The question is exactly like this: The nurse is reviewing a client's blood ph level. which of the systems in the body regulate blood Ph? select all that apply
A.buffers
b.respiratory
c.renal
d.cardiac
What is your answer?
To determine which systems in the body regulate blood pH, we need to understand the concept of pH and how it is maintained within a narrow range in a living organism.
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. In the case of blood, the pH needs to be tightly regulated around 7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline.
There are several systems in the body involved in regulating blood pH, including:
1. Buffers: Buffers are substances that help maintain a stable pH by resisting changes in acid-base balance. They can accept or release hydrogen ions (H+) to prevent sudden shifts in pH. Examples of buffers in the body include bicarbonate (HCO3-) and proteins.
2. Respiratory system: The respiratory system regulates blood pH by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. When carbon dioxide combines with water, it forms carbonic acid, which can increase the acidity of the blood. The respiratory system helps remove excess CO2 through the process of breathing, thus decreasing the concentration of carbonic acid and regulating blood pH.
3. Renal (Kidneys) system: The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining blood pH balance. They regulate the reabsorption of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and the excretion of hydrogen ions (H+) through urine. By adjusting these processes, the kidneys can help maintain the pH of the blood within the desired range.
4. Cardiac system: The cardiac system, which consists of the heart and blood vessels, is not directly involved in regulating blood pH. Its primary function is to circulate blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. While it does not directly regulate blood pH, it indirectly supports the other systems involved in maintaining the balance.
Therefore, the correct systems that regulate blood pH are:
A. Buffers
B. Respiratory
C. Renal
D. Cardiac is not involved in regulating blood pH and can be excluded from the selection.
By understanding the function of each system and their role in pH regulation, we can determine the correct answer to the question.