Question

Emphysema is a respiratory disorder that results in significantly reduced surface area inside the alveoli. This creates a problem with gas exchange leading to the buildup of CO₂ in the bloodstream. In this circumstance, how will the body respond to compensate? Check ALL that apply.

(0.5pts)

more H+ will be secreted and excreted bound to phosphate molecules

more HCO3- will be filtered and excreted

more H+ will be filtered and excreted directly as H+

the person will hypoventilate

more HCO3- will be secreted and excreted as CO2 and H2O

reabsorption of H+ will increase

the person will hyperventilate

Answer 1

Answer:

Emphysema includes in the category of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a respiratory disorder that results in significantly reduced surface area inside the alveoli (air sacs). The alveoli are responsible to the transfer of O₂ into the bloodstream and transfer of CO₂ out of the bloodstream. Due to reduced surface area inside the alveoli, the hypoventilation (decreased ventilation) creates a problem with gas exchange leading to the buildup of CO₂ in the bloodstream. In this circumstance, the body respond to compensate through:

• more H⁺ will be filtered and excreted directly as H⁺
• the person will hyperventilate

Explaination: During Emphysema, when CO₂ levels increase in the blood, the excess CO₂ reacts with water and form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). The carbonic acid then tend to dissociates to form hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3^-). The increase in H⁺ concentration causes the pH of the body fluids to decrease and at below 7.35 (as the normal pH value for the body fluids is between pH 7.35 to 7.45), the condition is called as respiratory acidosis. To compensate this problem, the kidneys increases the rate of H⁺ secretion into the filtrate (urine) and reabsorption of the HCO3^-. And during hyperventilation, the CO₂ will eliminate at a higher rate to reduce its concentration from the bloodstream.