Anion Gap Flashcards
1
Q
Define metabolic acidosis?
A
Low pH - decreased HCO3-
2
Q
What causes Met acidosis
A
Add acid, stop exc H+, lose HCO3-
3
Q
What can be used to narrow diagnosis of met acidosis?
A
Anion gap
4
Q
Define anion gap?
A
difference between conc of routinely measured anions (cl, hco3) and cations (na)
5
Q
What is the formula for anion gap?
A
na-(cl+HCO3)
6
Q
what is the normal range of anion gap?
A
8-16
7
Q
what does a raised anion gap mean?
A
addition of exogenous acid
8
Q
what is the ddx w/ a raised anion gap?
A
lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, ethylene glycol/methanol poisoning, salicylate od
9
Q
What does a normal anion gap mean?
A
loss of hco3 or failure to sec h
10
Q
What is the ddx w/ a normal anion gap?
A
renal tubule acidosis, severe prolonged diarrhoea, ca inhibs
