Mrs. Jones, a 53-year-old woman, is brought into the ER. She has vomited for more than 10 times in the last 24 hours. She suspects food poisoning to be the cause. Blood studies reveal a pH of 7.55, a...

Mrs. Jones, a 53-year-old woman, is brought into the ER. She has vomited for more than 10 times in the last 24 hours. She suspects food poisoning to be the cause. Blood studies reveal a pH of 7.55, a PCO2 of 47 mm Hg, and an HCO3 − level of 30 mEq/L. Name the acid-base imbalance. Is it being compensated? Why does severe vomiting result in this imbalance?

Mrs. Bush, a 70-year-old woman, is admitted to the hospital. Her history states that she has been suffering from diarrhea for three weeks. On admission, she complains of severe fatigue andmuscle weakness. A blood chemistry study yields the following information: Na+ 142 mEq/L; K+ 1.5 mEq/L; Cl− 92 mEq/L; PCO2 32 mm Hg. Which electrolytes are within normal limits? Which are so abnormal that the patient has a medical emergency? Which of the following represents the greatest danger to Mrs. Bush? (a) a fall due to her muscular weakness, (b) edema, (c) cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.