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Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Practice Exam

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What is the expected bicarbonate (HCO3) level in metabolic acidosis?
Correct Answer:
Decreased
Explanation:
In metabolic acidosis, the expected bicarbonate (HCO3) level is decreased. This condition results from an increase in the production of acids or a loss of bicarbonate from the body, leading to an overall low level of bicarbonate in the bloodstream. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer in the blood, helping to maintain the body's pH balance. When there is an excess of acid, the bicarbonate is utilized to neutralize it, which consequently lowers its concentration. This is the reason behind the decrease in bicarbonate levels when a patient is in metabolic acidosis. Understanding the expected decrease in bicarbonate is essential for diagnosing and managing metabolic acidosis effectively, as it directly reflects the body’s attempt to compensate for the acid-base disturbance.

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