Question

Which statement BEST distinguishes metabolic acidosis from respiratory acidosis?

-Metabolic acidosis occurs due to changes in bicarbonate as opposed to PCO2.
-Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in blood pH caused by exercise as opposed to hyper- or hypoventilation.
-Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in blood pH caused by something other than an abnormal PCO2.
-Metabolic acidosis occurs due to changes in blood glucose as opposed to changes in Po2 and PCO2.
-Metabolic acidosis occurs due to changes in PO2 as opposed to PCO2.

Answer 1

Metabolic acidosis is distinguished from respiratory acidosis by its cause, which is a primary bicarbonate deficiency not due to abnormal PCO2 levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that BEST distinguishes metabolic acidosis from respiratory acidosis is that metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in blood pH caused by something other than an abnormal PCO2.

Metabolic acidosis involves a primary bicarbonate deficiency, causing the blood to become too acidic due to conditions such as the retention of urea and uric acid, diabetic ketoacidosis, or excessive loss of bicarbonate through the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, respiratory acidosis involves an excess of carbonic acid, primarily due to elevated levels of CO2 in the blood from impaired respiration.