For a client who is vomiting, which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?

For a client who is vomiting, which acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?

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

Answer: (B)

When a client is vomiting, the most common acid-base imbalance to assess for is metabolic alkalosis. This occurs because vomiting causes the loss of gastric acid, which is primarily hydrochloric acid. When the body loses too much acid, it can lead to an increase in the bicarbonate level relative to the acidity, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Additionally, the body's compensatory mechanisms may attempt to retain bicarbonate, further contributing to the alkalotic state. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor electrolytes as well, particularly potassium and chloride, which can also become imbalanced due to this loss of gastric contents. In contrast, metabolic acidosis generally occurs when there is an accumulation of acid in the body or a significant loss of bicarbonate, both of which are not typical outcomes of vomiting. Respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis are primarily associated with changes in carbon dioxide levels due to respiratory function rather than gastrointestinal losses. Thus, when assessing a client who is vomiting, the focus should be on metabolic alkalosis as the potential acid-base disturbance.

When a client is vomiting, the most common acid-base imbalance to assess for is metabolic alkalosis. This occurs because vomiting causes the loss of gastric acid, which is primarily hydrochloric acid. When the body loses too much acid, it can lead to an increase in the bicarbonate level relative to the acidity, resulting in metabolic alkalosis.

Additionally, the body's compensatory mechanisms may attempt to retain bicarbonate, further contributing to the alkalotic state. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor electrolytes as well, particularly potassium and chloride, which can also become imbalanced due to this loss of gastric contents.

In contrast, metabolic acidosis generally occurs when there is an accumulation of acid in the body or a significant loss of bicarbonate, both of which are not typical outcomes of vomiting. Respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis are primarily associated with changes in carbon dioxide levels due to respiratory function rather than gastrointestinal losses. Thus, when assessing a client who is vomiting, the focus should be on metabolic alkalosis as the potential acid-base disturbance.