Severe vomiting can lead to a(n) ______ in \(\mathrm{HCO_3^-}\) levels and metabolic ______.

• A. increase; alkalosis
• B. decrease; acidosis
• C. increase; acidosis
• D. decrease; alkalosis

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the physiological context: Severe vomiting leads to the loss of stomach contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl). This loss affects the body's acid-base balance.
2. Recall the role of \( ext{HCO}_3^-\) (bicarbonate): Bicarbonate is a key buffer in maintaining blood pH. Its levels are influenced by acid-base disturbances.
3. Analyze the impact of vomiting: Vomiting removes HCl from the stomach, reducing the body's acid load. To compensate, the kidneys may retain \( ext{HCO}_3^-\), leading to an increase in bicarbonate levels.
4. Connect bicarbonate levels to metabolic alkalosis: An increase in \( ext{HCO}_3^-\) raises blood pH, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which is characterized by an elevated pH due to a loss of acid or gain of base.
5. Match the correct answer: Based on the analysis, severe vomiting leads to an increase in \( ext{HCO}_3^-\) levels and metabolic alkalosis. The correct answer is 'increase; alkalosis.'