A client has been taking antacids frequently. For which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk?

A client has been taking antacids frequently. For which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Respiratory acidosis
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Answer: (C)

When a client frequently takes antacids, they are at risk for metabolic alkalosis. This condition arises because many antacids contain alkaline substances, such as bicarbonate or carbonate, which can increase the body's overall alkalinity when consumed in excessive amounts. When the stomach's acidity is neutralized by these substances, it can lead to an increase in serum bicarbonate levels, pushing the body's pH towards alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH and bicarbonate levels, which can occur due to various factors, including chronic use of alkaline medications like antacids. Symptoms may include muscle twitching, hand tremors, and in more severe cases, arrhythmias. Understanding the mechanisms behind the use of antacids is crucial, as they are commonly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, but overuse can lead to the acid-base imbalance associated with metabolic alkalosis.

When a client frequently takes antacids, they are at risk for metabolic alkalosis. This condition arises because many antacids contain alkaline substances, such as bicarbonate or carbonate, which can increase the body's overall alkalinity when consumed in excessive amounts. When the stomach's acidity is neutralized by these substances, it can lead to an increase in serum bicarbonate levels, pushing the body's pH towards alkalosis.

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH and bicarbonate levels, which can occur due to various factors, including chronic use of alkaline medications like antacids. Symptoms may include muscle twitching, hand tremors, and in more severe cases, arrhythmias.

Understanding the mechanisms behind the use of antacids is crucial, as they are commonly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, but overuse can lead to the acid-base imbalance associated with metabolic alkalosis.