Acid-Base Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 24-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department because of weakness and tingling around the mouth. She has had persistent vomiting for 4 days due to viral gastroenteritis. Blood pressure is 92/58 mm Hg, and mucous membranes are dry. Laboratory studies show chloride 86 mEq/L, potassium 3.1 mEq/L, and bicarbonate 35 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base disorders is most likely present?
Answer choices
- AAnion gap metabolic acidosis
- BRespiratory acidosis
- CRespiratory alkalosis
- DMetabolic alkalosisCorrect answer
- ENonanion gap metabolic acidosis
- FPrimary respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation
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