Question

How does ingestion of and/or infusion of excess sodium bicarbonate cause metabolic alkalosis?

a) Increased potassium excretion
b) Increased sodium reabsorption
c) Decreased chloride excretion
d) Increased bicarbonate excretion

Answer 1

Excess sodium bicarbonate ingestion or infusion causes metabolic alkalosis by increasing potassium excretion, promoting sodium reabsorption, and decreasing chloride excretion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When excess sodium bicarbonate is ingested or infused, it can cause metabolic alkalosis due to several factors:

• Increased potassium excretion: Excess bicarbonate leads to increased aldosterone levels, which in turn causes increased loss of potassium through urine.
• Increased sodium reabsorption: The excess bicarbonate promotes the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys.
• Decreased chloride excretion: Bicarbonate ions compete with chloride ions for excretion, leading to decreased chloride excretion.

Overall, these mechanisms disrupt the normal balance of electrolytes in the body, resulting in metabolic alkalosis.