What is the common compensatory response for respiratory acidosis?

• A. Increased breathing rate
• B. Decreased breathing rate
• C. Increased renal bicarbonate secretion
• D. Decreased renal bicarbonate secretion

Answer: (C)

In cases of respiratory acidosis, the primary issue is that there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, leading to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration and a decrease in pH, making the blood more acidic. The body has mechanisms to compensate for this imbalance, primarily through the kidneys.

The compensatory response to respiratory acidosis involves increased renal bicarbonate secretion. The kidneys help to correct the acid-base balance by reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-) into the bloodstream and excreting hydrogen ions (H+) in the urine. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, the kidneys help to buffer the excess hydrogen ions, which raises the blood pH back toward normal. This renal compensation can take hours to days to take effect, but it is a critical response to manage the acidity caused by respiratory issues.

In summary, the correct answer highlights the kidney's role in combatting the effects of respiratory acidosis by secreting bicarbonate, thus facilitating the correction of acid-base balance in the body.