A person consuming large amounts of sodium bicarbonate risks developing which condition?

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Study for the Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid Base Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The consumption of large amounts of sodium bicarbonate can lead to metabolic alkalosis. This occurs because sodium bicarbonate is a basic compound that increases the bicarbonate concentration in the blood, effectively raising the body's pH levels. When bicarbonate levels rise excessively, it can overwhelm the buffering systems and shift the acid-base balance toward alkalinity.

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a higher-than-normal pH and bicarbonate levels in the bloodstream, often resulting from the ingestion of substances that contain bicarbonate, such as sodium bicarbonate. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including muscle twitching, hand tremors, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias.

The other conditions mentioned in the choices are not relevant in this context because they either involve a decrease in pH or do not relate directly to the effects of sodium bicarbonate.

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