Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What condition do renal patients develop due to the kidneys' inability to reabsorb enough bicarbonate?

1. Metabolic Acidosis

2. Respiratory Acidosis

3. Hydration Deficiency

4. Electrolyte Imbalance

The correct answer is: Metabolic Acidosis

In patients with renal failure, the kidneys are less able to perform their function of reabsorbing bicarbonate, which is vital for maintaining the body's acid-base balance. When bicarbonate reabsorption is impaired, it leads to a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the blood. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer to neutralize acids, so a deficiency results in an accumulation of hydrogen ions, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This condition is characterized as metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is specifically defined by the failure of the kidneys to excrete acids or to reabsorb bicarbonate, resulting in an acidic environment within the body. The physiological consequences can include symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and even more severe effects on the cardiovascular system if not managed effectively. The other choices present different medical issues: respiratory acidosis involves an accumulation of carbon dioxide due to respiratory problems, hydration deficiency refers to inadequate fluid intake or loss, and electrolyte imbalance pertains to disruptions in the balance of essential minerals but does not specifically address the bicarbonate issue. Thus, recognizing the core problem of bicarbonate reabsorption leads directly to the conclusion of metabolic acidosis.