Final answer:
In response to sustained elevated hydrogen ion levels, the kidneys are likely to increase hydrogen ion secretion to maintain acid-base balance. This process involves the kidneys actively secreting H+ into the urine to remove excess acid and conserve bicarbonate ions, which contributes to the regulation of blood pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an increase in hydrogen ions (H+) remains after one hour, this will likely lead to an increase in hydrogen ion secretion from the kidneys. The primary mechanism of pH balance in the body involves the regulation of H+, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and pH through the collaboration of chemical buffers and physiological buffering systems in the lungs and kidneys. The kidneys have a critical role in this process by actively secreting H+ into the urine while conserving bicarbonate ions. This is crucial for maintaining the acid-base homeostasis.
If more potassium is present, potassium will be exchanged with sodium in the renal tubules rather than H+, which leads to fewer hydrogen ions in the filtrate being available for the conversion of bicarbonate into CO2, and as a result, less bicarbonate is conserved. Conversely, with less potassium, more H+ enters the filtrate to be exchanged with sodium, allowing for more conservation of bicarbonate. Additionally, if chloride is lost, the body uses bicarbonate ions in place of the lost chloride ions, resulting in an increased reabsorption of bicarbonate by the renal system.
In the case of an increased H+ presence not being properly filtered, this indicates the secretion mechanism is functioning to remove excess acid from the body and promote a balance in blood pH. Hence, given the provided background information, it's reasonable to conclude there will be an increase in hydrogen ion secretion from the kidneys in response to sustained elevated hydrogen ion levels.