Author Question: Which patient is most prone to metabolic alkalosis? A patient with: a. retention of metabolic ... (Read 91 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which patient is most prone to metabolic alkalosis? A patient with:

a. retention of metabolic acids.
b. hypoaldosteronism.
c. excessive loss of chloride (Cl).
d. hyperventilation.

Question 2

A nurse recalls that regulation of acid-base balance through removal or retention of volatile acids is accomplished by the:

a. buffer systems.
b. skin.
c. lungs.
d. liver.

ilianabrrr · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
When acid loss is caused by vomiting, renal compensation is not very effective because loss of Cl stimulates renal retention of bicarbonate, leading to alkalosis. Retention of metabolic acids would lead to acidosis, not alkalosis. Hypoaldosteronism leads to hyponatremia and does not cause al-kalosis. Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic alkalosis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The volatile acid is carbonic acid (H2CO3), which readily dissociates into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The CO2 is then eliminated by the lungs. Buffer systems are throughout the body and operate in the extracellular and intracellular systems. Neither the liver nor the skin reg-ulates acid-base balance.