Which acid-base disturbance is most likely with prolonged vomiting?

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Multiple Choice

Which acid-base disturbance is most likely with prolonged vomiting?

Explanation:
Vomiting primarily causes loss of stomach acid and fluids. When hydrogen ions (acid) and chloride are lost, the body becomes relatively depleted of acids and more bicarbonate remains in the blood, raising the pH. This creates a metabolic alkalosis. The body may try to compensate by slowing breathing to retain CO2, but the underlying issue is the loss of gastric acid, not an issue with ventilation. So the most likely disturbance from prolonged vomiting is metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen and chloride ions.

Vomiting primarily causes loss of stomach acid and fluids. When hydrogen ions (acid) and chloride are lost, the body becomes relatively depleted of acids and more bicarbonate remains in the blood, raising the pH. This creates a metabolic alkalosis. The body may try to compensate by slowing breathing to retain CO2, but the underlying issue is the loss of gastric acid, not an issue with ventilation. So the most likely disturbance from prolonged vomiting is metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen and chloride ions.

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