vomiting will cause which type of acid-base disturbance?
LectureNotes said vomiting will cause which type of acid-base disturbance?
Answer:
Vomiting can lead to a type of acid-base disturbance known as metabolic alkalosis. This occurs when there is a loss of hydrogen ions from the body due to vomiting, leading to an increase in pH and bicarbonate levels in the blood. The stomach loses hydrochloric acid when vomiting occurs, causing the body to become more alkaline. As a compensatory mechanism, the kidneys attempt to retain hydrogen ions and excrete more bicarbonate. This imbalance in the acid-base levels in the body can result in metabolic alkalosis. It is essential to address the underlying cause of vomiting to manage and correct the acid-base disturbance effectively.