NEET PG / USMLE – MCQ 56

An 18-year-old woman has gastroenteritis with nausea and vomiting and is able to ingest only small amounts of water. After 3 days, she develops light-headedness, especially when sitting or standing. Arterial blood gas analysis is most likely to show which of the following sets of values?

pH PCO2 (mm Hg) HCO3- (mEq/L)
A 7.3 28 15
B 7.3 55 27
C 7.4 40 24
D 7.5 30 22
E 7.5 47 35

Correct answer : E

Vomiting causes acid loss. Hence it results in metabollic alkalosis. Respiratory compensation mechanism is activated – CO2 retention is produced (respiratory acidosis).

2 Comments