In metabolic alkalosis, which changes would be observed in the listed analytes?

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Multiple Choice

In metabolic alkalosis, which changes would be observed in the listed analytes?

Metabolic alkalosis is driven by a rise in bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the blood. The ECO2 value on common labs tracks bicarbonate content, so it increases in this situation. At the same time, chloride tends to fall because chloride is lost with fluids (such as from vomiting or diuretic use) and the kidneys conserve volume, which often leads to dissociation of chloride from the increased bicarbonate in maintaining electroneutrality. Put together, you get higher ECO2 (reflecting higher bicarbonate) and lower chloride, which matches the observed pattern.

Metabolic alkalosis is driven by a rise in bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the blood. The ECO2 value on common labs tracks bicarbonate content, so it increases in this situation. At the same time, chloride tends to fall because chloride is lost with fluids (such as from vomiting or diuretic use) and the kidneys conserve volume, which often leads to dissociation of chloride from the increased bicarbonate in maintaining electroneutrality. Put together, you get higher ECO2 (reflecting higher bicarbonate) and lower chloride, which matches the observed pattern.

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