acid base balance

Question 1

what are the sx of aspirin or salicylate overdose

Answer 1

tinnitus 
hyperventilation 
N&V 
drowsiness 
confusion

Question 2

what are the ABG results in someone with aspirin overdose - what is special

Answer 2

initially = respiratory alkalosis as the aspirin stimulates the respiratory centres of the brain to hyperventilate

then = metabolic acidosis as kidneys increase bicarbonate production and excrete more K+ -> elevated anion gap

Question 3

what are the sx of ethylene glycol toxciity (anti-freeze)

Answer 3

similar to alcohol intoxication - confusion, slurred speech, dizziness

then tachycardia and hypertension

then AKI sx

Question 4

what would an ABG show for antifreeze poisoning

Answer 4

metabolic acidosis with high anion gap and high osmolar gap

Question 5

what is the management for antifreeze poisoning

Answer 5

used to be ethanol

now fomepizole (inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase)

haemodialysis

Question 6

what are the ABG results for someone with COPD

Answer 6

respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation