Question

The client presents to the emergency department with a bicarbonate (HCO 3-) level of 14 mEq/L. What may be the explanation for this laboratory result?

The client’s kidneys are not able to conserve HCO 3-.

The client has not included enough HCO 3-in the diet.

The client’s diet includes too much carbonic acid.

The client’s kidneys are retaining too much HCO 3-.

Answer 1

Answer: client's kidneys are not able to conserve bicarbonate

Normal HCO3 - levels is 24mEq/L.

Renal hydrogen ion handling helps to maintain this normal level of bicarbonate by reabsorption of bicarbonate and excretion of titrable acids.

Here the bicarbonate levels is reduced and patient is in metabolic acidosis .This occurs due to bicarbonate loss or accumulation of acid.Renal causes due to renal excretion of bicarbonate or disorders of renal acid handling is referred to as renal tubular acidosis.