Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following could cause metabolic acidosis?

1. Cardiovascular disease

2. Renal disease

3. Vomiting

4. Hypokalemia

The correct answer is: Renal disease

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate. Renal disease significantly contributes to this condition because the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining acid-base balance. When renal function is impaired, the kidneys are unable to excrete sufficient hydrogen ions or reabsorb adequate bicarbonate. This accumulation of acids leads to a decrease in blood pH, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, vomiting, and hypokalemia, have different effects on the body's acid-base balance. Cardiovascular disease can influence circulation but does not directly cause metabolic acidosis. Vomiting typically causes loss of gastric acid, leading to metabolic alkalosis rather than acidosis. Hypokalemia primarily affects cellular processes and does not directly induce metabolic acidosis, although it can have other significant effects on physiology.