Which factor would contribute to metabolic acidosis?

Which factor would contribute to metabolic acidosis?

• A. Excess accumulation of H+
• B. Excess production of HCO3-
• C. Loss of bicarbonate
• D. Increased oxygen levels

Answer: (A)

Metabolic acidosis arises when there is more acid in the body or less base to buffer it, so the hydrogen ion concentration rises and the pH falls. An excess accumulation of hydrogen ions directly increases the acid burden, making the blood more acidic and driving metabolic acidosis. While losing bicarbonate would also reduce base and contribute to acidosis, the core factor shown here is the increased acid load from extra H+. Producing more bicarbonate would counteract acidosis, and higher oxygen levels don’t by themselves cause this condition.

Metabolic acidosis arises when there is more acid in the body or less base to buffer it, so the hydrogen ion concentration rises and the pH falls. An excess accumulation of hydrogen ions directly increases the acid burden, making the blood more acidic and driving metabolic acidosis. While losing bicarbonate would also reduce base and contribute to acidosis, the core factor shown here is the increased acid load from extra H+. Producing more bicarbonate would counteract acidosis, and higher oxygen levels don’t by themselves cause this condition.