasing ventilation to blow off CO2, but the renal impairment keeps the acidosis present. This is why kidney failure is associated with metabolic acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis or respiratory disturbances.