Metabolic Acidosis

Question 1

What characterizes metabolic acidosis?

Answer 1

HCO3- ion reduction → blood pH ↓ to < 7.35.

Question 2

What base affects the blood pH?

Answer 2

HCO3-.

Question 3

What gas affects the blood pH?

Answer 3

Carbon dioxide.

Question 4

What are the 2 types of causes of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 4

Normal anion gap acidosis. Increased anion gap acidosis.

Question 5

What results in normal anion gap acidosis?

Answer 5

GI losses of bicarbonate e.g. diarrhoea. Renal losses of bicarbonate e.g. renal tubular acidosis.

Question 6

What results in an increased anion gap acidosis?

Answer 6

Naturally occurring organic acids e.g. from diabetic ketoacidosis, lacticacidosis (lactic acid production), renal failure. Ingestible acids e.g. oxalic acid (antifreeze), formic acid (methanol), hippuric acid (tolue (all release hydrogen ions).

Question 7

Describe renal compensation for metabolic acidosis.

Answer 7

Chemoreceptors fi re more in low pH → ↑ respiratory rate, breath depth → ↑ ventilation, CO2 movement out of body.