Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Chronic bone loss in Metabolic Acidosis is primarily associated with which physiological issue?

1. Poor calcium absorption

2. Decreased energy levels

3. Excessive physical strain

4. Altered acid-base balance

The correct answer is: Altered acid-base balance

Chronic bone loss in the context of metabolic acidosis is primarily linked to altered acid-base balance. In metabolic acidosis, the body experiences an increase in hydrogen ions, which leads to a decrease in the pH of the blood. To compensate for this acidotic state, the body may leach calcium from the bones to buffer the excess acids, resulting in decreased bone density over time. The relationship between acid-base balance and bone health is significant; the bones serve as a reservoir for minerals like calcium that can help maintain the body's pH. When the acid-base balance is disrupted due to prolonged metabolic acidosis, it can lead to an ongoing cycle of bone demineralization. This mechanism underscores the importance of maintaining a stable pH for overall bone integrity. The other options do not directly address the primary physiological issue associated with chronic bone loss in metabolic acidosis. Poor calcium absorption can be a consequence of various factors but does not directly explain the bone loss specific to this acidosis condition. Decreased energy levels might occur in chronic illness but are not a primary cause of bone loss. Excessive physical strain is also unrelated to the metabolic processes that are specifically triggered by acidosis. Thus, the concept of altered acid-base balance stands out as the