A compensatory mechanism involves the movement of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial vault towards the spinal cord.

As a response to hypoproteinemia the liver commences a compensatory mechanism involving the synthesis of proteins, such as alpha-2 macroglobulin and lipoproteins.

There may initially be a tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism to try to keep the cardiac output constant.

Compensatory mechanism for metabolic alkalosis involve slowed breathing by the lungs to increase serum carbon dioxide, a condition leaning toward respiratory acidosis.

After the episode of apnea, breathing may be faster (hyperpnea) for a period of time, a compensatory mechanism to blow off retained waste gases and absorb more oxygen.