Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Which of these contributes to the weight loss seen in Metabolic Acidosis?

1. Increased caloric intake

2. Decreased protein synthesis

3. Dehydration

4. Enhanced aerobic activity

The correct answer is: Decreased protein synthesis

Metabolic acidosis can lead to weight loss primarily due to decreased protein synthesis. In the state of metabolic acidosis, the body is in a state of distress, and one of the physiological responses is to utilize proteins as an energy source rather than to synthesize them. The acid-base imbalance affects cellular metabolism and can cause a catabolic state rather than an anabolic one. As a result, the body breaks down muscle protein to release amino acids into circulation to buffer excess acids, contributing to a loss of lean body mass and weight over time. In contrast, increased caloric intake would not contribute to weight loss, and dehydration typically results from other factors related to the acidosis process but is not a direct cause of the weight loss itself. Enhanced aerobic activity could lead to *weight loss*, but in the context of metabolic acidosis, the primary mechanism is the reduction in protein synthesis due to the body's increased demand for resources to cope with the imbalance.