EET PG Medical – 2020 – Question – 149
Ph7.2, HCO3 – (10 or 12), pco2-35 , metabolic acidosis due to
a) K+ excretion by the kidney
b) Co2 expiration by lungs
c) H+excretion by the kidney
d) Hco3 loss by kidney
Show Answer
Correct Answer – D
Ans: D. Hco3
loss by kidney
In the question, pH is decreased (acidosis) & pCO2 is decreased (Normal= 40-45 mm Hg).
A decreased pCO2 will try to increase pH, hence it must be a secondary compensating mechanism.
So, the primary mechanism causing the acid-base imbalance must be a decrease in serum bicarbonate concentration i.e. metabolic acidosis.
