Keto Reduction in Ketoacid?

What is the problem with the reduction of a ketone function in a ketoacid? The reducing reagent, e.g. a Grignard reagent, would not only attack the keto group but also would attack the carboxylic acid. Obviously, then, what is needed is a protection strategy that keeps the carboxylic acid from being reduced. Can you think of such a strategy?


Figure. A molecular model of a carboxylic acid containing a ketone function.