Acid-Base Imbalances and Metabolic Acidosis
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Questions and Answers

What are the two main types of metabolic acidosis?

  • Lactic acidosis and uremic acidosis
  • Respiratory alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis
  • Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia
  • Anion gap metabolic acidosis and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (correct)
  • What is the normal range for the anion gap?

    8-16 mmol/L

    Which of the following is NOT a common etiology of anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA)?

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Uremic acidosis
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Chronic kidney disease (correct)
  • Which of the following medications can decrease the activity of the electron transport chain, leading to lactic acidosis?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Incidental toxic alcohol ingestion, such as methanol, ethylene glycol, and paint thinner, can lead to metabolic acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA)?

    <p>Diabetic ketoacidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In cases of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to excrete hydrogen ions (H+) and reabsorb bicarbonate.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Diarrhea can cause excessive loss of bicarbonate, leading to non-anion gap metabolic acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major issue that causes complications in metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Elevated hydrogen ions in the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common complication of metabolic acidosis resulting from the body's attempt to buffer the blood?

    <p>Hyperkalemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Elevated hydrogen ion levels can impair myocardial contractility, leading to reduced cardiac output and blood pressure.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Hypoventilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chronic acidemia can have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system due to the leaching of calcium from bone in order to buffer the excess H+ ions.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Increase in bicarbonate levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Hypovolemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Loop diuretics can interrupt sodium reabsorption, leading to a decrease in blood volume and a subsequent increase in H+ ion excretion.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism for the development of hypervolemia in hyperaldosteronism?

    <p>Increased sodium reabsorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    GI losses resulting from conditions like vomiting and nasogastric suctioning can lead to hypokalemia.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is characterized by a shift in bicarbonate from the intracellular fluid (ICF) to the extracellular fluid (ECF), resulting in alkalosis?

    <p>Hypochloremia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hypochloremia can trigger the kidneys to compensate by reabsorbing more chloride at the expense of bicarbonate, further contributing to alkalosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Calcium carbonate-based antacids, like Alka-Seltzer and Tums, can lead to metabolic alkalosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, can actually inhibit sodium reabsorption, leading to hypovolemia.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary complication associated with metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Decreased hydrogen ions in the bloodstream (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is a common complication of metabolic alkalosis because the body normally relies on potassium to buffer the hydrogen ions when they are absent.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chemoreceptors, which detect changes in blood pH and oxygen levels, play a role in regulating breathing, and in cases of metabolic alkalosis, chemoreceptors can trigger hypoventilation to help increase pCO2 and acidify the blood.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hypocalcemia (low free calcium levels) can occur in cases of metabolic alkalosis because albumin now binds to calcium instead of hydrogen ions.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in pCO2, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Hypoventilation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In metabolic acid-base imbalances, compensation occurs more quickly than in respiratory acid-base imbalances because the body can immediately adjust ventilation.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common etiology of respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Hyperaldosteronism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When the respiratory centers in the pons and medulla oblongata are damaged or depressed, signals are unable to be sent to the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following neuromuscular diseases can lead to respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Both A and B (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Airway obstruction can lead to respiratory acidosis because it can prevent proper exhalation of air, causing a buildup of CO2.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Patients with lung diseases like COPD, exacerbated asthma, chest injuries, or pulmonary edema are at an increased risk of developing respiratory acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels, typically precedes acidosis in airway obstruction because oxygen diffuses slower than CO2. This means that CO2 builds up more quickly, leading to acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Shallow breathing with wheezing is a common sign of respiratory acidosis caused by airway obstruction.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Oxygen administration in COPD patients can sometimes exacerbate respiratory acidosis because it inhibits chemoreceptor control of breathing, leading to further hypoventilation and a buildup of pCO2.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    CO2 can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, causing vasodilation at elevated levels, leading to cerebral vasodilation.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Increased intracranial pressure can occur in respiratory acidosis as cerebral vasodilation causes a greater volume of blood to flow to the brain, potentially leading to cognitive deficiencies and arousal problems.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Respiratory alkalosis is a less serious condition compared to other imbalances and is characterized by a decrease in pCO2, leading to increased blood pH.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two primary etiologies of hyperventilation in respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Hyperactive respiratory centers and metabolic toxicity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pain and anxiety can cause hyperventilation by increasing the activity of the respiratory centers.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aspirin toxicity can increase the metabolic rate of neurons in the respiratory centers, leading to hyperventilation.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Conditions like early sepsis, pregnancy, and fever can all be associated with hyperventilation.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The kidneys compensate for respiratory alkalosis by decreasing H+ secretion and bicarbonate reabsorption.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A major complication of respiratory alkalosis is the opposite of respiratory acidosis, namely cerebral vasoconstriction.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reduced cerebral blood flow due to vasoconstriction can decrease intracranial pressure and cause syncope, or fainting.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is common practice to program a ventilator to cause mild hypoventilation in patients with elevated intracranial pressure to help counteract the vasoconstriction caused by respiratory alkalosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the initial chemical change that distinguishes metabolic acidosis from other acid-base imbalances?

    <p>Decrease in HCO3- (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the initial chemical change that distinguishes respiratory acidosis from other acid-base imbalances?

    <p>Increase in pCO2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The anion gap helps differentiate metabolic acidosis caused by an increase in fixed acids from that caused by hyperchloremia.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acute respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high pCO2 and a normal HCO3- level. Chronic respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high pCO2 and a high HCO3- level.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main criteria for identifying metabolic acidosis is a low blood pH.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acute metabolic acidosis is typically characterized by a normal or slightly decreased pCO2, while chronic metabolic acidosis is typically characterized by a decreased pCO2.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The main criteria for identifying respiratory acidosis is a high pCO2.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis?

    <p>Insulin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for lactic acidosis caused by hypovolemia?

    <p>Fluid resuscitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for uremic acidosis?

    <p>Sodium bicarbonate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for alcohol ingestion that results in metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Fomepizole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The treatment for NAGMA is sodium bicarbonate.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is NOT typically used for metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Sodium bicarbonate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary treatment for drug overdoses leading to respiratory acidosis involves administering naloxone for opioids and flumazenil for benzodiazepines.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bronchodilators, steroids, and BIPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) are often used in cases of COPD or asthma to improve airway obstruction and reduce the severity of respiratory acidosis.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The primary treatment for pain and anxiety as a cause of respiratory alkalosis is the administration of pain medications and anti-anxiolytics.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cause of non-anion gap metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Chronic kidney disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a consequence of chronic acidemia on the musculoskeletal system?

    <p>Calcium leaching from bone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary physiological change characterizes metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Increased bicarbonate levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is primarily associated with renal losses leading to metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Hyperaldosteronism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do loop diuretics primarily affect fluid balance in the body?

    <p>Decrease blood volume through sodium reabsorption inhibition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism leads to hypokalemia in cases of metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Bicarbonate shift leading to potassium loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines the role of chemoreceptors in metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Trigger hypoventilation to retain CO2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do diuretics have on H+ ion secretion in the kidneys?

    <p>Decrease H+ ion secretion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by an inability to excrete organic acids due to damage to the glomeruli and proximal convoluted tubule?

    <p>Uremic acidosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major cause of elevated lactate levels in lactic acidosis?

    <p>Hypoperfusion associated with shock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of metabolic acidosis results from chronic kidney disease?

    <p>Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a false statement regarding medications that can contribute to lactic acidosis?

    <p>Certain antibiotics can cause increased lactic acid production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, what contributes to the increased production of keto acids?

    <p>Uncontrolled glucose metabolism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might incidental ingestion of methanol lead to metabolic acidosis?

    <p>It leads to the accumulation of formaldehyde. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes anion gap metabolic acidosis from non-anion gap metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Presence of elevated organic acids in metabolism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal range for the anion gap in metabolic acidosis?

    <p>8-16 mmol/L (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by airway obstruction and decreased respiratory rate, leading to high levels of pCO2?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential complication of elevated levels of CO2 in the blood?

    <p>Cerebral vasodilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compensatory mechanism occurs in the kidneys during respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Decreased H+ secretion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>High metabolic rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with respiratory acidosis due to airway obstruction?

    <p>Shallow breathing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does high levels of CO2 have on cerebral blood flow?

    <p>It results in increased blood flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios may lead to respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Sepsis and pain-induced hyperventilation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant consequence of respiratory alkalosis on cerebral blood flow?

    <p>Cerebral vasoconstriction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary treatment for metabolic acidosis in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?

    <p>Insulin administration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which condition would you administer acetazolamide as a treatment?

    <p>Metabolic alkalosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common treatment for respiratory acidosis caused by drug overdoses?

    <p>Flumazenil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does hypovolemia require in cases of lactic acidosis?

    <p>Fluid resuscitation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an indicator of chronic metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Compensatory respiratory alkalosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does sodium do in hypovolemic patients with metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Causes water retention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can respiratory alkalosis be compensated by the kidneys?

    <p>Decreased H+ secretion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common condition can lead to respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation?

    <p>Sepsis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily stimulated during hyperaldosteronism to increase sodium reabsorption?

    <p>Increased potassium excretion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does hypochloremia contribute to metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>By promoting bicarbonate retention from the ICF to ECF (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does hypercalcemia have on sodium reabsorption in the kidneys?

    <p>Inhibits sodium reabsorption by blocking sodium channels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism helps the kidneys compensate during hypochloremia?

    <p>Increased chloride reabsorption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by a loss of H+ ions and chloride ions due to gastrointestinal (GI) losses?

    <p>Metabolic alkalosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of using calcium carbonate-based antacids on blood volume?

    <p>It can lead to hypovolemia by inhibiting sodium reabsorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During metabolic alkalosis caused by chloride loss, what happens to bicarbonate concentrations?

    <p>They increase as a result of chloride shift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of low hydrogen ion levels in the bloodstream during metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Decreased serum potassium levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is characterized by hypoventilation?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ion's reabsorption is directly affected by the presence of hypercalcemia?

    <p>Sodium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism does the body use to compensate for respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Modifying bicarbonate reabsorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neuromuscular disease is associated with shallow breathing and respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Guillain-Barre syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do chemoreceptors play in metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Trigger hypoventilation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario does carbon dioxide (CO2) buildup occur more slowly?

    <p>In respiratory acidosis with airway obstruction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common manifestation of hypokalemia resulting from metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Muscle weakness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in compensating for respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Modify H+ secretion by the kidneys (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Metabolic Acidosis

    A decrease in blood pH due to decreased bicarbonate levels.

    Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (AGMA)

    Metabolic acidosis caused by elevated organic acids, seen in conditions like DKA, lactic acidosis, and uremia

    Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

    A type of AGMA caused by a build-up of ketones in the blood due to insufficient insulin.

    Uremic Acidosis

    AGMA caused by kidney failure, leading to the inability to excrete organic acids.

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    Lactic Acidosis

    AGMA caused by insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to increased lactic acid production.

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    Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (NAGMA)

    Metabolic acidosis where the anion gap is normal, often caused by conditions like diarrhea or kidney disease.

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    Chronic Kidney Disease

    A common cause of NAGMA (Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis), impacting the kidneys' ability to regulate acid-base balance.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis

    An increase in blood pH due to excess bicarbonate.

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    Respiratory Acidosis

    A decrease in blood pH due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2).

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    Respiratory Alkalosis

    An increase in blood pH from decreased carbon dioxide (CO2).

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    Hyperventilation

    Rapid breathing, leading to decreased CO2 levels in the blood.

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    Hypoventilation

    Slow breathing, leading to increased CO2 levels in the blood.

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    Anion Gap

    The difference between sodium (Na+) and the sum of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) ions.

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    Treatment for DKA

    Insulin therapy is crucial to manage DKA.

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    Treatment for metabolic alkalosis (hypovolemic)

    Administer normal saline (0.9% NaCl) to restore fluid and chloride levels.

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    Treatment for lactic acidosis (hypovolemia)

    Need fluid resuscitation; vasopressors or inotropes as indicated.

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    Treatment for respiratory acidosis

    Addressing the underlying cause, such as treating drug overdoses or airway obstruction.

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    What causes AGMA?

    Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), kidney failure (uremic acidosis) and lactic acidosis contribute to AGMA by producing an excess of organic acids.

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    What is the anion gap?

    The difference between the levels of sodium (Na+) and the sum of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood. A normal value is 8-16 mmol/L.

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    What happens to calcium in chronic metabolic acidosis?

    Chronic metabolic acidosis causes calcium to be leached from bones as it buffers excess H+ ions in the blood.

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    What is non-anion gap metabolic acidosis caused by?

    Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis is characterized by a normal anion gap and is not caused by excess organic acids. Common causes include chronic kidney disease and diarrhea.

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    What is metabolic alkalosis?

    Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to high bicarbonate levels.

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    What are the common causes of metabolic alkalosis?

    Common causes of metabolic alkalosis include renal losses (diuretics, hyperaldosteronism) and GI losses (vomiting, nasogastric suctioning).

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    How do diuretics cause metabolic alkalosis?

    Diuretics like loop diuretics (furosemide) and thiazides can cause metabolic alkalosis by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased hydrogen ion secretion.

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    What is the relationship between diuretics and metabolic alkalosis?

    Diuretics can cause metabolic alkalosis by inhibiting sodium reabsorption, ultimately leading to a decrease in blood volume (hypovolemia) and the secretion of hydrogen ions.

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    How does hyperaldosteronism cause metabolic alkalosis?

    Hyperaldosteronism, an excess of aldosterone, causes increased sodium reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion, leading to metabolic alkalosis.

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    What does metabolic alkalosis affect?

    Metabolic alkalosis can influence ventilation rate (breathing rate x tidal volume) and cardiac output (HR x SV).

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    Hyperaldosteronism

    A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion.

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    Hyperaldosteronism Effect on Blood Volume

    Hyperaldosteronism increases blood volume due to the excessive sodium retention.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis: GI Losses

    Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning can cause metabolic alkalosis by removing hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach, leading to a loss of hydrogen ions and chloride ions.

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    Chloride Shift

    In metabolic alkalosis due to GI losses, cells move bicarbonate from the intracellular fluid (ICF) to the extracellular fluid (ECF) in exchange for chloride ions.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis: Gain of Base

    Ingesting bases, like antacids, or having high calcium levels can lead to metabolic alkalosis.

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    Hypercalcemia and Sodium Reabsorption

    High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) inhibit sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to lower blood volume.

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    Hypovolemia and Bicarbonate Reabsorption

    Low blood volume (hypovolemia) stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb more bicarbonate, but the exact mechanism isn't fully understood.

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    Albumin Binding

    Albumin, a protein in the blood, binds to hydrogen ions (H+), helping to regulate blood pH.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Complications

    Metabolic alkalosis causes complications by decreasing hydrogen ions in the blood, leading to low potassium (hypokalemia) and low calcium (hypocalcemia) due to albumin binding.

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    Hypokalemia in Alkalosis

    In metabolic alkalosis, potassium levels decrease because they are exchanged for hydrogen ions, which are already low in the blood.

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    Hypocalcemia in Alkalosis

    Hypocalcemia in metabolic alkalosis occurs because albumin binds to cations like calcium when there's a lack of hydrogen ions.

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    Respiratory Acidosis Compensation

    In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys compensate by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion secretion, which takes longer than in metabolic acidosis.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: Etiologies

    Respiratory acidosis is caused by impaired ventilation due to problems in the respiratory center, neuromuscular diseases, or airway obstruction.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: Airway Obstruction

    Airway obstruction leads to respiratory acidosis because air cannot be fully exhaled, resulting in a buildup of CO2.

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    Hypoventilation in Respiratory Acidosis

    Hypoventilation is a key characteristic of respiratory acidosis because it reduces the removal of CO2 from the body, leading to its accumulation.

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    Hypoxemia in Respiratory Acidosis

    Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) often precedes acidosis in airway obstruction because oxygen diffuses more slowly than CO2.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: CO2 Build-up

    A decrease in blood pH due to excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: Causes

    Airway obstruction (e.g., COPD) or shallow breathing can impair the body's ability to exhale CO2, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood.

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    Respiratory Acidosis: Complications

    High CO2 levels can cause brain blood vessel dilation, leading to increased intracranial pressure, potentially causing lethargy, confusion, or coma.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis: Hyperventilation Causes

    Anxiety, pain, and some medications can trigger rapid breathing (hyperventilation), removing CO2 from the blood.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis: Kidney Compensation

    To balance the alkalosis, the kidneys reduce hydrogen ion secretion and bicarbonate reabsorption, attempting to lower the pH.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis: Cerebral Constriction

    Low CO2 levels lead to constriction of blood vessels in the brain, potentially causing dizziness or fainting (syncope).

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    Respiratory Imbalances: Oxygen vs. CO2

    In respiratory acidosis, the body is sensitive to oxygen levels but less sensitive to CO2, while in respiratory alkalosis, the body is more sensitive to CO2 levels.

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    Hypoventilation for ICP

    Lowering respiratory rate to decrease CO2 and intracranial pressure in patients with elevated intracranial pressure.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Treatment

    Treatment depends on the cause. Insulin for DKA, fluids for hypovolemic lactic acidosis, vasoconstrictors for distributive shock, inotropes for cardiogenic shock, sodium bicarbonate for uremic acidosis, fomepizole for alcohol ingestion.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Treatment

    Treatment varies with volume status. Normosaline for hypovolemic alkalosis, acetazolamide for hypervolemic alkalosis.

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    Respiratory Acidosis Treatment

    Treat underlying cause. Naloxone for opioid overdose, flumazenil for benzodiazepine overdose, bronchodilators, steroids, and BIPAP for COPD and asthma.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis Treatment

    Treat underlying cause. Pain medications and anti-anxiolytics for anxiety and pain.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Key Criteria

    Decreased blood pH and bicarbonate levels.

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    Acute vs. Chronic Respiratory Acidosis

    Acute: Rapid onset, high PCO2. Chronic: Slow onset, PCO2 closer to normal.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Causes

    Increased fixed acids (DKA, lactic acidosis, uremia), increased chloride (diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis).

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    Study Notes

    Acid-Base Imbalances

    • Acid-base imbalances are disturbances in the balance between acids and bases in the body.

    Metabolic Acidosis

    • Characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) and a decrease in pH.
    • Two main types: anion gap metabolic acidosis and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis.
    • Anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA): The anion gap is the difference between sodium (Na+) and the sum of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). A normal anion gap is 8-16 mEq/L. A gap greater than 12 often indicates an issue.
      • Etiologies include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), uremic acidosis, lactic acidosis, and electron transport chain defects.
    • Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA): The anion gap is within the normal range. Common causes include chronic kidney disease and diarrhea.
    • Complications: Elevated hydrogen (H+) ions in the blood lead to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium), impaired myocardial contractility, and low blood pressure (hypotension), arrhythmias, and muscle weakness.
    • Manifestations Include neurological and musculoskeletal issues, such as headaches, weakness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness.
    • Treatments Depend on the underlying cause. For example, DKA requires insulin, lactic acidosis needs fluid resuscitation, and uremic acidosis might need bicarbonate. Alcohol poisoning might be treated with fomepizole. Chronic kidney disease and diarrhea may require treatment of the underlying conditions, and then potentially bicarbonate replacement

    Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Characterized by an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) and an increase in pH.
    • Common causes include
      • Renal losses: Hyperaldosteronism & diuretic use
      • GI losses: Vomiting and nasogastric suction
    • Complications: Hypokalemia (low potassium), arrhythmias, and muscle weakness. The imbalance also affects potassium levels, and results in weakness and potentially arrhythmias.
    • Manifestations: Symptoms can include paresthesias, neurological problems and altered mental status
    • Treatments Different treatments are needed as the underlying problem causing the imbalance is addressed, but they may include solutions of Sodium Chloride.

    Respiratory Acidosis

    • Characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) and a decrease in pH.

    • Common causes include hypoventilation due to

      • Respiratory center dysfunction
      • Neuromuscular diseases (ALS, Guillain Barre)
      • Airway obstructions (e.g., COPD, asthma attacks, chest injuries, and pulmonary edema)
    • Complications: High CO2 levels have significant negative effects and can cause cerebral vasodilation, leading to increased intracranial pressure. Brain swelling and coma could occur if the condition is left unchecked.

    • Treatments: Treating the underlying cause and addressing any ventilation issues with supplemental or assisted breathing as necessary

    Respiratory Alkalosis

    • Characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) and an increase in pH.

    • Common causes include hyperventilation due to

      • Pain and anxiety;
      • Aspirin toxicity (causing increased metabolic rate);
      • Sepsis (early stage);
      • Pregnancy;
      • Fever
    • Complications: Causes cerebral vasoconstriction

      • Reduced cerebral blood flow
      • Syncope (fainting)
    • Treatments: Managing underlying causes, potentially administering interventions to lower the breathing rate.

    Differentiating Between Disorders

    • Tables describing the different acid-base imbalances and associated changes in CO2, HCO3- and pH are critical for appropriate diagnosis.

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    Explore the critical concepts of acid-base imbalances with a focus on metabolic acidosis. Understand the differences between anion gap and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis along with their causes and complications. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of these important physiological concepts.

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