A client is admitted to the hospital with severe vomiting and is diagnosed with metabolic alkalosis. The nurse anticipates that the laboratory value that would support this diagnosis is A) arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO₂) of 30 mm Hg.Q B) arterial pH of 7.30. C) serum calcium level of 9.0 mEq/L. D) serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia results from fluid shifts or intestinal losses because its concentration as a cation is affected by the state of hydrogen ions.

A Client Is Admitted to the Hospital with Severe Vomiting