Final answer:
To restore the correct acid-base balance when the pH is 7.20 indicating acidosis, the body will increase the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide. This process reduces carbonic acid levels in the blood and increases the pH toward normal levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client's arterial blood gases reveal a pH of 7.20, it indicates the presence of acidosis. The physiological process that will contribute to the restoration of the correct acid-base balance is increased respiratory rate to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2). When the CO2 level in the blood rises, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, lowering the blood pH. An increase in the rate and depth of respiration allows for more CO2 to be exhaled, which reduces blood levels of carbonic acid and helps adjust the pH upward, toward normal levels.
On the other hand, the kidneys also play a role in regulating acid-base balance through metabolic compensation. This involves the renal system adjusting the excretion or conservation of HCO3- (bicarbonate) and hydrogen ions (H+). However, the primary immediate response to respiratory acidosis, as in the case where CO2 retention occurs, would be to adjust the respiratory rate to correct the pH balance, rather than focusing on renal excretion. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Increased respiratory rate to eliminate carbon dioxide.