Which of the following would be consistent with metabolic alkalosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be consistent with metabolic alkalosis?

Explanation:
Metabolic alkalosis shows an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3−) with an alkalemic pH. The body tries to compensate for this by retaining carbon dioxide, which is acidic, so the respiratory system reduces ventilation and raises the PCO2. Therefore, the pattern of high HCO3− together with high PCO2 fits metabolic alkalosis best. The other patterns don’t match: low PCO2 would indicate respiratory alkalosis or insufficient compensation, and decreased HCO3− points away from alkalosis (toward acidosis).

Metabolic alkalosis shows an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3−) with an alkalemic pH. The body tries to compensate for this by retaining carbon dioxide, which is acidic, so the respiratory system reduces ventilation and raises the PCO2. Therefore, the pattern of high HCO3− together with high PCO2 fits metabolic alkalosis best. The other patterns don’t match: low PCO2 would indicate respiratory alkalosis or insufficient compensation, and decreased HCO3− points away from alkalosis (toward acidosis).

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