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The loss of strong cations and potassium in renal tubulopathy leads to:

A) metabolic acidosis
B) respiratory acidosis
C) metabolic alkalosis
D) respiratory alkalosis

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The loss of strong cations such as Na+ and potassium due to renal tubulopathy usually leads to metabolic acidosis, as it results in decreased reabsorption of bicarbonate and a decreased ability to neutralize acids in the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The loss of strong cations such as sodium and potassium due to renal tubulopathy typically leads to a condition known as metabolic acidosis. In the context of chronic renal disease, compromised tubular function can result in decreased reabsorption of sodium as well as the loss of bicarbonate ions, which would lead to a lowering of the blood pH due to increased acid levels. The loss of potassium in this context, which can also occur due to several other conditions such as the use of diuretics or vomiting, often contributes to an alkalotic state. However, in the case of renal tubulopathy where there is a significant loss of bicarbonate, the result is typically metabolic acidosis because of the inability to compensate for the acid-load, as opposed to metabolic alkalosis that would typically involve an excess loss of hydrogen or excessive bicarbonate.

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