Question

This level increases in acidosis, and in parallel with increases in sodium concentration. It decreases in alkalosis, vomiting (especially after eating), and in association with hyponatremia.

a) Chloride (Cl-)
b) Bicarbonate (HCO₃)
c) Sodium (Na+)
d) Potassium (K+)

Answer 1

Bicarbonate (HCO₃) levels increase in acidosis and decline in alkalosis and after prolonged vomiting, which leads to metabolic alkalosis. This level also changes in tandem with sodium concentration changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The level that increases in acidosis, and in parallel with increases in sodium concentration, and decreases in alkalosis, vomiting (especially after eating), and in association with hyponatremia is bicarbonate (HCO₃). Bicarbonate concentration in the blood is a major element in the buffering system that maintains the acid-base balance of the body. In acidosis, bicarbonate levels rise in an effort to neutralize the excess acid. Conversely, bicarbonate levels fall in alkalosis to reduce the basicity of the blood. Prolonged vomiting can lead to a significant loss of hydrogen and chloride ions (components of HCl in gastric acid) which, along with the loss of bicarbonate, can contribute to metabolic alkalosis. This condition is exacerbated by the loss of potassium due to the use of diuretics, which can further disturb the acid-base balance.