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Which condition can lead to acidosis?

  1. Hyperventilation

  2. Dehydration

  3. Chronic respiratory disorders

  4. High nutrient absorption

The correct answer is: Chronic respiratory disorders

Chronic respiratory disorders can lead to acidosis primarily due to the impaired ability of the lungs to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. When CO2 accumulates in the bloodstream, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of the blood, resulting in respiratory acidosis. Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma can hinder normal breathing, causing retention of CO2. This imbalance in the acid-base status can lead to significant health issues if not addressed. By comparison, hyperventilation typically leads to respiratory alkalosis, as it causes excessive loss of CO2. Dehydration affects fluid balance and can influence kidney function but does not directly lead to acidosis in the way chronic respiratory conditions do. High nutrient absorption is not inherently linked to acidosis; rather, it pertains more to digestive efficiency and metabolism.