Karen has bulimia, in which she chronically induces vomiting to avoid weight gain. When the doctor sees her, her weight is 89lb and respiration is 6 breaths/min(normal 12)
The results are as follow :
pH 7.61
PCO2 51mmHg
HCO3- is 52mEq/L
Explain why her plasma bicarbonate level is so high? and her Respiratory rate so low?