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Multiple Choice
Severe vomiting can lead to a(n) ______ in $\mathrm{HCO_3^-}$ levels and metabolic ______.
A
increase; alkalosis
B
decrease; acidosis
C
increase; acidosis
D
decrease; alkalosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the physiological context: Severe vomiting leads to the loss of stomach contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl). This loss affects the body's acid-base balance.
Recall the role of $ ext{HCO}_3^-$ (bicarbonate): Bicarbonate is a key buffer in maintaining blood pH. Its levels are influenced by acid-base disturbances.
Analyze the impact of vomiting: Vomiting removes HCl from the stomach, reducing the body's acid load. To compensate, the kidneys may retain $ ext{HCO}_3^-$, leading to an increase in bicarbonate levels.
Connect bicarbonate levels to metabolic alkalosis: An increase in $ ext{HCO}_3^-$ raises blood pH, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which is characterized by an elevated pH due to a loss of acid or gain of base.
Match the correct answer: Based on the analysis, severe vomiting leads to an increase in $ ext{HCO}_3^-$ levels and metabolic alkalosis. The correct answer is 'increase; alkalosis.'