Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment of Kidney and Urinary Function Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment of Kidney and Urinary Function related questions and content

A patient with a diagnosis of respiratory acidosis is experiencing renal compensation. What function does the kidney perform to assist in restoring acidbase balance?

  • A. Sequestering free hydrogen ions in the nephrons
  • B. Returning bicarbonate to the bodys circulation
  • C. Returning acid to the bodys circulation
  • D. Excreting bicarbonate in the urine
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The kidney performs two major functions to assist in acidbase balance. The first is to reabsorb and return to the bodys circulation any bicarbonate from the urinary filtrate; the second is to excrete acid in the urine. Retaining bicarbonate will counteract an acidotic state. The nephrons do not sequester free hydrogen ions.