When Dehydration Reduces the Compensation Possible for Acidosis Resulting from Prolonged

Multiple Choice

When dehydration reduces the compensation possible for acidosis resulting from prolonged diarrhea, what significant change in arterial blood gases indicates this?

A) Serum pH would rise above 7.45.
B) Serum bicarbonate levels would increase, and serum pH would remain in normal range.
C) Serum bicarbonate levels would decrease, and serum pH would drop below 7.35.
D) Serum PCO₂ would rise, and serum pH would be around 7.4.