Chemical Path

Question 1

What is the anion gap?

Answer 1

Difference between cations and anions

Question 2

What are the causes of respiratory acidosis?

Answer 2

1. Pulmonary
   - pneumothorax
   - paralysis
   - broncopneumonia
   - multiple rib fractures
2. Central:
   - overdose

Question 3

What are the cause of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 3

1. Pulmonary
   - pulmonary embolism
   - pulmonary edema
   - lobar pneumonia
2. Central
   - hepatic encephalopathy
   - hysteria

Question 4

What are the causes of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 4

1. High anion gap:
   - ketoacidosis
   - lactic acidosis
   - poisoning (salicylate, alcohol)
2. Normal anion gap:
   - diarrhea
   - early renal failure

Question 5

What is the normal anion gap value?

Answer 5

7-17mmol

Question 6

What does a high anion gap mean?

Answer 6

It means that there are unmeasured anions like ketones, lactates, P04, S04
These are all acids that lead to metabolic acidosis