How does the anion gap increase?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an understanding of the factors that can cause an increase in the anion gap, which is an important concept in clinical chemistry and acid-base balance. It likely pertains to conditions that lead to the accumulation of unmeasured anions in the serum.
Answer
An increased anion gap results from increased unmeasured anions or decreased unmeasured cations.
An increased anion gap occurs due to either an increase in unmeasured anions, such as in conditions like lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis, or a decrease in unmeasured cations, like hypocalcemia or hypokalemia.
Answer for screen readers
An increased anion gap occurs due to either an increase in unmeasured anions, such as in conditions like lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis, or a decrease in unmeasured cations, like hypocalcemia or hypokalemia.
More Information
The anion gap is a calculated value based on the concentrations of serum sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. A high anion gap typically indicates metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of acids like ketones or lactate.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the impact of decreased unmeasured cations, as most focus on increased anions.
Sources
- Anion Gap - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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