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If a patient began vomiting and continued to do so for several hours, the nurse is aware that this loss of stomach contents can result in:

A.

metabolic alkalosis

B.

respiratory alkalosis

C.

respiratory acidosis

D.

metabolic acidosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:
A. Metabolic alkalosis occurs because vomiting causes loss of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl), reducing hydrogen ions in the body and increasing blood pH. This is the most common acid-base imbalance associated with prolonged vomiting.
B. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive loss of CO₂ due to hyperventilation, unrelated to vomiting.
C. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation causing CO₂ retention; vomiting does not cause this.
D. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is a loss of bicarbonate or accumulation of acids, such as in diarrhea or ketoacidosis, not typically from vomiting.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. A pH of 7.35 is at the lower end of the normal range and would not typically produce symptoms like tingling or numbness.
B. A pH of 7.45 is the upper limit of normal and may not fully explain the client's symptoms.
C. A pH of 7.50 indicates alkalosis, most likely respiratory alkalosis in this case due to hyperventilation (RR of 32). The symptoms of numbness and tingling are classic signs of respiratory alkalosis, caused by decreased CO₂ levels.
D. A pH of 7.40 is normal and would not be expected to cause the symptoms described.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Acids contribute to pH changes but do not defend against them.
B. Chemical buffers are the first line of defense; they react immediately to neutralize excess acids or bases and help maintain pH balance.
C. The respiratory system is the second line of defense, adjusting CO₂ levels to influence pH.
D. The renal system is the third line of defense, regulating acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, but it acts more slowly.

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