The correct answer is a. increased serum bicarbonate.
Compensated acidosis in a diabetic individual refers to the body's attempt to restore the acid-base balance by increasing the levels of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood. This is done to counteract the excess acid (H+) levels that are characteristic of acidosis.
In compensated acidosis, the serum bicarbonate levels will be increased as the body tries to buffer the excess acid. Therefore, option a, increased serum bicarbonate, indicates compensated acidosis in a diabetic individual.
The other options are not indicative of compensated acidosis in this context:
- Serum pH of 7.35 (option b) is within the normal range and does not specifically indicate compensation.
- Increased serum carbonic acid (option c) would not be expected in compensated acidosis, as it would contribute to the acidosis rather than compensating for it.
- Urine pH of 8.0 (option d) is alkaline and would not be expected in acidosis.