The client has been vomiting for several days.The nurse knows that the client is at risk for metabolic alkalosis because gastric secretions have which characteristic?
A) Gastric secretions are green in color.
B) Gastric secretions are alkaline.
C) Gastric secretions are acidic.
D) Gastric secretions have a foul smell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen ions usually occurs because of vomiting or gastric suction. Gastric secretions are highly acidic (pH 1-3). When these are lost through vomiting or gastric suction, the alkalinity of body fluids increases. This increased alkalinity results from the loss of acid and from selective retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys as chloride is depleted. Gastric secretions are now alkaline. The color and odor of gastric secretions have no influence on the development of metabolic acidosis.
B) Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen ions usually occurs because of vomiting or gastric suction. Gastric secretions are highly acidic (pH 1-3). When these are lost through vomiting or gastric suction, the alkalinity of body fluids increases. This increased alkalinity results from the loss of acid and from selective retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys as chloride is depleted. Gastric secretions are now alkaline. The color and odor of gastric secretions have no influence on the development of metabolic acidosis.
C) Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen ions usually occurs because of vomiting or gastric suction. Gastric secretions are highly acidic (pH 1-3). When these are lost through vomiting or gastric suction, the alkalinity of body fluids increases. This increased alkalinity results from the loss of acid and from selective retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys as chloride is depleted. Gastric secretions are now alkaline. The color and odor of gastric secretions have no influence on the development of metabolic acidosis.
D) Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen ions usually occurs because of vomiting or gastric suction. Gastric secretions are highly acidic (pH 1-3). When these are lost through vomiting or gastric suction, the alkalinity of body fluids increases. This increased alkalinity results from the loss of acid and from selective retention of bicarbonate by the kidneys as chloride is depleted. Gastric secretions are now alkaline. The color and odor of gastric secretions have no influence on the development of metabolic acidosis.

The Client Has Been Vomiting for Several Days