Kaplan q bank - usmle260260

[ArchivalUser]

Please can anyone explain how does vomitting result in high bicarbonate levels.I understand the hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and consequent respiratory compensation.

[ArchivalUser]

loss of h+ ions in vomitus (hcl) result in relative increase in h+ ion
remember- hco3 tide in producing h + ion, more h+ are produced , more hco3 are retained

[ArchivalUser]

and to add to that u get a contraction alkalosis since u are volume depleted from excess vomiting it stimulates aldoesterone which retains Na+ and Hc03- and get rid of more K+ and H+