Acid-base physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Acid-base physiology

Sample item

How does the lung compensate for metabolic acidosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide

The core Acid-base physiology relationship supports Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide; it is the response that directly accounts for the structural location or physiological change described.

Option by option

  • A. Retain carbon dioxide

    Retain carbon dioxide is associated with a different acid-base physiology relationship.

  • B. Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide (correct)

    Correct. Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide is directly supported by the central clue.

  • C. Decrease respiratory rate

    Decrease respiratory rate is not consistent with the key finding in the stem.

  • D. Stop bicarbonate handling

    Stop bicarbonate handling does not fulfill the structural or functional role requested.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide. The core Acid-base physiology relationship supports Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide; it is the response that directly accounts for the structural location or physiological change described.

Why is "Retain carbon dioxide" not the answer?

Retain carbon dioxide is associated with a different acid-base physiology relationship.

Why is "Decrease respiratory rate" not the answer?

Decrease respiratory rate is not consistent with the key finding in the stem.

Why is "Stop bicarbonate handling" not the answer?

Stop bicarbonate handling does not fulfill the structural or functional role requested.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acid-base physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. Increase ventilation to lower carbon dioxide is directly supported by the central clue.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Acid-base physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.