Acid-Base Disturbances

Question 1

Why the metabolic acidosis caused by diarrhea has a non-elevated anion gap?

Answer 1

Loss of HCO3, Chloride ⬆️ ▶️ no change anion gap

Question 2

How can you differentiate an acute vs chronic respiratory acid-base disturbance?

Answer 2

Predict the value of the HCO3 based on acute and chronic ratio to each disorder

Question 3

General mechanism to cause respiratory alkalosis

Answer 3

Increase alveolar ventilation relative body production of CO2 ▶️ hyperventilation