Bicarbonate ions (HCO3) act as a pH buffer in the blood. Which statement describes her current bicarbonate levels and their impact on her blood pH?

A. Her bicarbonate levels are high due to her reduced kidney function and her reduced respiratory function. There is too much bicarbonate ions (HCO3) to maintain normal blood pH levels so her H+ are increasing and her blood pH is decreasing.
B. Her bicarbonate levels are low due to her reduced kidney function and her reduced respiratory function. There is not enough bicarbonate ions (HCO3) to maintain normal blood pH levels so her H+ are increasing and her blood pH is increasing.
C. Her bicarbonate levels are low due to her reduced kidney function and her reduced respiratory function. There is not enough bicarbonate ions (HCO3) to maintain normal blood pH levels so her H+ are decreasing and her blood pH is decreasing.
D. Her bicarbonate levels are low due to her reduced kidney function and her reduced respiratory function. There is not enough bicarbonate ions (HCO3) to maintain normal blood pH levels so her H+ are increasing and her blood pH is decreasing.



Answer :

Final answer:

Bicarbonate ions act as a pH buffer in the blood, assisting in maintaining a near-neutral pH level despite external factors affecting acidity. Low bicarbonate levels can lead to acidosis due to the insufficient buffering of H+ ions.


Explanation:

Bicarbonate ions (HCO3) act as a pH buffer in the blood, maintaining a near-neutral pH. When bicarbonate levels are low due to reduced kidney and respiratory function, there aren't enough bicarbonate ions to buffer excess H+ ions, leading to an increase in H+ ions and a decrease in blood pH. This situation can result in a condition known as acidosis.


Learn more about Bicarbonate Buffer System in Blood here:

https://brainly.com/question/35865708