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Multiple Choice

Metabolic acidosis states which of the following statements is true?

Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is too much acid in the body or not enough base, so hydrogen ion concentration rises and bicarbonate, the buffering base, is consumed and falls. This combination lowers the blood pH, making it acidic. The statement that best describes this is the one that says there are increased hydrogen ions and decreased bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is used to neutralize excess acid, so its level drops in this condition. The idea that hydrogen ion retention decreases would imply less acidity, and a higher bicarbonate level would oppose acidosis, while a high pH would indicate alkalosis, not acidosis.

Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is too much acid in the body or not enough base, so hydrogen ion concentration rises and bicarbonate, the buffering base, is consumed and falls. This combination lowers the blood pH, making it acidic. The statement that best describes this is the one that says there are increased hydrogen ions and decreased bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is used to neutralize excess acid, so its level drops in this condition. The idea that hydrogen ion retention decreases would imply less acidity, and a higher bicarbonate level would oppose acidosis, while a high pH would indicate alkalosis, not acidosis.