A patient with severe diarrhea develops hypokalemic metabolic acidosis. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the metabolic acidosis?

A Loss of bicarbonate ions in the stool ✓
B Increased production of ketoacids
C Lactic acidosis due to tissue hypoperfusion
D Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis due to excessive chloride absorption

Explanation

Severe diarrhea can lead to significant loss of bicarbonate ions in the stool, resulting in hypokalemic metabolic acidosis.

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance Clinical Physiology Gastrointestinal Physiology Hard MEDICAL Confidence: medium