Question

Read the clinical scenario and answer the questions to explore your understanding of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances. Mrs. Tanaka, age 76, was brought to an urgent care facility because s

Answer 1

Kim's acid-base balance is alkalosis and metabolic. There is no evidence of compensation. Bulimia contributed to the lab results by causing a loss of gastric acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the provided laboratory results, Kim's acid-base balance can be classified as alkalosis. The fact that her pH is higher than the normal range indicates alkalosis. Since her pCO2 level is in the normal range, this suggests a metabolic imbalance. Lastly, the higher than normal total HCO3 level further supports the diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis. There is no evidence of compensation because compensation would involve a change in another variable, such as the pCO2 level, in response to the primary imbalance. However, Kim's pCO2 is in the normal range, indicating no compensatory mechanism is occurring. Bulimia likely contributed to the lab results seen by causing a loss of gastric acid through vomiting. This loss of gastric acid leads to an imbalance in the body's acid-base equilibrium, resulting in metabolic alkalosis.