A nurse on a medical unit is assigned patients with acid-base irregularities. While caring for a patient with gastric lavage or prolonged vomiting, the nurse should assess for

Explanation

• Gastric lavage and persistent vomiting cause removal of hydrochloric acid from the stomach, which may lead to metabolic alkalosis.

• The loss of hydrogen ions results in a rise in pH (alkalemia).

• Incorrect: Gastric lavage and vomiting will not affect hemoglobin levels.

• Incorrect: Osmotic pressure is disturbed when protein is lost from the body.

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