What effect does vomiting have on acid-base balance?

Vomiting can significantly impact acid-base balance in the body, primarily leading to metabolic alkalosis. This occurs because vomiting results in the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl). When the stomach empties of its acidic contents, the body loses a substantial amount of hydrogen ions (H+).

The loss of these hydrogen ions causes a relative increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration in the blood. As hydrogen ions decrease and bicarbonate levels rise, the blood becomes less acidic and more alkaline, leading to a state of metabolic alkalosis.

In summary, the correct understanding of the effects of vomiting on acid-base balance is that it induces metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid, which reduces the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood.