Which of the following is a cause of metabolic alkalosis?
ExplanationA cause of metabolic alkalosis is hyperaldosteronism; increased aldosterone levels cause increased H ion secretion by the distal tubule and increased reabsorption of “new” HCO3−. Diarrhea causes loss of HCO3− from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and acetazolamide causes loss of HCO3− in the urine, both resulting in hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap. Ingestion of ethylene glycol and salicylate poisoning leads to metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap.
