In metabolic alkalosis, which combination best represents the likely changes in pH and CO2 content?

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Multiple Choice

In metabolic alkalosis, which combination best represents the likely changes in pH and CO2 content?

Explanation:
In metabolic alkalosis, the primary problem is an excess of base or loss of hydrogen ions, so the blood pH rises above normal. To counteract the alkalosis, the body attempts respiratory compensation by retaining carbon dioxide, which increases CO2 content in the blood. This retention adds acid (via the carbonic acid–bicarbonate system) and helps bring pH back toward normal. So you’d expect an elevated pH paired with elevated CO2 due to this hypoventilatory compensatory response.

In metabolic alkalosis, the primary problem is an excess of base or loss of hydrogen ions, so the blood pH rises above normal. To counteract the alkalosis, the body attempts respiratory compensation by retaining carbon dioxide, which increases CO2 content in the blood. This retention adds acid (via the carbonic acid–bicarbonate system) and helps bring pH back toward normal. So you’d expect an elevated pH paired with elevated CO2 due to this hypoventilatory compensatory response.

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