Which of the following may result in metabolic acidosis?

Which of the following may result in metabolic acidosis?

• A. decreased retention of bicarbonate
• B. decreased retention of hydrogen
• C. decreased retention of chloride
• D. increased retention of bicarbonate

Answer: (A)

Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of acids in the body or a significant loss of bicarbonate, which is a key buffer in maintaining the pH balance. When there is decreased retention of bicarbonate, the body is unable to maintain sufficient levels of this buffer, leading to more acidic conditions. Bicarbonate acts to neutralize excess acids, so a lower availability of bicarbonate contributes directly to the occurrence of metabolic acidosis. In the context of the other options, decreased retention of hydrogen would not promote acidosis since retaining hydrogen ions would increase acidity; decreased retention of chloride does not directly affect the acid-base balance to the degree seen with bicarbonate; and increased retention of bicarbonate would likely help counteract acidosis rather than promote it. Thus, decreased retention of bicarbonate is a critical factor in the development of metabolic acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of acids in the body or a significant loss of bicarbonate, which is a key buffer in maintaining the pH balance. When there is decreased retention of bicarbonate, the body is unable to maintain sufficient levels of this buffer, leading to more acidic conditions. Bicarbonate acts to neutralize excess acids, so a lower availability of bicarbonate contributes directly to the occurrence of metabolic acidosis.

In the context of the other options, decreased retention of hydrogen would not promote acidosis since retaining hydrogen ions would increase acidity; decreased retention of chloride does not directly affect the acid-base balance to the degree seen with bicarbonate; and increased retention of bicarbonate would likely help counteract acidosis rather than promote it. Thus, decreased retention of bicarbonate is a critical factor in the development of metabolic acidosis.