Answer
Robin's repeated bouts of vomiting have resulted in significant the loss of fluids, electrolytes, and dissolved substances. Of greatest impact on the proper working of her physiological processes are the loss of water, of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions, and of H+ in stomachs acids.. The excessive loss of hydrogen ions would upset Robin's systemic acid-base balance in the direction of alkalosis. This means her serum [HCO3-) levels would be abnormally high. This would be diagnosed as a case of metabolic alkalosis . Her respiratory system would try to compensate for the alkalosis by conserving blood acidity through decreasing the rate of loss of carbon dioxide ( CO2)--by hypoventilation (hypopnea and/or bradypnea) .
Robin would also be suffering from hyponatremia (low Na+) and hypokalemia ( low K+). These electrolytes are very important for the working of the nervous system --including the brain. Robin's disorientation and confusion are the consequences of CNS dysfunction secondary to hyponatremia and hypokalemia.
Work Step by Step
Normal [HCO3] is 22-26 mEq/L;
metabolic acidosis is < 22 mEq/L
metabolic alkalosis is >26 mEq/L
Hypopnea is shallow breathing; bradypnea is slow breathing
