A college freshman has bulimia.She vomits after eating and has recently noticed tingling of her fingers and toes and muscle cramps.Her roommate is a nursing student and is concerned about which imbalance?
A) Respiratory acidosis
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Respiratory alkalosis
D) Metabolic alkalosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis results from acid loss from the body or an increase in levels of bicarbonate.The most common causes are vomiting and gastric suction.Respiratory acidosis results from respiratory diseases or other conditions that reduce alveolar ventilation (hypoventilation),preventing excretion of the carbonic acid continuously produced by cells.Metabolic acidosis results from conditions that increase metabolic acids in the body or decrease the amount of base (bicarbonate).Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common cause of metabolic acidosis.Hyperventilation produces respiratory alkalosis,which causes cerebrospinal fluid and brain cells to become alkalotic,decreasing the level of consciousness.

A College Freshman Has Bulimia