An infant has apparent diarrhea resulting from improper feeding. One of the main diarrhea effects is plentiful excretion of sodium bicarbonate. What form of acid-base balance disorder is the case?

Answer options

1. Metabolic acidosis
2. Metabolic alkalosis
3. No disorders of acid-base balance will be observed
4. Respiratory acidosis
5. Respiratory alkalosis

Explanation

This is a Hyperchloremic acidosis which is a form of metabolic acidosis associated with a normal anion gap, a decrease in plasma bicarbonate concentration, and an increase in plasma chloride concentration Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid, or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. The main causes are increased anion gap such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, chronic kidney failure, intoxication, hyperchloremic acidosis, etc. Causes of hyperchloremic acidosis include severe diarrhea, laxative abuse, and kidney problems can cause lower levels of bicarbonate, the base that helps neutralize acids in the blood.