A patient with severe metabolic acidosis due to diabetic ketoacidosis would likely exhibit which of the following respiratory compensation mechanisms?

A Hyperventilation to blow off CO2 ✓
B Hypoventilation to retain CO2
C Increased dead space ventilation to decrease CO2 elimination
D Decreased tidal volume to decrease CO2 exchange

Explanation

In metabolic acidosis, the body attempts to compensate by increasing ventilation to 'blow off' CO2, thereby reducing the acid load. This is achieved through hyperventilation, which decreases CO2 levels and helps to mitigate the acidosis.

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance Acid-Base Physiology Respiratory Compensation Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high