Which of the following is a known cause of metabolic alkalosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a known cause of metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the body gains base (bicarbonate) or loses hydrogen ions, pushing the pH higher and the bicarbonate level up. Ingesting or infusing sodium bicarbonate directly raises the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, so the body’s buffering system shifts to bind more hydrogen ions. Although the kidneys will try to compensate by excreting excess bicarbonate, a large bicarbonate load can still produce a noticeable rise in pH, making excessive NaHCO3 a classic and direct cause. Severe vomiting or GI suctioning remove acid from the stomach, which also leads to alkalosis through loss of hydrogen ions, and diuretics can contribute via volume contraction and electrolyte shifts, but the most direct and straightforward cause among these options is the administration of bicarbonate itself.

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the body gains base (bicarbonate) or loses hydrogen ions, pushing the pH higher and the bicarbonate level up. Ingesting or infusing sodium bicarbonate directly raises the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, so the body’s buffering system shifts to bind more hydrogen ions. Although the kidneys will try to compensate by excreting excess bicarbonate, a large bicarbonate load can still produce a noticeable rise in pH, making excessive NaHCO3 a classic and direct cause.

Severe vomiting or GI suctioning remove acid from the stomach, which also leads to alkalosis through loss of hydrogen ions, and diuretics can contribute via volume contraction and electrolyte shifts, but the most direct and straightforward cause among these options is the administration of bicarbonate itself.

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