Final answer:
Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis involves increasing the respiratory rate to drive off CO2 and readjusting the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis involves increasing the respiratory rate to drive off CO2 and readjusting the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio. This adjustment can occur within minutes. On the other hand, respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis is not as efficient. The normal response of the respiratory system to elevated pH is to decrease the respiratory rate to conserve CO2. However, there is a limit to the decrease in respiration that the body can tolerate. Therefore, respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis is less effective than for acidosis.