Acid-base physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Acid-base physiology

Sample item

What acid-base disorder follows sustained vomiting of gastric acid?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Metabolic alkalosis

Loss of hydrochloric acid through sustained vomiting removes hydrogen ions from the body and commonly produces metabolic alkalosis with chloride depletion.

Option by option

  • A. Metabolic acidosis

    Metabolic acidosis follows processes such as diarrhea or ketoacidosis.

  • B. Respiratory alkalosis

    Respiratory alkalosis is caused by excessive ventilation and carbon dioxide loss.

  • C. Metabolic alkalosis (correct)

    Correct: gastric hydrogen-ion loss causes metabolic alkalosis.

  • D. Respiratory acidosis

    Respiratory acidosis is due to carbon dioxide retention from hypoventilation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Metabolic alkalosis. Loss of hydrochloric acid through sustained vomiting removes hydrogen ions from the body and commonly produces metabolic alkalosis with chloride depletion.

Why is "Metabolic acidosis" not the answer?

Metabolic acidosis follows processes such as diarrhea or ketoacidosis.

Why is "Respiratory alkalosis" not the answer?

Respiratory alkalosis is caused by excessive ventilation and carbon dioxide loss.

Why is "Respiratory acidosis" not the answer?

Respiratory acidosis is due to carbon dioxide retention from hypoventilation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acid-base physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: gastric hydrogen-ion loss causes metabolic alkalosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Acid-base physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.