Metabolic alkalosis in the elderly

Metabolic alkalosis (base replacement) is caused by a decrease in non-volatile acids or an increase in base in extracellular fluid. Its main characteristics are increased plasma HCO3-concentration and increased compensation of PaCO2. Can exist alone or mixed with respiratory acidosis. The main compensatory mechanisms are respiratory CO2 retention and renal excretion of bicarbonate and retention of H +.

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