medium · MCAT bio-biochem
A patient presents with 'fruity-smelling' breath, rapid deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations), and high blood glucose. This condition results in a metabolic acidosis.
Which of the following best explains the respiratory response?
- Hypoventilation increases PCO₂ to provide more substrate for bicarbonate synthesis.
- Hyperventilation decreases PCO₂, which shifts the bicarbonate buffer system to consume H⁺ ions.
- The deep breathing is a direct reflex to the low partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.
- Increased blood glucose directly stimulates the peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies.
Sign up free to see the explanation and track your rank →
More MCAT bio-biochem practice
- In the human ear, sound waves cause fluid in the cochlea to… — Which cells are responsible
- An electrophysiologist observes a neuron at its resting memb… — Which ion is primarily res
- Which organelle would you expect to be exceptionally well-developed in these cells?
- What genetic term describes a single gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits?
- Which structure is most likely dysfunctional?
- A researcher discovers that a population of bacteria survives exposure to an antibiotic be
- A patient is admitted to the emergency department with a sev… — How does this patient's O_
- Which molecule acts as a 'fluidity buffer' in animal cell membranes?