Metabolic alkalosis is best described by which statement?

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Multiple Choice

Metabolic alkalosis is best described by which statement?

Metabolic alkalosis is about having too much base or not enough acid in the body. When the primary issue is metabolic, the bicarbonate level rises (more base) or hydrogen ions are lost (less acid), which pushes the pH up. That’s why the statement “decreased acid or increased base” best describes it. Think of the other options in relation to that idea: increased pH with decreased PCO2 would point toward a respiratory-driven change, not metabolic, because the body would typically retain CO2 (raising PCO2) to compensate. Decreased bicarbonate would indicate metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Increased acid would also reflect acidosis, not alkalosis.

Metabolic alkalosis is about having too much base or not enough acid in the body. When the primary issue is metabolic, the bicarbonate level rises (more base) or hydrogen ions are lost (less acid), which pushes the pH up. That’s why the statement “decreased acid or increased base” best describes it.

Think of the other options in relation to that idea: increased pH with decreased PCO2 would point toward a respiratory-driven change, not metabolic, because the body would typically retain CO2 (raising PCO2) to compensate. Decreased bicarbonate would indicate metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Increased acid would also reflect acidosis, not alkalosis.

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