Final answer:
Severe kidney damage often leads to metabolic acidosis because damaged kidneys cannot excrete acids effectively and bicarbonate reabsorption is impaired.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe kidney damage, such as glomerulonephritis, often leads to c. metabolic acidosis. This condition is characterized by an excessive accumulation of acid in the body due to the impaired function of the kidneys. The kidneys normally help maintain acid-base balance by excreting acid in the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine. In cases of severe kidney damage, there is impaired excretion of acids (like sulfates and phosphates) and the conservation of bicarbonate is compromised, leading to acidosis. Symptoms of kidney failure, which can include metabolic acidosis, heart arrhythmias, fatigue, and changes in urine output, further illustrate the impact of severe kidney damage on acid-base balance.